The Autism Reality I Didn't Want To Share
Вставка
- Опубліковано 17 лис 2024
- Being an autism mom or dad can be challenging especially if you have more than one child on the autism spectrum. Sometimes we don't want to share the hard times, we just want to pretend everything is okay. I am here to tell you ... I am not okay. And that's okay too.
Autism Merch 👉 teespring.com/...
Join us on LIVESTREAM 👉www.younow.com...
Instagram 👉 / ourlandingcrew
FB 👉 / ourlandingcrew
❤ We would love to hear from you ❤
Our LANDing Crew
P.O. Box 862
Pinellas Park, FL 33781
!KiDS SOCiAL MEDiA!
Lonnie's Instagram 👉 / lonniewp
Danielle's Instagram 👉 / raining_pastels
Every child on the spectrum will be different. Just celebrate their own unique traits and deal with what is hard for them. You love your kids for who they are. I am friends with people with varying disabilities and I try to be the best friend that I can be. I understand how hard life is and I applaud all of what you do. Just when the days are hard you then think about the positive side of lie.
We all have tough days/weeks/months/years. There's nothing wrong with admitting that and sharing it with us. Strong doesn't mean acting like things are okay when they're not. I'm sorry it's been hard for you guys. Thanks for being open with us. Just do the best you can for your family. That's all you can do. ❤
I completely agree!
My son is 27. High functioning and living on his own with a good job. And let me tell you, it was and is a struggle. When he was young I honestly didn't know if I'd make it. AND I'm a speech pathologist! I only had one child because I knew I couldn't cope with another--whether they be 'average' or on the spectrum. I tell parents all the time to not feel guilty about things. We lost our social life for years. I was bitter about that and I had every right to be. NOT bitter towards my child but just angry that every. single. thing. we did was a struggle. We never had "normal" joyful moments. The ones we did have stick in my mind like gems. Just know you are stronger than you think.. and you don't always HAVE To be-- scream. Cry. You do what you do. xxxoo
Thank you.
We often think "strong" as unemotional and untouchable but that's not strong. Strong is getting up in the morning after a terrible day. Strong is crying with your spouse.
You and Lonnie are doing the best that y'all can 💜💜💜💜💜💜💘💘💘💘
Stephanie my heart broke when you said you see other kids Liam's age or younger doing things that he can't, this is the same struggle I have for my 4 year old autistic boy 💔😭
It's a sucky feeling. People need to not take for granted having typical children. My son is 9 and has yet to ride a bike. My daughter is almost 2 and hasn't said Mama yet :( she only says Dad. That is her only word. And doesnt use it appropriately. She doesn't walk either. It's the simple things im dying to see her do. 😭😭😭😭
@@geeesp9466 My heart goes out to you ♥️
Thats how i feel about my 11 month old 😔
@@geeesp9466 I literally feel your pain....
@@Andrew-vo2rs you aren't alone. We got this girl!!!
When my son was diagnosed I was told put him in a institution and have another baby, I picked him up and left never went back. I put him into first step early intervention. He is now 28, works fulltime at Godiva Chocolate and does very well for himself.
Yep, they told my mommy the same thing..they said to abort me because I had fetal rubella and they said I was a monster..she choked the doctor lol..than they said to put me away too..She just smiled and asked for me..I was born deaf, legally blind, crippled and I have mild autism.. Thank you for not quoting on your son..I do well..I can't take care of myself but God blessed me with a loving hubby..
leslie bainbridge Your son is strong and resilient 💪🏾👏🏾
God bless you 😇❣️
What the hell wow how awful 😭
I am glad that you shared and vented. You have so much going on, plus throwing in the holidays always brings on even more stress. As you were talking about what you'd thought about the boys along the way I was thinking back to watching those early videos when Lex was littler and in speech and Liam was teeny and how much has happened since then, and how many therapies you've gotten for them and it really is amazing. You are doing a great job!
Girl I’m over here tearing up with you. My little boy who is seven years old non verbal is ASD. Stay strong and us mommies have to stick together!!!! Hugs ♥️♥️♥️♥️ Thank you for sharing.
