Thank you. Thank you, so much. This is EXACTLY how I am with my son, too. I wouldn't change his quirks, I just want him to be happy. If only the dirty looks would stop. Maybe if enough of us keep trying, and trying to promote acceptance, and awareness...we'll finally find an understanding in society? I'm sure Jake is an unbelievable boy. My son is my angel. I will fight. I will fight for him to my last breath. They deserve it. <3 Stay strong.
@lolavonb i am 13 and my older sister has autism. she is hurt and made fun of every single day and i did a speech at my skool about it and autism. My sister is a gift not a mistake. she comes home crying every da. i try my best to help her. i am always thinking about her. praying tht she is ok. she is very bright and oh sooo talented. and the dirty looks. we need to make a stop to bullying not just for autistic ppl but for everyone. thnk u :)
i am crying tears rolling down my face. i am so sorry! i understand. my son Conor who is 8 has Autism and ADHD. Life is not easy. I have 3 other children and i understand making sure the other kids have all the love and attention they deserve. the looks and stares at the stores because he is very impulsive. oh i could go on. i knew that Conor had something wrong when he was 9 months old. i put him to bed and the next morning i had a different baby.
@tiffsteiner You certainly DO understand. Love to you, Conor and the rest of your family. May God bless you and lift you up on those days that aren't so easy.
This is incredible and shares so many of my beliefs, goals and visions. Simply awesome and so very well done! Kudos for helping spread awareness about autism and for doing so with such a beautiful message. I will most definitely be sharing this message. Keep doing what you are doing and raising #awareness1by1!
@patriciacaanale Even though we may have never met, we've "met." You know? Us parents share a very special bond and even though we have dear friends and family who love us and support us, they'll never truly understand in the way that we can. Love to you and your family.
I am a girl with aspergers. I have issues with bullying, anxiety, and social situations. But no matter what happened, no matter what was said to me, no matter what i was told i could and would never be able to do, i found a way through it. I could do it. Things WILL get better. They HAVE to for the sake of children everywhere. Jake, you ARE unique! You ARE important! And dont let ANYONE tell you otherwise! Embrace the world before you! No matter how big it is! You CAN do it. Just be yourself.
Brilliant and thought provoking film. I hope Jake has a good future me (who has aspergers but has been working for 5 years), it's also a wake up call for the government to prove funding and support for many people with autism!
@hectorlupino Your support and encouragement truly means a lot to me. In advocating for him, I always try to do right by my son, being sensitive to his individual / unique needs and preferences. I want him to have opportunity, but I also want him to be able to be himself. I thank you for sharing your story with me and pray that funding and support is significantly enhanced throughout my son's lifetime and for generations to come. Thanks again.
CONTINUED... @Mayo1191. I'm filled with hope and love for my son and feel blessed for who he is and what he offers this world. With that said, I will always hope and pray for healing when it comes to severe food aversions that keep him eating baby food at age 5, or when it comes to anxiety driven phobias that keep him from being able to go common places in the community. Again, I think it might be the difference in insight between being the sibling of someone autistic and being their parent.
@Mayo1191 Thank you for your comments and insight. A sibling's love, kindness and compassion is so important in the lives of our kids. I applaud your supportiveness, which undoubtedly impacts your brothers in the most positive way. In terms of the tears, I think the emotions (all of them) that I have felt in regard to my son's diagnosis are exclusive to those felt by the parents of kids with autism. There's no way to really understand unless you've walked in our shoes. Continued...
@rebeccajean75 I do agree that being a sibling is totaly different than having a child with autism, but no matter if you are sister or mother autistic children just need love.
Thank you for sharing your story. It is so similar to my family's story. My two year old son was just diagnosed. We have just begun our journey into this world of Autism. I wish you and your son all the best.
@stephaniematt1 Sending prayers of hope and encouragement to you and your family. It's a difficult time, I know. If I can be of any help, please don't hesitate to contact me.
This is beautiful...my daughter has Autism also, I feel like I'm looking in a mirror, watching your video...we have challenges with our children, but it is the most rewarding challenges have ever faced. These kids are an inspiration and we as parents are blessed to have them
Thanks @ rebeccajean75. Sometimes I am fine. But at other times, I can't see any light at the end of the tunnel and can't see any hope. My whole body and soul is racked with grief and I feel even more guilty for not trusting God enough. I know God has a master plan and wish I could just go through this with joy and peace and total submission to His sovereign will. Maybe I'll get there someday.
