Autism Every Day Video

[tacomaranch]

http://www.milestonevideo.tv/nonprofit.php

Please take the time to watch this video called Autism Every Day. I was moved to tears as it seemed like the women were validating all that I feel.

 

[shannonh]

Oh my goodness...You are so right. First off, that was a very moving video..second, it was like, that's me and how I feel.
I was actually over here browsing, because I just got off of the phone with someone, who had the nerve to say "you make her sound worse than she is." I was like, "Um, yeah, you'll never know unless you live through it."
I was so mad (mad isn't the word), I am just so furious.
Everyone plays it off that it's because she's 3 and, blah, blah, blah. It's just so frustrating knowing that the majority of people don't know and don't understand.
I must say I feel lucky, because my DD has a few good moments during the day, where it's as if she has no problems. But, every good moment brings at least 3 meltdowns and such.
And I know, that there are far worse things that could be wrong.
Ok, I just had to vent to people who know and understand.
Thanks for the video and thanks to all who listened.

 

[MomOf2DisneyKids]

I LOVE this video! to all of us special moms!!!!!

 

[delswife]

Thank you for sharing. It was a very educational and eye-opening video.

 

[LauraAnn630]

I spent a few hours with my niece Tessa at Epcot NYE day.
Tessa is 11 and has autism. I couldnt believe the way people stared.

My SIL was running around telling strangers, "Im sorry she has autism."
I said, "You dont have to do that!"
She said, "If I dont they wont stop staring."

2007 Cleveland and Northeast Ohio Walk Now for Autism
Cleveland Walk Now for Autism
Cleveland, OH - Jacob's Field - Sunday, September 30, 2007
http://www.autismwalk.org/site/TR?fr_id=1410&pg=entry&JServSessionIdr005=9r022xvui1.app5a

 

[Luv Bunnies]

What a great video. Thanks for posting the link. I hope lots of people who don't have kids with Autism will watch it and really understand what parents have to go through every day.

It made me want to go hug my son - he's on the spectrum but on the mild side (Asperger's). We've dealt with our share of public meltdowns but I thank God everyday that he's not more severe than he is. In fact, I think I'll go hug him right now!

 

[Newcastle]

Believe it or not, I have read some very negative feedback about this film. Some people say that the producer of the video fabricated the scenes so that things would look worse than they are. They have also belittled the film for not portraying positive aspects of these families' lives. Some even had the nerve to say that the mothers were a bunch of narcissistic personalities who gain some sort of attention by 'complaining' about how bad their lives are. Needless to say, these viewpoints make me so mad! Sometimes I wonder if people are experiencing denial when they talk about how wonderful it is to have a child with autism. I certainly wouldn't advocate dwelling in the negative and I can't imagine loving my child any less regardless of his quirks (for lack of a better word) but honestly, how many people do you think would really want to have a child with autsim if given a choice. I would erase my son's autism in a second if I could because it would mean that he could have a future with a family, career, etc...these are all things that he will never have as a result of his severe disability. JMHO

 

[Forevryoung]

I just watched the video and found it very moving- I don't have a child (nor a child with autism) but I have worked with autistic children and adults. I know it's far from the same thing, but at least I have a small taste.

Newcastle, I have a theory on the negative feedback. It's my own opinion but there is a good chance that it's true.

The production company is based on Long Island (NY). I believe that the majority, if not all of the families were located on Long Island or New York City. I've lived on Long Island my whole life-

Long Island has a very very high cost of living. A home in a "safe" (not considering land, schools, size of house...) neighborhood would cost at least $300,000 if not much much more. Taxes are rediculously high as well.

Long Island has a "higher" rate of autism than many parts of the country, don't know why, just the way it is. BUT, Long Island also provides many many opportunities and services that are unavailable in other parts of the country- I have worked in a school for children with developmental disabilities (including autism), the child/staff ratio was 2:1 in nearly every classroom. And kids are sent there by the school district if the school district can't give them an appropriate educational placement. The school districts are creating classes for autistic children instead of putting them in a regular special education classroom. There are autism centers and preschools... the list goes on. And I'm not saying that everything is easy, nor does it come without a price, but good services and programs are all right here.

I think that negativity toward the video (if I am correct) should be centered around the fact that I believe that these parents have an easier time getting the services from their children than many in this country (including tacomaranch who has to move to find anything semi appropriate for her son).

Just my .02, I could definitely be wrong.

 

[Disneylvr]

I think what also angered some about the video was the one mom thinking about killing herself and her daughter because of the helplessness she felt in her situation. I am all for spreading awareness hoping that other people will understand autism and all that is involved with it. I was told by the neurologist that diagnosed my daughter that she would never go to college or live independently... How does he KNOW that???!!! Yes, her autism is severe but I have HOPE. I fight for services for my daughter EVERY DAY. We are not wealthy nor do we live in the best school district but she is progressing. I can't even begin to express the love, joy and compassion Madelyn has brought to my life BECAUSE of her autism.

 

[Newcastle]

Forevryoung, thanks for the perspective...it just seemed really odd that people would be bashing the film. It seems that no matter what the intentions, you're always going to annoy someone! It is interesting though to have a backdrop with which to interpret the situation.

Disneylvr...it's great that you seem to have a healthy perspective on your situation and strive to achieve the best for your daughter. She is lucky to have you as an advocate! I guess the problem that I have in general (certainly not with you) is that people shouldn't feel guilty if a small part of them wished that their child didn't have a disability. I think it's human nature. To expect that we should be perfectly ducky with the hand that we have been dealt seems a bit unrealistic to me. But I truly hope that all parents can find the joy in their children regardless of their disability.

 

[Disneylvr]

Forevryoung, thanks for the perspective...it just seemed really odd that people would be bashing the film. It seems that no matter what the intentions, you're always going to annoy someone! It is interesting though to have a backdrop with which to interpret the situation.

Disneylvr...it's great that you seem to have a healthy perspective on your situation and strive to achieve the best for your daughter. She is lucky to have you as an advocate! I guess the problem that I have in general (certainly not with you) is that people shouldn't feel guilty if a small part of them wished that their child didn't have a disability. I think it's human nature. To expect that we should be perfectly ducky with the hand that we have been dealt seems a bit unrealistic to me. But I truly hope that all parents can find the joy in their children regardless of their disability.

Believe me, I do wish that my child didn't have autism. I want them to find a cause and a cure because it is NOT an easy road to travel down. The whole experience can be so draining, for example, the constant battle with the school district. During IEP time I wasn't sleeping and broke out in hives every day because of the stress. And the heartache we experience when Madelyn can't find the words to express herself and the fustration and pain we see in her face... My motiviation to stay focused on the positives is to see my lovely daughter smile and laugh, enjoying life and learning. What may seem like small steps in the typical are huge leaps for us. As for the video, I think it does an important thing, it spreads awareness and shows what autism can really be like for many families. Moms that were upset about the video felt it showed that autism is hopeless. I myself have shared the video with many people so that they could understand it.