O'Donnell after Extreme Makeover: Autism and 5 kids

http://www.trusera.com/health/collections/autism This is Jeanette O'Donnell, mom to six children. Five have autism. You might recognize her from Extreme Makeover Home Edition. In 2007, her family received a beautiful new home. "It's as if angels came in and lifted us up, made it perfect," O'Donnell marveled.

For the first time since the show, hear her talk about her life, and how she wants moms to stop judging others' choices and focus on the kids. She advocates for the autism community to come together, forget battles over cause and treatment, and instead, get society ready for these children and these children ready for society.

O'Donnell blogs on Trusera regularly, and is sometimes criticized for not focusing on curing her kids. She has found many therapies that have helped her children grow and thrive. O'Donnell wishes all parents could be supported - not criticized - for the choices they make.

Presented by Trusera, the online network where you can find and share real-world experiences with others who have been there. Come. Listen. Share.

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[karalou2]

Beautiful home, Jeanette! And I don't mean the one that Extreme Makeovers made! I wish more people had the understanding that you do. Praise GOD we are all different and unique. The world is a much better place because of it and until we learn to embrace this and not just tolerate but celebrate each and every person's gifts and abilities, it is US who are limited, the ones who think we do not have disabilities.

[freakflagflier]

Wow Jeanette. Doesn't matter how many times I see the fam's reaction to the new house, I always start bawling. ;o)

You know we share the same feelings about acceptance, and I am glad you are still out there spreading the word...

Love you and the fam!

Amy

[nagaempress]

I love this woman! A lot of us do not want a cure. We need understanding.

[nagaempress]

@marajoilie not everyone has kids on the spectrum that are on the Governments dime. I know several families that are not but you never hear about them.

[Summonearth]

@marajoilie,How could she know that all of her children except would have some form of autism when she was told it wasn't genetic? You can't blame a woman her like that who didn't know and there is no proof that it is genetic. People like you are totally insensitive and only care about money instead of people.

[manice08]

@marajoilie amen!!

[marajoilie]

After 2 autistic children, who in their right mind would even dream of having another child, let alone another four !!!! Stop having children and making the rest of us tax payers suffer for it.

[hoolio26]

Jeanette, I can't believe anyone would call you a faker. You are the most genuine woman I have ever had the pleasure of meeting through the media. And your children are a precious testimony to the beauty in difference. I just saw your extreme makover ep in Australia tonight... I was inspired to Google your family. Even more inspired now. You're a wonderful person, your family is beautiful and I feel a richer person knowing a bit of your story. Blessings to you.