How This Works

my heart is with you`s was feeling down but my probs are miniscule compared to your commitment & love for mia just trying to say good luck & god bless you `s mic uk
posted by michael anthony berry on 1/22/08 3:50: PM

absolutely beautiful!
posted by Erin on 1/22/08 3:42: PM

Mia does not need fixed, the world does and her pressnce her will make it a better place!!
posted by Connie on 1/22/08 3:41: PM

I've viewed these videos and read many of the comments. I know I can't even imagine the longing and heartbreak the parents must feel, and the frustration and loneliness the children suffer. My friend's son is autistic w/ sensory process disorder. His pediatrician kept putting off her concerns, even though daycare and preschool providers were voicing their concerns as early as the age of 2. Now, at the age of 4, this same pediatrician has finally admitted something is amiss. Her son finally began intensive therapy at the age of 4. Just two months later: what a difference. My other friend's twins were thankfully diagnosed early and, through the March of Dimes, began receiving intensive therapy up through Kindergarten. What a huge step forward for them! They are now in second grade and mainstreamed, with special ed services, and doing incredibly well! I wish this for all who are boxed in by autism. Go with your gut! Do not let the pediatricians delay that most-necessary early intervention! Believe in yourself, and the fact that no one knows your child like you do. God bless.
posted by Robin on 1/22/08 12:59: PM

Thank you for sharing. Mia is such a beautiful girl. Your family is in my prayers.
posted by Rosie on 1/22/08 12:00: PM

Keep the faith, that a cure is on the way.
posted by Tina Lewis on 1/22/08 10:25: AM

Thank you for sharing your personal experience and spreading awareness of this condition. I wish you and your family all the strength and courage to continue your fight to provide Mia with opportunities and services to help her towards a recovery.
posted by Jade on 1/22/08 8:35: AM

Thank you for sharing about your beautiful daughter Mia. Yes, she can and will be cured. My son is now ten years old and also with Autism. He is on his way to recovery. He is now talking, although not clearly yet, but is communicating. He was completely without speech when he was first diagnosed at three. Mia will say those words you so long to hear. Hold on to hope. God Bless!
posted by Maiko on 1/22/08 8:09: AM

I got a chance to attend a self advocates seminar with my cousin. It was held at Valley Forge PA. (where Washington trained his soldiers to fight for our rights). Whatching the way people listened, when people speak a very quiet language, is the most exicitng experience I witnessed while I was there.
posted by Teresa on 1/22/08 6:21: AM

Your video is exactly how my wife and I feel about our son. It was very touching, and really hit home. Our son has had similar issues and is now 5, and with heavy intervention by his wonderful mother (who is a teacher) and myself, along with privates school, therapies etc, he is finally communicating with us. God Bless you and your family.
posted by Greg on 1/22/08 6:10: AM

Mia is beautiful, and certainly not broken. Fortunately, most face-to-face communication doesn't have to be verbal. With our grandsons, their mother taught them sign language. Both are on the autism spectrum...the younger one diagnosed non-verbal. She reads the expressions in their faces, watches their body language, and because she spends most of her time with them, she factors in their surroundings, experience, time of day, etc. She, also, would love to audibly hear her younger son's questions, hear him call out, "Mommy", and say "I love you". One day, I'm sure she will. Both boys have made great strides, with early intervention. Her younger son is now speaking a small handful of single-syllable words. Consistent efforts pay off. Every microscopic improvement is applauded. Perhaps, IF SERVICES FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN WERE THE SAME IN ALL STATES, ALL CHILDREN WOULD BENEFIT in more ways & in less time, instead of a few children living in the small number of states that have enough vision to provide for all their autistic children's needs....not just what they can get by with. Keep being a squeaky wheel. Get Mia all the help available, that you can afford. Be vigilent & consistent. Thank you for sharing a bit of Mia with us. God bless you.
posted by Grammy Pammy of "Our Boys, Our Purpose" on 1/22/08 5:46: AM

I'm a father of a little girl called Mia who has autism, We live in Dublin in Ireland Mia has recieved intensive intervention from the age of 2years in the form of ABA,She is now 7years and last september she intergrated into main stream school with great success,We feel our prayers have been answered not in the form of a miracle but in the form of the appropriate intervention at the apprpriate time which gave her the chance to reach her own potential,As a parent all we want for our kids is for them to be given the chance to reach their own full potential,The only people really qualified to say what works with children with Autism are their parents.ABA is still not excepted or provided by the state of Ireland "shame on them" There is light at the end of the tunel keep the faith God bless.
posted by keith duffy on 1/22/08 4:31: AM

Hello. I am Trish's Seattle sister. I am privileged to work with children with autism ranging from preschool to high school age. I consider myself quite lucky to spend part of every day with these children. The tribute to your daughter is lovely. There is I love you in her eyes. I wonder who is helping you help her? There are many people who will work tirelessly on your daughter's and your behalf. Autism Speaks is a great organization so chances are you are in good hands. Thank you for sharing this tribute.
posted by Carolyn kelley on 1/21/08 11:11: PM

Wow, what a lucky child to have parents that are so dedicated to her. Just imagine how much better our world would be if there were more parents like Mia's.
posted by Linda on 1/21/08 9:38: PM

I just met with my cousin tonight who's 7 year old son that is also suffering with Autisum. She is here in chicago to meet with people who help with finding funds to help families. She runs a clinic in Mexico and is having great strides with healing her son and others. She believes there is a cure! Contact me if you would like more info! katehomerding@msn.com. God Bless you, Kate
posted by Katherine M Homerding on 1/21/08 8:55: PM

Nicole, As I watched the video of your beautiful neice, tears stream down my cheeks. My sister works with autistic children in Seattle. I will be forwarding this amazing video to her and to everyone I can think of. My love to you and my prayers. Mia is nothing short of stunning. She is beautiful. It is evident that she is deeply loved by her family.
posted by Trish on 1/21/08 8:19: PM

Wanted to tell you my heart goes out to your little girl, no one should have to watch their beautiful little baby slip away into silence,hoping that someone, somewhere, would find a "cure" for something so mysterious as autism...You are in my prayers...
posted by Kellee from Norfolk,NE on 1/21/08 8:07: PM

My prayers are with you, and for your precious gift the Lord has given you. He only makes perfect! You will hear the words you so long to.
posted by Kenna on 1/21/08 7:36: PM

Our Daughter Reagan (almost 3 1/2) was recently diagnosed with autism. As we watched the video of Mia it was just like watching our beautiful little girl...even down to the same caterpillar costume. We too get smiles and hugs and we too wait for her to ask and answer questions. Especially for her to speak the words I love you. We can so empathize with your desire to know your daughter and we have always said Reagan is perfect and so is Mia. When we pray with and for Reagan each night we will add Mia's name.
posted by Rebecca & Egon on 1/21/08 6:29: PM

A beautiful tribute to a special child with wonderful parents...never give up!
posted by patty on 1/21/08 5:58: PM