@OYE1272 It's a process. Unlike the finality that comes with accepting other types of diagnosis', I feel that for me, autism means that I've had to accept a little more with each passing year... with each thing I had hoped Jake might do and couldn't.... or with each plan I had made for Jake that didn't come to pass. With that said though, I've been blessed to celebrate many victories along the way as well.... accomplishments that I feared would be out of his reach but weren't. Continued...
@OYE1272 Continued... And I would encourage you to not be down on yourself spiritually. This time on earth is a period of edification for our Father to mold us and shape us into the sons and daughters that He intends for us to be. He knows our hearts and expects that we would struggle with such difficult news. Your desire to submit to His perfect, sovereign will shows your character and reveals your heart for the Lord. He will do the rest :)
Having a four year old autistic son, I so share your pain. Thank you for putting it into words for me and countless others no doubt. I am still trying to come to terms with it but God knows and is in control. Much love x
while the video is lovely, somewhere in it, it is inferred that Autism is a disease. It is not. It is a neurological disorder. People can understand better if the correct information is provided.
@TheEthereallotus Thank you for your response. I absolutely know that autism is a neurological disorder, as my son suffers from ASD. In the video, the word "diseases" is used only once and is used in direct reference to childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS which are in fact diseases. I'm sorry for any confusion, but the info provided in the video is in fact accurate. Thank you for your feedback and for your continued support of this very important and very personal cause.
BEAUTIFUL! I've told my friend who has an autistic son that out of every mama in this world he picked her to take care of and love him...what an honor. God chose you two to take care of Jakey and what a perfect choice he made for his special child...you are such an inspiration to this world. Sending you my prayers and love.
@jynellem Thanks Jynelle. I truly believe that God hand picked me to be Jake's mommy and although it isn't without its' challenges, I genuinely couldn't be more thankful for Him for choosing me.
I have been living with autism since my childhood and words can't describe how you guys are doing to help people with autism! To fight or not to fight is not a question - these are our children and adults and they deserve the world! I would be honored to help out in any way I can and also to walk by your side to crusade for research, education and acceptance. Take care and God bless.
@Hankywild949 Thank you for your encouragement and support. My son Jake has taught me far more than I could ever hope to teach him and there are no words to describe how grateful I am for him. Thank you for your willingness to help in our crusade. I will no doubt take you up on your offer to help as we move forward.
Jake is a very blessed boy to have you as his mother. THANK YOU for putting in to words what I have been living for 8+ years. My son was diagnosed early with ASD, now high functioning, his twin sister has ADD. Unless you live ASD there are no words to explain it. To fight or not to fight is not a question - these are our children and they deserve the world! I would be honored to walk by your side to crusade for research, education, acceptance. Valerie K
@kunert2001 Thank you so much Valerie. I love to meet other moms who have walked in my shoes and can so closely relate to my journey, because as you said, unless you live with ASD, there are no words to explain it. The love and dedication to your children is inspiring. Thanks again! PS - In addition to Jake, I have twins as well so we have quite a bit in common!
I have autistic twins..a high functioning daughter, and a not so high functioning son. They are 3 1/2. I feel your pain and wish you and your family strength and love. It is a struggle every day, but well worth it. Thank you for this video.
@averyxander The same goes to you! I applaud your strength and dedication to your beautiful children. Besides Jake, I have twins as well, so we have a lot in common! I know of your struggles and just want to encourage you in your daily journey.
Rebecca, I never knew of your struggles. You and your family are brave and courageous. I pray for you and Jake, and I am proud to know you. I send you love.
Rebecca, hearing you read this on air was beyond heartbreaking. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and your sweet Jakey. A mother's love has no end. He is so lucky to have you and Mikey! God gave Jake to the both of you for a reason. Always remember that.
@AnneCroyle Definitely! I thank God daily for choosing me to be Jake's mommy and am grateful that the Lord entrusted me with his care. I can't thank you enough for your support. It means so very much.
As a mom of two High-Functioning Austistic boys this brought tear to my eyes. Thank you for putting to words exactly what's in my heart................
@keesakay And thank you for sharing yourself with me, as I always find comfort in being connected to other moms who can relate to my joys, my struggles and who can share in my journey. God bless you and your dedication to those two precious angels.
I hope this goes viral with all the post on Facebook and if it does and you read this tune into San Diego Radio Station 94.9 tomorrow 10/06/2011 for The Mikey Show's 28 hour show to help raise money for Rady's Childrens Hospital for Autism Awarness!! Mikey the host of this show is just incredible and has truely inspired me and changed my life along with my families. You can also listen on line @ fm949sd. Thank You Mike!