I really appreciate this video. My 6 year old was diagnosed with autism in october and I'm still struggling to be okay with everything. Thanks for posting.
People start to heal once they feel heard! Talking about your issues is a step towards overcoming them, and also can help others who are going through similar struggles feel supported.
My 8 year old broke my glasses yesterday. Autism is definitely harder some days then others.
I am so sorry! Noah once broke his teacher's glasses!!! Do you have insurance on them?
@@OurLANDingCrew8 That sounds like something I would have done as a child. I got my glasses with Medicaid so I'm not sure yet if I can get a replacement but I'll be calling and finding out on monday.
My 2 year old broke mine months back, I had to use medical tape for a hot minute that’s mom life I guess❤️
@@sarahwoodward4453 oh I've had plenty of broken glasses lol. She actually cracked the lense itself which is luckily in the upper corner and my glasses are pretty big so I'm just wearing them and hoping I dont get stabbed in the eye!😄🤣 lol, I've broken my own glasses plenty of times but this is a first for the lenses. I really like to use a super glue and electrical tape combo for the usual breaks.
Stay strong Stephanie so many people out here r cheering u on an here for you on the bad days
It’s ok to no be ok 🙂 you’re such a strong mom!
It’s ok to not be ok ❤️ It’s a lot even having one child/teen on the spectrum, I can only imagine going through the diagnosis and process all over again, along with having children who have special dietary needs. You’re an inspiration Lonnie and Steph! Sending you virtual hugs ❤️
Hearing you say you have fought to get crappy services is so true. My son is 11 and for 5 years ive been trying to get him into more intensive therapies than weekly play therapy
Thank you for sharing! I can’t imagine what you are going through. I am starting to notice some signs in my youngest, and am working hard on getting him evaluated. I HATE how much fighting parents have to do to get there children therapy services. Every child who has Autism, or any other disability, should automatically get all the resources that are provided.
100%
my mom had to deal with 6 of us with Adhd while we all grew up and some of us as adult getting label with autism , bipolar and other issues so she understands a lot of how you feel along with she also had to put up with her husband having mental illness as well the led to his death in 2010 so it ok not to be ok at time as long as what you want and need that all that matters
You streaming is what keeps you Sain. Hat off to you. You never give up, a great mum and who does her utmost for all her kids. Your just great 👍
So proud of you for being open with your experiences. And YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB TOO MAMMA.
Love watching you guys do homework together.
I'm an autistic adult and I live with other autistic adults. I also have a three-year-old who is most likely on the spectrum. I think you're doing a great job. I think a lot of people don't understand that three different autistic kids will need SO MANY different things, even totally different from each other sometimes. And then you have Danielle's health to worry about on top of all that. It really is hard but I can see how hard you're working for your children. (Also I moved from the Jacksonville area to the Boston area 9 years ago so if you ever have questions about that and the differences between life in Florida vs Massachusetts please feel free to message me.)
Do they accept autism better in Boston then in Jacksonville?
@@lkjhb1 I wouldn't say they accept it "better". There are definitely more services available in Boston but many of them are very focused on behaviorism/ABA so for people who aren't comfortable with that or just need different services it can be difficult. We went through hell just trying to get my sister-in-law a sleep study because they insisted it was a behavior problem (she was 16 and just now finally got a sleep study as a 20yo). This was in Boston. I don't know what the services are like in Jacksonville but I worked as an aide in an autism classroom in a neighboring town and it was horrible, the teacher literally sat with his feet up all day while the aides just tried to keep the kids from injuring each other.
Thank you for your transparency. I don’t watch youtubers who edit out all the bad days or don’t talk about the negative feelings. As parents of kids with disabilities it’s nice to know we’re not alone when we have similar days.
We went through the same things as you . It's difficult to come to terms with as no parent wants their kids to have a disability , they want everything to be fine for them . It's necessary for Parents to admit it's upsetting so others know it's ok to feel like that . Even now my 2 girls are adults I feel for them so much , with the struggles with things .
I watch your channel not because any of my kids are on the spectrum but for education purposes. Thank you for always being honest about the struggles and the constant changes the kids are going through. It helps me to understand the parent struggles and child struggles and find a way to be more understanding and considerate. I can honestly say I have been very naive about this subject...thank you, again, for the honest and raw reality of families with children on the spectrum.
