How This Works

I don't know how many times I've watched this video. I love it! I am the teacher from Pittsburgh that commented in 2/08. I finally uploaded my video of my 3 boys (1 that looks like Ethan tells A Tale of 3 Brothers). I am awaiting approval before it can be viewed. Lately, I've been doing research and I was not aware that so many states didn't have insurance for these kids and that there were long waiting lists. Its an outrage. In PA, it takes a few months but if you push you can get OT, PT, Speech & developmental therapy. We also have TSS support or Therapeutic Support Staff. They are like personal therapists that work intensely with kids for 10-40 hrs a week. There is also developmental preschool which includes transportation paid by the local school district. It is all paid for by medical assistance called Access. You just have to get evaluations, approval and the correct paperwork. I pay for supplements, gluten, casein and soy free foods, and detoxifying agents like betonite clay for baths. Everything else is covered for my sons who are diagnosed autistic (2 of the 3). I was wondering what state you live in. Good Luck with Ethan. He will shine no doubt because of wonderful parents who will never give up.
posted by Marian on 3/30/08 9:03: PM

Your son is absolutely adorable. My son Zack is recovering from autism with the gluten and casein free diet and supplements. He had regressive autism that started after a flu shot. Then he got sick and was on antibiotics. He then disappeared into his own world. The GFCF diet gave us eye contact back so we knew we were onto something. We had his stool and urine tested (www.greatplainslaboratory.com) and was found to have yeast overgrowth (from antibiotics) Symptoms Zack had were that he wouldn't answer to his name and would go into "fogs" toe-walking and spinning, holding his ears, irrational tantrums, and he stopped talking. Zack was also found to have lead poisoning (possibly from recalled toys from China) and mercury poisoning possibly from flu shots or the other vaccines that contained mercury at the time. His GI system was a mess and we didn't even know it. This was affecting his absorbtion of minerals and vitamins and affecting his brain. The symptoms of mercury poisoning and autism are identical. http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/thimerosal.php Scroll down to the chart. Many, many, many parents are seeing results with biomedical treatment. It is more than just the GFCF diet, though. Some also have aresenic or aluminum poisoning because aluminum has replaced mercury in most childhood vaccines. Plus, with the grwoing toxins in our enviroment, our children are suffering the consequenses. Go to http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/GFCFKids/messages The yahoo group GFCFkids helped me TREMENDOUSLY!!! I can't even tell you how much those 12,000 people helped me. They are helping other parents do the GFCF diet correctly and treat yeast, bacteria, heavy metals, etc. Once I treated his yeast, he stopped going into "fogs," was talking more and more, and the tantrums disappeared. Read the book HEALING THE NEW CHILDHOOD EPIDEMICS AUTISM, ASTHMA, ALLERGIES, ADHD by Dr. Bock or Changing the Course of Autism by Jepson. It is so helpful. Please look into it. It is helping SOOOOO many kids and has changed our lives completely. It is my passion to spread the word about this! There is a special place in my heart for these amazing children. I just want to help. email me bmansini@yahoo.com or check out this message board where parents are helping other parents recover their children - http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/GFCFKids/messages The video of your son is amazing. Thank you for sharing.
posted by beth on 3/02/08 3:48: PM

When our two grandsons (we have a video here, too, called "Our Boys, Our Purpose"--it's video #264868, & is on the 1st page) were diagnosed with autism, I did everything I could to learn about different therapies. My daughter incorporates much of what is in those books on a daily basis. The allowable/coverable therapies her sons get do the best they can, but it is far from intensive. The boys are progressing, because their mother works with them daily. Consistency is important...crucially so. Schedules, routines, and being equipped with the experience of others (having read many autism sources!) has made so much difference. Braden didn't say "Mommy" until just a week ago....He will be 3 in August. But he is speaking up as best he can, and with continued, consistent help, we hope he will one day be able to communicate as well as anyone. Be prayerful about what you read. Not all therapies are successful with every autistic child, because of the vast range of their difficulties. AUTISM SPEAKS IS A WONDERFUL RESOURCE. Scientists say the only thing standing in the way of a cure for autism is time & money. PLEASE SUPPORT AN AUTISM SPEAKS WALK IN YOUR AREA, & if there isn't one, & your energy allows, offer to spearhead a Walk. My daughter chose to Chair the Inaugural Walk in her state---it's a definite time commitment, but the rewards & joy from community service are endless! Miracles happen, and you have made the choice to raise your voice for autism with this beautiful video. Thank you for becoming part of the solution with your efforts.
posted by Grammy Pammy, of "Our Boys, Our Purpose" on 2/23/08 8:40: AM

I received this email from a friend and I will be passing it on to my email buddies and encouraging them to do the same. Thank you for sharing this video and Ethan is a very "blessed" child to have parents like you.
posted by Vera on 2/07/08 6:40: AM

Heather, thank you so much for sharing this with me. I remember the first time you told me when you were concerned because he couldn't talk yet. Ethan is a strong young boy and he comes from a strong family, especially you as his mommy. You've always been a big part of my life and my family. I will continuously pray that God will give you the strength to get through this difficult time for you. God works in mysterious ways and believe it or not...... it will all work out. You have a lot of people that love you guys and you're not going through this alone. I will always be here for you. You know I'm just a phone call away. I will pass this onto others like you asked. I love you guys and God Bless!! Love, Paula Soriano & family
posted by Paula Soriano on 2/05/08 12:35: PM