@MTBTOMSD1 M1Tireman, thank you so much for your encouragement and support! I feel blessed and humbled by the outcome of Mikeython this year with donations at last count totaling OVER $55,000!!!!!!!!!! I am just so grateful for the hearts of those (like yours) who support this important and very personal cause.
Gawd, you ever just ball... I don't think I'd have the strength... and yet, Mike and Rebecca find it everyday... they are better than I am... and I can admit that...
Amazing. Absolutely Amazing. I couldn't have said it better.
RosinaLivoti 5 days ago
Thank you. Thank you, so much. This is EXACTLY how I am with my son, too. I wouldn't change his quirks, I just want him to be happy. If only the dirty looks would stop. Maybe if enough of us keep trying, and trying to promote acceptance, and awareness...we'll finally find an understanding in society? I'm sure Jake is an unbelievable boy. My son is my angel. I will fight. I will fight for him to my last breath. They deserve it. <3 Stay strong.
lolavonb 1 month ago
@lolavonb i am 13 and my older sister has autism. she is hurt and made fun of every single day and i did a speech at my skool about it and autism. My sister is a gift not a mistake. she comes home crying every da. i try my best to help her. i am always thinking about her. praying tht she is ok. she is very bright and oh sooo talented. and the dirty looks. we need to make a stop to bullying not just for autistic ppl but for everyone. thnk u :)
10blondegirl 1 month ago
Thanks for sharing. I will never let go of my "perfect" son either! God Bless. XO
princessmeems 2 months ago
This was beautiful!!!! I have a brother with autism. I wish you luck and good health, now and in the future with your son (:
purplebulldogwasher 2 months ago
great video! I´m also a mom of an autistic son, 12. All the best for you and your family. Love and hugs
fioumiccino 2 months ago
i am crying tears rolling down my face. i am so sorry! i understand. my son Conor who is 8 has Autism and ADHD. Life is not easy. I have 3 other children and i understand making sure the other kids have all the love and attention they deserve. the looks and stares at the stores because he is very impulsive. oh i could go on. i knew that Conor had something wrong when he was 9 months old. i put him to bed and the next morning i had a different baby.
tiffsteiner 3 months ago
@tiffsteiner You certainly DO understand. Love to you, Conor and the rest of your family. May God bless you and lift you up on those days that aren't so easy.
rebeccajean75 2 months ago
I have a Jake too and have been on a very similar journey. Thank you for articulating what can be so difficult to say.
cnoelk 3 months ago
@cnoelk Thank you for sharing about your Jake and for the courage and love you show him daily.
rebeccajean75 2 months ago
This is incredible and shares so many of my beliefs, goals and visions. Simply awesome and so very well done! Kudos for helping spread awareness about autism and for doing so with such a beautiful message. I will most definitely be sharing this message. Keep doing what you are doing and raising #awareness1by1!
JVaughan1175 3 months ago
@JVaughan1175 Thank you for your encouragement and support. It truly means a lot.
rebeccajean75 2 months ago
i have autism and i love it
LeifAlexander87 3 months ago
@LeifAlexander87 Love to you! Thank you so much for sharing with us all.
rebeccajean75 2 months ago
WOWWWWW HOW TOUCHING YOU SAID EVERYTHING THAT WE AS PARENTS OF AN AUTISTIC CHILD FEEL I CRIED LIKE A BABY!!!! ):
patriciacaanale 3 months ago
@patriciacaanale Even though we may have never met, we've "met." You know? Us parents share a very special bond and even though we have dear friends and family who love us and support us, they'll never truly understand in the way that we can. Love to you and your family.
rebeccajean75 2 months ago
I am a girl with aspergers. I have issues with bullying, anxiety, and social situations. But no matter what happened, no matter what was said to me, no matter what i was told i could and would never be able to do, i found a way through it. I could do it. Things WILL get better. They HAVE to for the sake of children everywhere. Jake, you ARE unique! You ARE important! And dont let ANYONE tell you otherwise! Embrace the world before you! No matter how big it is! You CAN do it. Just be yourself.
dragelk123 3 months ago 2
Brilliant and thought provoking film. I hope Jake has a good future me (who has aspergers but has been working for 5 years), it's also a wake up call for the government to prove funding and support for many people with autism!
hectorlupino 3 months ago
@hectorlupino Your support and encouragement truly means a lot to me. In advocating for him, I always try to do right by my son, being sensitive to his individual / unique needs and preferences. I want him to have opportunity, but I also want him to be able to be himself. I thank you for sharing your story with me and pray that funding and support is significantly enhanced throughout my son's lifetime and for generations to come. Thanks again.