My son is special needs (awaiting a diagnosis) and it has changed a lot for us. He's the same kid of course, but we go through everything so much more thoughtfully and it's hard realizing that he won't outgrow his "quirks." It definitely affects everyone in the family and I carry a lot of guilt about that. I visited him in preschool today and while it was so fun, it's eye opening and a little sad how different he is from typical peers. So much more fear for the future...
🥰I love you lady. Thank you for sharing , thank you for saying , thank you for being honest , thank you for cheering up other moms. You made me smile and feel some love and recognition . You are not alone, I see you. You do great too, do not forget it. Send you tones of love ❤️.
Life is hard but we are still here to enjoy it... a bit ( time to time ) keep strong .💪🏻
Greetings from Europe, just a European mom. 😘 you are not alone.
I’m not ok either but we will get there. Hang in there.
crystal E yep same here.
Same here i have a 6yr old with autism. It can feel so lonely, isolating,and overwhelming.
crystal E I am not ok either. I cry everyday. People wont understand how we feel unless they are on the same boat.
Yep I hear you...
I've been watching what did I get my kids for Christmas and stumbled on your video and loved it and I immediately subscribed. This particular video where you shared your truth about your children being on the spectrum was beautiful! I've been in the Mental health field for 15 years working in a IND classroom setting at a behavioral school in Florida.And even though I depart from them daily they are are a part of my life! I felt your pain and honor all the parent(s)who are willing to be advocates for there children. May things get better for you and your husband and you get all the resources your family need and hope and dream for. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
My son is "only" speech delayed and I still find this video so relatable. Watching kids younger than him speaking in sentences and we're just getting words. Feeling weird about being excited about improvements, taking him to appointments, working with him at home on it, feeling like I've done something wrong, other people feeling like I must not interact with my kid enough and that's the issue (even though his understanding is fine). Ugh. I have days where I cry about it and so I can imagine it really is a lot for you, especially sleep deprived!
I feel exactly the same way, I have two on the spectrum and they are so different.i understand the feelings of grieving not having normalcy /a ‘typical child’. But that passes and comes back every time you see a child the same age as our own that’s doing things your child isn’t , people talk about accepting autism fully but that is hard especially when it’s holding your child back. I still get tearful when I see a child my daughters age having a full on conversation with their mum and mine can’t , yet! And that’s the key word yet!!
I just want to say I hear you. And whatever feelings you have please know that they are one hundred percent OKAY. There are no "wrong" feelings ever when it comes to being a parent. Because trust me we all feel some kind of way as parents. Our daughter has learning disabilities that we've struggled with since she was in the first grade. She is now in the 7th grade. I just hope you know that all parents have hard times with any child and if a mother says otherwise they clearly aren't being truthful. Being a mother and parent is hard and we all are just trying to do whatever we is best. It's okay to not be okay. You are AMAZING!!! LOVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ❤️🤗❤️
Stephanie you are loved. You have taken time out of your day several times to respond to me. You have helped me more than you will ever know. I appreciate your candidness you are a FANTASTIC mom. I pray for your family daily. It’s ok to not be ok, we as moms tend to forget that. Just know there are many of us who support your family.
Thank you for sharing!!! No it’s not easy it’s hard very hard. None of us are alone in this. We’re in this together!!!! We can pull through and we will.
I’m so sorry, Stephanie. I agree, you can feel so lonely when going through a rough time as a parent. Thank you for sharing and helping parents going through this not feel so alone.
Its ok to do not be ok 🥰 Everybody struggle with something.
