How This Works

Nathan is wonderful! He's still a baby, at least in these video excerpts. You definitely have your hands full, and I know I can't see everything you have to deal with in this video, but I'd say you have a future genius on your hands - he has amazing focus! I hope you'll let that part of his personality flourish. I have a nine year old autistic son who keeps me busy, but who I wouldn't change for the world. When he was Nathan's age he couldn't sit still for a moment. I started homeschooling him this year and it's the challenge of my life.. along with educating his two brothers and sister. I have the highest hopes and expectations for his future. Best wishes to you!
posted by laurie on 1/25/08 8:23: PM

Alex, good luck to you and Nathan. He's adorable. Thanks for the video.
posted by Bill on 1/23/08 8:59: AM

Alex! Your son is still very young and could improve a lot on gluten/milk free diets and suplements. My autistic son improved a lot and he is considered not autistic any more! Especially if your son cried a lot when small it means his guts were suffering! My address is kturowska@hotmail. com if you will be interesting
posted by kamila on 1/22/08 7:45: PM

I love you nathan
posted by Meagan Malboeuf on 1/20/08 3:44: PM

My 5 year is aspergers. The best advice that I can give you is when the time comes find a good school that will work with him. My daughter is doing great. yeah we still have a our melt downs and their our days that I get several phone calls from the school but its worth it. She is being treated like everyone else and is really excited about reading yes reading in Kindergarden.
posted by Shawna on 1/20/08 1:39: PM

Nathan, meaning "Gift from God," definitely applies to your son!
posted by Christine on 1/18/08 6:36: PM

My 17 year old autistic son was exactly like yours at his age -- it really brought back memories. My son is now a junior in regular high school with a learner's permit and two part-time jobs! Speech therapy, OT, social skills training -- do it all and don't give up hope.
posted by EF on 1/16/08 3:56: PM

Little Nathan is SO cute! It is so easy to see how much you Love him. What an explorer he is.
posted by Nathan on 1/16/08 8:02: AM

Almighty God,please touch this child hhowever you choose. Your touch always brings peace and joy. If you choose, make him whole I pray.
posted by mike on 1/16/08 6:09: AM

Tks for sharing. My autistic son is now 19 and he's amazing. What a journey, those of us who only know, it has been. Keep the faith.
posted by Jul on 1/15/08 11:29: AM

Don't be so discouraged. I can see how much you love him! He seems like a happy boy. My son was diagnosed with Aspergers at age 5. He screamed the first 4 months of his life, and yes, I was told it was colic! He would laugh uncontrolably alone in a room. (made me wonder if we had ghosts in our house). He still has meltdowns but is so smart and I have loved his ability to "want" to figure things out and how they worked. It took awhile, but as the years go on, I know him so well that it is easy to let him be himself and to enjoy who he is. He will never be like my other children. I am okay with that. I love him just like he is. Your son will be a wonderful boy. Let him have his obsessions! It is letters today, it will be something different next year, trust me! :) God Bless you and your family!!
posted by Tammy on 1/15/08 5:43: AM

God Bless you Nathan! May good things come your way! God Bless your family too! Never give up!
posted by Theresa on 1/14/08 7:55: PM

from another mother whose baby is on the ASD, god be with you and your family. may you have strength, wisdom, and love always to guide your angel.
posted by Bree on 1/14/08 7:09: PM

What an inquisitive, darling little boy your Nathan is. He has a beautiful sister, who will teach him by example. He is smart. You can see that in these pictures. His autism won't be in the way forever. Hang in there...a dream is a wish your heart makes. I can tell you have many good wishes for Nathan. May all your dreams & good wishes come true...but, in the meantime, get him all the early intervention you can, do as much as you can to advocate for him, continue to spread awareness in your community, join an Autism Speaks Walk Now for Autism, or start one in your area. When you are finally able to get some sleep at night, I hope you will have sweet dreams.
posted by Grammy Pammy of "Our Boys, Our Purpose" on 1/14/08 1:29: PM

Thank you so very much for sharing your sons life with so many other people. He truly is your blessing. God bless you and your family.
posted by Dawn Haim on 1/13/08 4:54: PM

Thanks for sharing your son with us. My son is also named Nate and he is 8. I feel that we have been given these children because we possess an inner strength like no other parent. When asked "How do you do it?" I reply, "How do I not!" Keep hanging in there cause I think some answers are coming. Finally, research may find a key to autism.
posted by Wendy on 1/13/08 12:42: PM

thank you.
posted by beth on 1/13/08 7:27: AM

My son wasn't diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome until age 8. Although he is not nonverbal (very far from it, I must say), there are things I see in your son that remind me of his younger days. He spoke to trees, leaning his head on the trunk and patting them. I felt it was special then, never thinking that someone might see such behavior as a "warning sign." My son will be 11 in a few days, and we've been through some rough times with behavior, his sensitivy to too much sensory input, and difficulty with changes. Despite these difficulties, I know that my son, your son, all children anywhere on the Autism Spectrum, are gifts. They see the world in a unique and wondrous way. If only we can find a common ground to see the world a little bit outside the box of neurotypical interpretation, we might understand our special children just a little bit better. It's tough - and my prayers and wishes go out to you. Thank you for your video!
posted by Suzy on 1/13/08 1:15: AM

My nephew has autism and your video reminds me of him and the experience that we have had with him. You really look at life diffrently and respect the little things more. Also the family as a hole tends to come together and support each other more. The toughest thing for me is to try to explain to other kids his age about his challenges and why he doesn't act like them. He is my buddy and he has a special spot in my heart, even over the other niece and nephew.
posted by Jeremy T on 1/12/08 6:57: PM

Having a child with any disability makes you appreciate every day more.
posted by Dora Knapik-Clauser on 1/11/08 8:07: AM