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What a beautiful message. To all the families affected by autism, STAY STRONG!
posted by lauren on 5/07/08 7:14: PM

That was a beatiful video. Your son is adorable! My so also has ASD. He was DX at 2.5. He is now 7. I still pray for alot of those things, but it does get better. My lil man has come a long long way ...and your lil man surley will too! I still love teaching the kids at the park lol. Somebody has to right!
posted by Erika on 5/06/08 7:27: PM

My autistic son is just one month younger than your son. His story is much like yours but different in one way. Four months ago we put him on a dairy and wheat free diet. He now almost always responds to his name, has not only regained the speech he lost but has about 50 new words, has found his smile again, sleeps through the night - the list goes on - he is like a new child. I beg you to try the diet with your beautiful boy. Although starting the diet is daunting (trust me, I know) you will be thrilled with the benefits. Since your son is still only two his prognosis would be good since early intervention seems to be a key factor. Google Karyn Seroussi online. I have read her book and it has been a great source of help and inspiration. Good luck!
posted by Lara Davis on 4/26/08 7:50: AM

I have faith that one day we will have a cure for autism and that little Ayden will have friends like all of us, Ayden along with my own nephew have helped me try and find a way to get more involved in my community and the community of so many other families that have children with autism.Thoughts and prayers go out to all the famlies who have children with autsim
posted by Sarah Shively on 4/22/08 6:21: PM

Thank you all for your support. Ed and Flerida did a beautiful job on Aedan's video. Aedan is a beautiful child.Each day is a learning process for him.Simple things like jumping on the bed, saying Mama, we take this for granted in our kid's, for Aedan,he has to learn this.He is not alone, I think we all know someone who has been affected by Autism. We need to educate the public, shout it to the world Autism Sucks, we need your help! Plain and simple, we need your dollars.I know times are tough,money is tight, but without dollars, research is at a minimum. So please give to Autism Speaks, for Aedan, Sammy,for your child, your family member,and other little ones who are going through this. I commend Ed, Flerida and all parents, I truly believe God entrusted our little precious ones to these special Mama's and Daddy's.Very difficult huh,but it has to do with Amor,Love, and how they all love that little boy. He is so cute. So please give, get your tennis shoes on and meet us at the Rose Bowl for the Autism Walk.(sat. 4/26) God bless, Aedan's Nani Virginia from Hesperia.
posted by Virginia Barela on 4/22/08 1:10: PM

Okay this really touched my heart. I cried through the entire video. My children were born what society terms "normal", without autism. Normal kids face the obstacles of prejudice and non-acceptance as early as pre-school for ridiculous reasons like not having Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle tennis shoes, or in grade school because their permanent teeth are coming in crooked, or they are pudgy. My children experienced these things. It is hard to be "normal" let alone a child who is affected by a disease. It is the responsibility of parents and families, and teachers, and communities to teach acceptance and tolerance and understanding and compassion and kindness. I hope I have taught my children these. And I hope they will teach their children as well. My neice Jamie has chosen to make her career working with autistic children and families, and I am very proud that she has selected this group of families to support and to help make a difference. Blessings to you all.
posted by Gail on 4/21/08 1:38: PM

What a beautiful video. I cried through the whole thing. My son will go to regular school this year, and I fear the same for him as you do for your son. Kids can be so cruel. I am sending the Autism Acceptance book to the teacher so she can try to "enlighten" the other child on why my son does the things he does. I am praying for you and your family. God put Aedan in your family! He must have known you would do the best for your son. I say that to myself daily. I can handle this because God thought I could!
posted by Tara on 4/21/08 7:42: AM

Your son is a Beautiful child. Your video tells much about how you feel about your child. Having a child with an ASD disorder I understand how you feel. I've always said one can never know parental love until they have had a child of their own. Now I also say that one cannot completely understand the feelings of wanting more for your child and that of tolerance and understanding of others unless you have a child with ASD. After my son's diagnosis I became much more aware of other children with similar challenges. Just know that you are not alone in your fight to hear your son say "I love you mommy and daddy" and for him to have friends like other children. Don't be afraid to ask others for help. You are your child's greatest advocate. God bless your son and family and may the days ahead be full of sunshine and never be void of hope!
posted by Tim on 4/20/08 6:00: AM

Great job on the video Ed. Your little guy is making you guys stronger. Hang in there Fleri & Ed, you guys are absolutely one of the greatest parents.
posted by Art, Elva & Adrienne on 4/19/08 4:26: PM

Ed! You seem to be a wonderful dad! I encourage you to try GF/CF diet and suplements. My autistic son is on it and talks, says "I love you" thousands times a day and improved a looooot! My email: kturowska@hotmail.com Any questions, write! Kamila
posted by kamila on 4/19/08 11:57: AM

Thank you for sharing Aedan. You put your life out here for all of us to experience & learn & help. You have so deeply touched my heart. I have sent your video along to my son & daughter in law with the hopes that they will learn more about Autism & to become advocates for not only their baby, but for all people they come in contact with. God Bless You, Flerida & your children. K
posted by Kay on 4/18/08 6:35: PM

That was a beautiful video. We had no idea the extend of your boys autism. Our prayers and support are with you. We will gladly make a donation.
posted by Robert and Diane Barela on 4/18/08 6:09: PM

God Bless you all! We love you and anything we can do let us know. We hope to see you all soon.
posted by Geno and Priscilla Sanchez and family on 4/18/08 7:49: AM

Big hugs to you all.
posted by Uncle Sal on 4/17/08 5:07: PM

Dear Ed, Flerida and children: This tribute to Aedan has truly touched my heart as well as provided me with information and an opportunity to help in my own small way. My heart hurts for all of you but I am also hoping along with you that all children with autism will someday soon be valued and accepted as they should be. Ed and Flerida, all of your children are blessed to have parents like the two of you.
posted by Karen Martinez on 4/17/08 12:33: PM

Your son and your video are beautiful. My Logan is tough too. Oh,how your words ring true. I am sure we go through some of the issues as parents of children who live with autism. I also felt compelled to make a video so people will see just how beautiful children with autism are.Hopefully, they will get a glimpse into their world. My prayers are with Aedan and you all.
posted by Deidre on 4/17/08 12:32: PM

Thanks!
posted by Katie on 4/17/08 12:15: PM

Thank you for the resources! THis really helps.
posted by Kathleen on 4/17/08 8:48: AM