Thank you so much for this video today. I really needed to hear the words "Mama you're doing a good job". I have a 3 year old on the spectrum and he broke me today. There were lots of tears, but tomorrow is a new day to start fresh. You're doing a good job too Mama. Thanks for the great videos 🤗
I wanted to say thank you, I really needed to hear that today! We are expecting baby #4 pretty much any time now (our third girl) and our 6 year old son was just diagnosed at the middle end of November with level 1 autism spectrum disorder along with moderate to severe ADHD in the areas of hyperactivity and impulsivity and mild to moderate in the inattention area and an unspecified anxiety disorder and while it wasn't exactly a surprise to me, I'm still struggling with his diagnosis and what all to do to get him the therapies and services he needs, outside of school! I found your channel when we were waiting for him to get the testing and Your videos have really been helping me out with knowing that I can do it and am not alone in this! ❤️❤️
Thank you! Thank you so so much! I have 3 children. One is a sweet baby girl with Autism who is 3 1/2 and Nonverbal. I wont lie. I shed some tears. My heart constantly breaks over fear for my daughters future. It's nice to know we really arent alone.
I appreciate, admire, and respect your honesty.
Completely felt your sit down and getting things off your chest. As a Mother of a Special Needs daughter who is now 20,it's damn hard. So I can relate on all aspects of what you're saying.
I totally understand you. I’m a mother of 5 and 3 of them are on the autism spectrum. My 5 year old started this new school and has change a lot. He has been having anger issues, hitting, biting, slapping etc. it’s tough. He even got himself suspended for 5 days. They gave him clonidine to help him but I’m so scared. Just another mom who has been having a tough year but we have to keep doing what we can for our kiddos. Hope everything gets better.
Aww Baby girl it’s okay to not be okay! Your genuine subscribers are here for you and it’s definitely okay for you not to want your babies to have autism the beautiful thing about you is you’re resilient and you’ll take whatever life gives you with a smile and make it a good situation always.
Just have to say danielle has such a great personality 😊
I have so much respect for you. The way you dedicate yourself to your entire family in such a selfless manner is so admirable. My son will be evaluated soon for ADHD and I wanted to share a very sad experience with you. At his school last year they excluded him from riding on the school bus to a class field trip because of his hyperactivity. I was brokenhearted to realize that "nontypical" children would be treated in such manner. Watching your videos fills my mommy heart with so much love and hope for my son. You are full of such positive feelings for your children. I cannot stress how your videos help me to have so much patience with my children. Thank you for sharing! 😘😘😘
I think Lex will be way more receptive to ABA than Liam. It just takes a while for them to learn new skills but I've seen it happen! After a year of hard work one of the kiddos I work with, he is potty trained, tried turkey on Thanksgiving, and hasn't bolted in months. ABA therapy is a very delicate balance of pushing the kids a little out of their comfort zone to learn skills that will make life easier for them but knowing the child well enough to understand what their particular comfort zone is so, you know how much to push them. Everyone autistic or not, needs to step out their comfort zone to learn things. But it takes a good therapist to be able to determine comfort levels because it's different for everybody. I wish you came to Boston that's where I am!
I definitely think Lex could benefit from from ABA as well
@@OurLANDingCrew8 can't wait to see how it goes!
Thank you so much. I'm always thinking, that it must be my fault, that it is hard for me with a child with autism. When I see mothers like you, with THREE kids on the spectrum, I star to doubt myself. So thanks for being real with us. ❤️
Oh girl. You’re doing great. I’m barely hanging on some days
You have a right to feel however the hell you feel. You are helping so many families by speaking your TRUTH. I know so many people who get “offended” and super aggressive with their words, when a mom speaks about the hardships of autism. IGNORE AND BLOCK those jerks. Autism could be fun, and funny, mind blowing, and fascinating, BUT, it could also be hard, and sad, and heartbreaking... keep speaking your truth. You’re amazing & your tribe is cheering for you❤️
Thank you for keeping it real. I’ve been struggling too and I feel like the only person who truly understands is my husband. Its so nice to know that I’m not alone.
Stephanie...you are an amazing mother. You seriously give me so much motivation and inspiration. I don't personally have a child on the spectrum but my 8 year old niece has autisum and so does a close friend of ours daughter. I have followed you for a while and you have always been a wonderful mother.
Can completely relate. I actually posted a video very similar to this recently. It's hard in life to admit you're struggling but especially in the digital space to admit you're struggling. Social media tends to be a highlight reel and that isn't always as authentic as it could be. Not that those moments aren't real, but we're choosing to leave out the other stuff because we don't want to admit we're struggling or we don't want to be judged and criticized. You're doing awesome and it was genuinely so nice to hear someone else talk about the hard parts. Have a great Christmas.