Ethan, you are BEAUTIFUL. God bless you.
posted by Maggie on 2/03/08 9:50: AM

Heather your video is so touching. Ethan does have a loving and caring future with you and the family fighting for him. God Bless You Aunt Norma
posted by Norma Rivas on 2/02/08 6:48: PM

As a teacher I have met so many children. Many of them have special needs but with the right love and care, we have helped them to bloom. This is a wonderful site that will make more people aware of what is happening out there. Great idea having a site like this. Norma
posted by Norma on 2/02/08 6:07: PM

I fight for children like Ethan. I am a special educator in RI and I have a very special student with autism who brightens my days and reminds me why I chose this career. Children with Autism are different but they are individuals and they know love, patience and warmth. I pray that the teachers in Ethan's life look at him as a gift and as an individual!Good luck and God bless Ethan!
posted by Kathy on 2/02/08 4:29: PM

Ethan is so beautiful. My son is almost 6 and has autism. Early intervention is so critical!!! My so was fortunate enough to start recieving OT, speech and home therapy along with 5 days a week of preschool for Children with developmental delays. This was in Suffolk Cty, NY. We was in the most restrictive class, he tantrumed constantly, covered his ears and screamed. He was so fearful of every little transition. The intense intervention changed him drastically for the better. He is in typical full day kindergarten with an aide 2 hours in the morning. He is happy, learning to read and write. He is coming along. He still is autistic, but he is doing better than we could have ever dreamed. Don't give up, do your research, do whatever it takes. You are right his future starts now. God Bless you and your family.
posted by Josie on 2/02/08 4:05: PM

I am Ethan's Grandmother "Gra-Ma". Ethan is the youngest of six grandchildren. His laughter, his smile, the twinkle in his eye and his little hand in mine is felt with so much love - no different than the other five grandchildren. It is sad to see his frustration of communication and social skills. He is a very smart boy, my bundle of joy! I pray for Ethan and all the children and adults that have been diagnosed with "low end, high end" of the Autism spectrum that they get the LEVEL of help they need. And to my beautiful daughter Heather, WE have a long road ahead of us and I am with you all the way. Love Grandma / Mom.....
posted by Yolanda on 2/02/08 3:03: PM

Ethan is a beautiful little boy with a beautiful smile. Watching this video brought me to tears. My son is 4 years old and he's autistic. I never thought I would hear him call me MOMMY. He now does. It's alot of work but all worth it. I learn new things from him everyday. He brings so much joy to our family. Please don't give up. There's hope. Liz from Canada Ontario
posted by Liz on 2/02/08 2:44: PM

P.S. For those who have asked me questions I would love to answer them, hoever it doesn't show your e-mail address for me to respond. Please feel free to e-mail me any questions at pray4ethan@yahoo.com, I'd love to share more of Ethan's story with you. Thanks.
posted by Heather Lewis on 2/02/08 2:32: PM

I am Ethan's mother. First off I would like to thank everyone who has viewed his video. And much thanks to those who have left heart warming and encouraging comments. It gives me hope and strength to move forward with this fight. For those of you who would like to use my video you have my permission. E-mail me at pray4ethan@yahoo.com if you would like to receive a DVD copy. Thank you all for your support and prayers. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
posted by Heather Lewis on 2/02/08 2:27: PM

Thank you for sharing such an intimate part of your life. I am an educator and know the impact that Autism has on children. I hope and pray that we can find help I know there is no cure but insurance companies really need to understand where we stand and how important our children our. They should not be pushed aside!
posted by Tracy on 2/02/08 10:32: AM

Thank you for sharing your beautiful video of Ethan. I have taught several children with Autism in New Orleans. It takes time to get to know each child, but well worth the effort. I believe your video speaks loudly for all of the parents who need help to help their children get early intervention.
posted by Catherine on 2/02/08 10:05: AM

This is the third time I watched your video. It made me cry each time. A.J is not talking at all. Is your son talking yet? Do you have any input on what I can do at home?
posted by Kathy and A.J. on 2/02/08 8:34: AM

God Bless your little Ethan. I cried when I saw the video. He is beautiful. My grandson Anthony is autistic and I know how you feel. Just keep the love and faith and do a lot of praying. We do the autism walk in Chicago every year. Let's try to get the insurance to pay. God Bless you all.
posted by Corinne Principe on 2/02/08 5:02: AM

Bless you all. Thank you so much for sharing your story. As a parent of 3 kids , I am moved beyond mere words. We all must advocate for our children because our children will one day lead the world. May God bless each person who responds with a loving heart and donates much needed financial support to fund research. Together, we can make a difference. May God bless you and your loving family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
posted by BRANDY on 2/01/08 10:15: PM

Beautiful video!!! I cried all 3 three times that I watched it. You see Ethan looks like my son Steven who is now 10 and has PDD (mild autism) & ADHD. I also have a 5 year old with ADHD and a 2 year old with autism. I have hope for you. We were thinking of getting a personal aide 5 years ago for Kindergarten but things changed when we met a fabulous doctor in Pgh, PA Dr. Scott Faber. Steven takes supplements, vitamins, follows special diets, gets therapy and takes detoxifying clay baths. He is now in a regular classroom getting A's and B's and will be living a pretty normal life. I didn't think that was possible 5 years ago. Keep educating others, reading, researching, hoping and praying. GOOD LUCK!!! I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH YOUR VIDEO THAT I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE YOUR PERMISSION TO USE IT A SEMINAR FOR TEACHERS. I AM A TEACHER MYSELF IN PGH, PA. PLEASE EMAIL ME.
posted by Marian Ayres on 2/01/08 9:13: PM