rebeccajean75 2 months ago
CONTINUED... @Mayo1191. I'm filled with hope and love for my son and feel blessed for who he is and what he offers this world. With that said, I will always hope and pray for healing when it comes to severe food aversions that keep him eating baby food at age 5, or when it comes to anxiety driven phobias that keep him from being able to go common places in the community. Again, I think it might be the difference in insight between being the sibling of someone autistic and being their parent.
rebeccajean75 3 months ago
@Mayo1191 Thank you for your comments and insight. A sibling's love, kindness and compassion is so important in the lives of our kids. I applaud your supportiveness, which undoubtedly impacts your brothers in the most positive way. In terms of the tears, I think the emotions (all of them) that I have felt in regard to my son's diagnosis are exclusive to those felt by the parents of kids with autism. There's no way to really understand unless you've walked in our shoes. Continued...
rebeccajean75 3 months ago
@rebeccajean75 I do agree that being a sibling is totaly different than having a child with autism, but no matter if you are sister or mother autistic children just need love.
Mayo1191 3 months ago
@Mayo1191 I couldn't agree more. You serve as a beautiful example of love and I applaud you.
rebeccajean75 2 months ago
Thank you for sharing your story. It is so similar to my family's story. My two year old son was just diagnosed. We have just begun our journey into this world of Autism. I wish you and your son all the best.
stephaniematt1 3 months ago
@stephaniematt1 Sending prayers of hope and encouragement to you and your family. It's a difficult time, I know. If I can be of any help, please don't hesitate to contact me.
rebeccajean75 3 months ago
This is beautiful...my daughter has Autism also, I feel like I'm looking in a mirror, watching your video...we have challenges with our children, but it is the most rewarding challenges have ever faced. These kids are an inspiration and we as parents are blessed to have them
RockStop22 3 months ago
Thank you @RockStop22. I couldn't agree more. Love to you and your lovely daughter.
rebeccajean75 3 months ago
Even before my son's regression began 4 years ago, I made that promise. Thanks for putting it to music, I will hum it to myself tonight.
TreBenson 4 months ago
@TreBenson Love to you and your precious son. Thank you for writing.
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
Thank you. My family and my five-year-old daughter with autism thank you.
KHERRETT 4 months ago
@KHERRETT Thank you, too, for sharing. Thinking of you and your beautiful daughter today.
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
Thanks @ rebeccajean75. Sometimes I am fine. But at other times, I can't see any light at the end of the tunnel and can't see any hope. My whole body and soul is racked with grief and I feel even more guilty for not trusting God enough. I know God has a master plan and wish I could just go through this with joy and peace and total submission to His sovereign will. Maybe I'll get there someday.
OYE1272 4 months ago
@OYE1272 It's a process. Unlike the finality that comes with accepting other types of diagnosis', I feel that for me, autism means that I've had to accept a little more with each passing year... with each thing I had hoped Jake might do and couldn't.... or with each plan I had made for Jake that didn't come to pass. With that said though, I've been blessed to celebrate many victories along the way as well.... accomplishments that I feared would be out of his reach but weren't. Continued...
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
@OYE1272 Continued... And I would encourage you to not be down on yourself spiritually. This time on earth is a period of edification for our Father to mold us and shape us into the sons and daughters that He intends for us to be. He knows our hearts and expects that we would struggle with such difficult news. Your desire to submit to His perfect, sovereign will shows your character and reveals your heart for the Lord. He will do the rest :)
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
The Plague of Today & Tomorrow. 1 in 110 girls & 1 in 70 boy children have AUTISM. Support awareness & research. Kotsanis Institute can help.
66beaches 4 months ago
Having a four year old autistic son, I so share your pain. Thank you for putting it into words for me and countless others no doubt. I am still trying to come to terms with it but God knows and is in control. Much love x
OYE1272 4 months ago
@OYE1272 Love to you and your beautiful son. It's not easy, but you're not alone. God bless.
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
while the video is lovely, somewhere in it, it is inferred that Autism is a disease. It is not. It is a neurological disorder. People can understand better if the correct information is provided.
TheEthereallotus 4 months ago
Comment removed
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
@TheEthereallotus Thank you for your response. I absolutely know that autism is a neurological disorder, as my son suffers from ASD. In the video, the word "diseases" is used only once and is used in direct reference to childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS which are in fact diseases. I'm sorry for any confusion, but the info provided in the video is in fact accurate. Thank you for your feedback and for your continued support of this very important and very personal cause.