I have Autism it's living hell. I got no help as a child, still don't get any help. I hate it so much
Andrew Morton. I’m sorry you had no help growing up. 🤗
There really is no help for adults, and "generic" help for children who are autistic.
@@MsTinkerbelle87 Depends on where you live. No there isn't.
I love that you opened up about this, people really do need to hear this! Knowing that others have the same difficulties is so empowering. YOU are also doing a great job 💖
🥺 hope things get better... don't know if it means much but I'll be sending you and your family positive vibes. I believe in y'all and wish the best 🥰
Thank you for this video, I’ve been following you for a while. My first son has just been officially diagnosed with autism, it’s hard. It’s especially hard seeing other kids his age, whenever people question his behaviors in public. It’s such an adjustment, there are so many stereotypes and I have family that tell me he doesn’t have enough signs to “be autistic”. My family and I are moving back to Jacksonville this Christmas and I hope to meet you someday. I really really do appreciate you speaking about this.
You are the most AMAZING mom I've ever seen. Yes ma'am life with special needs kids. You are doing such a good job. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Just know hugs and prayers go to y'all. Know it's you can't always please everyone but you do what you have to to take care of your kids. Let the haters hate. God loves you and so do alot of us.
I understand how you feel.... I have a kid on the spectrum and am in a bad emotional place.... thank you for posting this. I’m sorry your family is going through difficult times but just know that your story has brought be comfort and hope. Thank you
I've been dealing with the spectrum for 27 years now (son first, grandson second) & I am so happy to see another parent being real about the struggles of dealing with autism. I'm the type of parent who never cried over my son diagnosis & a lot of times has been the autism cheerleader but it IS hard! Thank you for being brave enough to open up about your struggles. You & your family will be in my prayers.
Ok I have 3 kids now with a dairy allergy. So I can assist with the dairy free life! Any time theres milk in a recipe, use the same amount of Rice milk. Butter, you can use coconut oil or honestly any oil works most of the time. When you're baking, 'spectrum shortening' is fabulous! Take a deep breath, you are doing everything you can for your babies, they are perfect! 😊
Thank you!
@@OurLANDingCrew8 I'm delighted to be of assistance! Its overwhelming at first, but gets easier. Rice milk is even pretty decent in cereal. If you need buttermilk, do like a tablespoon of vinegar per cup of rice milk and bam...buttermilk! Daiya makes good cheese too. They even make boxed mac n cheese!
I am right here with you! I get it and I am fighting the same exact battle in California,it's been so tough. I love how transparent you are with this very sensitive topic,it helps to be reminded that your not alone.
You're the best, Mama Steph; remember you're stronger than this situation
I have 2 on the spectrum, and an adopted daughter with ADHD, PTSD, OCD, and ODD. The health ups and downs are sometimes a rollercoaster. Sometimes are sweet, fun, and fine. Either way we love our family. I think accepting a diagnosis is like the stages of grief, then we realize life continues. Even when we need it to stop for a minute and breathe. You are trying your very best.
