How This Works

WOW! What an amazing child. My hope is all of the Ryans out there will be blessed with so much love!
posted by Theresa Caraway on 4/06/08 4:33: PM

God blesses us everyday with our autistic angels who are working SO hard. This is our story, too. Our 6 yr old Asperger's child has come so far, and continues great progress everyday. It is who they are. And we wouldn't want them any other way. It takes a village, doesn't it? And all the love in the world.
posted by Allison on 4/03/08 11:51: AM

Your photostory shows how very lucky Ryan is to have a loving family and great support team with others. As a teacher who works with ASD children in my third grade classroom, I'm constantly trying to figure out what's the ASD and what's just being a kid. I'm learning everyday from these wonderful children.
posted by Sande on 4/01/08 3:02: PM

Rebecca, This was so touching, so warm. Very enlightening and Ryan is lucky, but so are you... He is an angel and someone special to be proud of for his uniqueness. Thanks so much for sharing. Not sure if you caught the girl on GMA who types and autistic and wants to help express what autistic children go through. She can't speak but she types. She is incredible, I loved her story. You are wonderful parents and have a wonderful family.
posted by Nancy Allor on 3/30/08 9:41: PM

Rebecca, This was so touching, so warm. Very enlightening and Ryan is lucky, but so are you... He is an angel and someone special to be proud of for his uniqueness. Thanks so much for sharing. Not sure if you caught the girl on GMA who types and autistic and wants to help express what autistic children go through. She can't speak but she types. She is incredible, I loved her story too. You did a wonderful job with your work. What great parents and what a wonderful family you are. Nancy
posted by Nancy Allor on 3/30/08 9:39: PM

Thank you for sharing your beautiful family. You are very fortunate to have Ryan and him to have you. I love the statement "just Ryan being Ryan" as people need to learn to see through the diagnosis and help each child do their very best, not let things go and say that they do well considering. Every child deserves to have a chance.
posted by CD on 3/28/08 4:50: AM

Beautiful story about Ryan! He looks a wonderful and very special boy. Congrats Rebecca on a beautiful video. Thanks so much for sharing.
posted by Mary Thurman on 3/27/08 8:17: AM

This video made me have tears pouring down my cheeks. Knowing your story of Ryan and his beautiful family and especially his very educated and supportive Mom is very touching. I have only met Ryan a couple of times but he is a very kind hearted and sweet chikd to be around. I am so glad he has so much love in his world. Speaking as a person with defficits I know how important early intervention and understanding really are. 40 Years ago when I was a kid these pieces just weren't there like they are today for a kid in a supportive environment. That smile is so important it is his future. Thanks for sharing. Hugs and kisses, Susan
posted by Susan Burgess on 3/16/08 12:08: PM

Rebecca~ I loved your video of Ryan, the pictures, the words and the feelings are beautiful. I am Leslie Farrington's cousin from Rhode Island (you gave us your dog (Honey aka Rusty)when you were in college ~ remember us?) We were just talking about Rusty, which led us to start talking about Autism Service Dogs, our son Zachary is five years old and also was diagnosed with PDD-NOS when he was two. In the last three years Zachary has come so far, both with the help of Family and Friends as well as his teachers, Speech Therapists and Occupational Therapists. We wish you, Ryan and the rest of your family the best. I'd love to pick your brain some time, we always wonder what the next few years will be like for Zachary. Give him a big hug for us.
posted by Heather Godwin on 3/15/08 7:33: PM

I have viewed many of the videos within this site and I must say that this one truly grabbed my heart. I am an early intervention special ed teacher who works with 3 to 5 year old students. I have done this for 18 years. Many people ask me often "oh, how do you do that", "that must be so difficult". My answer is always the same -- I do this because I know that I can reach kids like Ryan and help and support not just him, but his family too. Thank you for acknowledging the teachers in Ryan's life. Believe me, as a teacher, we don't stop thinking about your child at 4:00 when he goes home for the day. He is part of our lives too.
posted by Cathy Peters on 3/15/08 9:33: AM

I am ashamed to say; until I submitted a video in this contest I never knew what Autism really was. I have heard the term used many times but never knew the effects or the hardship it places on family members. I can’t image how much love and work it takes to care for Ryan. Ryan is very lucky young man to have you and your family. I enjoyed your video; it was very emotional for me. Thanks for sharing your life and enlightening me to Autism. I will keep you in my prays. H. Faulk
posted by H. Faulk on 3/14/08 3:49: PM

Love the video Rebecca. This really captures Ryan's spirit and loved seeing the old pictures. We all love him. Will pass along.
posted by RReed on 3/14/08 1:33: PM

Rebecca, this is awesome. So many people don't understand what it means to be autistic, nor do they realize all the help out there. Ryan is one lucky boy to have you and Bob. ~Jill Sebilian
posted by Jill on 3/14/08 7:16: AM

This is a beautiful video. Ryan looks so happy and I'm sure that has a lot to do with you as well as his teachers. Keep up the great work Mom and Dad! Darren Goad
posted by Darren Goad on 3/13/08 6:00: PM

God bless you all. Your story is very touching.
posted by Cole Taylor on 3/13/08 9:00: AM