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
@rebeccajean75 Its my cause as well.... no harm no foul :)
TheEthereallotus 4 months ago
@TheEthereallotus Thank you :)
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
BEAUTIFUL! I've told my friend who has an autistic son that out of every mama in this world he picked her to take care of and love him...what an honor. God chose you two to take care of Jakey and what a perfect choice he made for his special child...you are such an inspiration to this world. Sending you my prayers and love.
Jynelle
jynellem 4 months ago
Comment removed
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
@jynellem Thanks Jynelle. I truly believe that God hand picked me to be Jake's mommy and although it isn't without its' challenges, I genuinely couldn't be more thankful for Him for choosing me.
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
I have been living with autism since my childhood and words can't describe how you guys are doing to help people with autism! To fight or not to fight is not a question - these are our children and adults and they deserve the world! I would be honored to help out in any way I can and also to walk by your side to crusade for research, education and acceptance. Take care and God bless.
Hankywild949 4 months ago
@Hankywild949 Thank you for your encouragement and support. My son Jake has taught me far more than I could ever hope to teach him and there are no words to describe how grateful I am for him. Thank you for your willingness to help in our crusade. I will no doubt take you up on your offer to help as we move forward.
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
Jake is a very blessed boy to have you as his mother. THANK YOU for putting in to words what I have been living for 8+ years. My son was diagnosed early with ASD, now high functioning, his twin sister has ADD. Unless you live ASD there are no words to explain it. To fight or not to fight is not a question - these are our children and they deserve the world! I would be honored to walk by your side to crusade for research, education, acceptance. Valerie K
kunert2001 4 months ago
@kunert2001 Thank you so much Valerie. I love to meet other moms who have walked in my shoes and can so closely relate to my journey, because as you said, unless you live with ASD, there are no words to explain it. The love and dedication to your children is inspiring. Thanks again! PS - In addition to Jake, I have twins as well so we have quite a bit in common!
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
I have autistic twins..a high functioning daughter, and a not so high functioning son. They are 3 1/2. I feel your pain and wish you and your family strength and love. It is a struggle every day, but well worth it. Thank you for this video.
averyxander 4 months ago
@averyxander The same goes to you! I applaud your strength and dedication to your beautiful children. Besides Jake, I have twins as well, so we have a lot in common! I know of your struggles and just want to encourage you in your daily journey.
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
Rebecca, I never knew of your struggles. You and your family are brave and courageous. I pray for you and Jake, and I am proud to know you. I send you love.
Marcy Tracy
sewmarcy 4 months ago
@sewmarcy Thank you Marcy! Your friendship and support mean so very much. Hope to see you soon!
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
Rebecca, hearing you read this on air was beyond heartbreaking. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and your sweet Jakey. A mother's love has no end. He is so lucky to have you and Mikey! God gave Jake to the both of you for a reason. Always remember that.
AnneCroyle 4 months ago
@AnneCroyle Definitely! I thank God daily for choosing me to be Jake's mommy and am grateful that the Lord entrusted me with his care. I can't thank you enough for your support. It means so very much.
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
Right on Rebecca and Mikey!!
karenram65 4 months ago
@karenram65 Thank you friend!
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
As a mom of two High-Functioning Austistic boys this brought tear to my eyes. Thank you for putting to words exactly what's in my heart................
keesakay 4 months ago
@keesakay And thank you for sharing yourself with me, as I always find comfort in being connected to other moms who can relate to my joys, my struggles and who can share in my journey. God bless you and your dedication to those two precious angels.
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
I hope this goes viral with all the post on Facebook and if it does and you read this tune into San Diego Radio Station 94.9 tomorrow 10/06/2011 for The Mikey Show's 28 hour show to help raise money for Rady's Childrens Hospital for Autism Awarness!! Mikey the host of this show is just incredible and has truely inspired me and changed my life along with my families. You can also listen on line @ fm949sd. Thank You Mike!
M1TIREMAN
MTBTOMSD1 4 months ago
@MTBTOMSD1 M1Tireman, thank you so much for your encouragement and support! I feel blessed and humbled by the outcome of Mikeython this year with donations at last count totaling OVER $55,000!!!!!!!!!! I am just so grateful for the hearts of those (like yours) who support this important and very personal cause.
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
Incredible..
nicholai21 4 months ago
@nicholai21 :) Thank you!
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
Gawd, you ever just ball... I don't think I'd have the strength... and yet, Mike and Rebecca find it everyday... they are better than I am... and I can admit that...
bryanbrake1 4 months ago
@bryanbrake1 Thank you for your support Bryan. As always, it means so very much. We appreciate you!
rebeccajean75 4 months ago
I understand.
chicavango 4 months ago
@chicavango Love to you
rebeccajean75 4 months ago