It's hard to give advice because each child is unique and wonderfully made! My child had huge learning problems and it hurts at school when every child is succeeding and your child struggles! One thing I know if I had to do it again I wouldn't have it done the process any other way!! Your the mom and you know in your heart and spirit what your child needs!!! It looks to me you do everything in your power to give your children as many stepping stones as you can! It may take longer to cross the river but you will get there and your child's destination will be great!!!❤️❤️
Thank you so much for sharing your truth! I needed to see this video, first time on your page. I have a 4 yr old son with autism... and a baby on the way 💕 honestly I worry about having another child with autism and it’s hard to say it out loud... when I do I feel judged or people minimize my worry and then I feel guilt... but it’s my reality! We love our children regardless! But we are not always okay! Thanks mom for reassuring me that’s it’s okay to not be okay lol and I am doing my best ❤️
Its ok we all have tough times. I made it caring for two boys with Autism as a single mother. You're doing wonderful
Thank you
I see you Steph, I see how hard you're working, I see how hard you're trying to keep it all together, I see you. It's okay to not always be okay ❤
Forever grateful to you and your family for sharing your lives, you've helped me through some tough times after my son's diagnosis ❤
Steph, you and your family are so strong! Keep your head up. Things will get better soon enough. You and Lonnie are doing an amazing job with your kiddos! You aren’t alone. You have your big OLC family here with you ♥️♥️♥️♥️
This just breaks my heart. 🙁 Praying for you and your beautiful family. ♥️
I have 2 on the spectrum. My 4 year old is moderate to severe and the wait list for ABA therapy closest to us is 2 years. His Medicaid advocate recommended that I put my 4 year old on medication to help him until I get these services for him. When this subject was brought up to the pediatrician, a child services case was opened against me because the pediatrician office thought I wanted to medicate my child for no reason. Needless to say the case was closed and we switched pediatricians. It’s almost as if we are starting the referral process for any help within a 200 mile radius all over because there are no services available in our area. It’s a tough phase in this journey for us as well. Praying for you guys and thank you for sharing.❤️
Aw, I'm sorry you've been having a hard time and I hope things get better soon. You're a great mama and all you can do is your best. 💕😊
I would just like to say if not one has told you Stephanie YOU are doing great job! You are doing the best for your family in the circumstances you are in with living arrangements and service available to your family!
My brother (17 now) is on the spectrum and everything has been really hard for our whole family. We live in New Mexico and there are hardly any resources here. Where I grew up and where him and my parents still live is a really small town, where there are definitely no resources there. It's still a struggle everyday. You're doing great and doing everything you can ❤
Praying God gives you strength, patience and peace to help get you through the toughest days. Parenting isn’t easy to begin with, but you’ve got a lot more on your plate than a lot of us do! I can’t imagine how exhausted and defeated you probably feel some days. You’re incredibly brave to open yourself up on UA-cam the way that you do. You’re helping others by opening up and giving an honest account of your struggles. Stay strong! Take a break any chance you can. Praying for you and your family.
We all wish we could make things all better and ok for our kids . We had a child who screamed 10-12 hours a day . Liam may be missing the enzyme that breaks down lactose in dairy products which causes stomach pain , diarrhoea , wind and tummy bloating .
You are doing an amazing job as as a Mum. It's not always easy dealing with s child that has autism. Also it's okay not to be okay every now and then.
Also your kids are beautiful.
I know life can be hard sometimes because my family is on the autistic spectrum including myself. But you just have to keep pushing through. Never give up and stay strong 💜
P.s. don't listen to what others are saying - when people have to criticize you or say something about you then they probably aren't too happy about their own lives and are trying to make theirs better by putting you down
I completely relate to the struggles. It feels like everyone else has a happy easy road, especially with the lead up to Christmas. Everything is so hard. We will never have normal adult relationships with our special needs kids. Why would our regular kids want to be around this as adults when we as parents long to escape at times. I understand the tough job you have and send you the strength to push through.
My heart goes out to you. My 12 year old son has Autism. He was in ECI with OT, PT and Speech at 3 years old. He was in ABA for 7 years. You are in my prayers.
It’s going to be ok . God knows why is giving you the blessing he is giving you. Just be strong
I love how you approach your children's treatment and support individually. ABA works really well and is really important for some people, but isn't necessary for others. Different therapies work differently for everyone, and I'm sure it's so incredibly difficult to be facing what you're facing. You are powering through this like a warrior. Stay strong
I almost cried when you said we are doing a great job. My son recently was diagnosed with adhd. He’s very intelligent but he’s failing a class because he just cannot concentrate. He’s going to be getting iep soon and I’ve been having lots of meetings with the school. I’ve taken on caring for my boyfriends baby with him because his biological mother passed away. All this mixed with the holidays is a lot! I feel like I’m failing all the time.
I can see Liam's progress with everything and Lexs speech is better and better. You are doing great job! I hope that some day your boys get all services that they need. You and Lonnie are amazing parents. Love your family 🧡💚💛 I'm watching you from a long time, but this is the first time that I comment.
I heard once that it’s OK to morn the typical child you had expected. It makes sense. It’s a process. ❤️ Be REALLY HONEST about Lex during his IEP evaluation.
I am so thankful for your channel. I honestly am also not ok. I have 2 with autism and one with tourette's... and I just had to renew insurance and let me tell you I am panicking. I feel not good about this. I am happy to know that out there, there are other strong mamas just pushing through.
Hugs mama! We've got this
K8 B I did got insurance but one of my meds the insurance is discontinuing coverage for 2020. I’m panicking like you.
@@christinab.2864 I'm so sorry. One of my kids was kicked off medical assistance cause of too high income. So I have to resubmit everything again
Insurance companies really appalled me as you have to resubmit old news and I’m having to change meds as it’s another trick of the government running our lives.
Stephanie, Kudos to you for facing your feelings; the realness and genuineness of your channel speaks to your viewers. We love you and if you need to talk about anything, the majority of us want to be there to support you in whatever way we can. Remember you are important, the kids are important and your special needs kids are important. I hope you get more help and the kind of help you need, not just temporary bandaids. Praying for you all. Sending you love and positive vibes. 👍💖☺
Thank you 😭😭😭
Praying for you and yours this season in your life. Thanks for sharing your struggles with us. Hugs from West Texas!
I’m cheering for you Steph! I don’t have kids on the spectrum but I do have major mental health/ADHD/behavioral issues with one of my teens and it HARD. I’m not ok either and I appreciate you being real with us Bc it helps!
just remember to breathe hun. being a parent is hard and when you throw in new challanges it can be even harder. you are a great mommy and wife and you are stronger then you think. one step at a time. if you just need to have a good cry once in a while you have a good cry. you gotta remember too you have your own demons and challanges you are facing along with trying to give your babies the best shot at life. anyone who knows what its like to suffer with mental health and someone with special needs aint going to be judging you. hell some days i struggle dealing with my fiance who is 24 and high functioning autistic while fighting my own issues. its normal what you are feeling and you need to understand that just because you may be feeling not the nicest things doesnt mean something is wrong with you. you are a beautiful human being inside and out and you can do this. you have done it before you will do it again. just keep your chin up. take a deep breathe and attack like the badass warrior queen you are
If you have met one person with autism. You have met one person with autism. Every single person who has autism is completely different. There is no one child that is the same. Your videos are so educational, and helpful. I have learned so much more about autism. You rock! Autism is an explanation, not an excuse. Any one of your children can do what ever they set their mind to. ♥️♥️♥️
I have never commented before but I watch all of your videos and even creep on the live stream sometimes lol. I guess I just never knew what to say. After todays video I couldnt hold back. About a year ago I found your family after I began to suspect there was more to my son's struggles than just crazy behaviors and adhd. I related to everything you said especially when it came to Noah and Lex. My son is six and was finally finally given the autism diagnosis along with intellectual disability. But more importantly he is now getting some much needed help and people are not just treating him as a bad kid. For the longest time and even sometimes now I feel very much alone. It has been a road full of sacrifices and challenges. All of which I would do again and again for my son if need be but that doesnt mean it isnt hard. So thanks for recognizing other moms and families. It was nice to hear :) Keep up the amazing work your family is so special and I know you do not know me but just know that you give me the strength to keep up the fight somedays. Bless you all
Much Love, Danielle
Thank you Danielle so much!!!!
Thank you for your honesty. Don’t worry what people think. Be yourself. Do what works for you and them. I have two with it. And I’m on my own. Very hard.
I can sympathise a lot. But I like to tell myself it's okay to not be okay and we will get through this. Sending loads of love and hugs.
You seriously are a real life superhero. I really hope if I ever have kids I can be half as good as you. The reason I love you so much is because you’re so honest about motherhood and special needs and the struggles it brings
I miss you Hayley!!!
YOUR HAIR IS GETTING SO LONG. Thank you for acknowledging it's okay to not be okay. You're an amazing human being, and you are an AMAZING mama. Love you so much
I love you and your family. I wish I knew you and could give you a hug. I have two kids on the spectrum. It’s SO hard, girl. SO hard. No one should down play these struggles.
I know how you feel because people tell me are you OK because my 4 year old son autism. I do want to cry I love my son
I hear you, Stephanie, and many others do, as well. We're so honored that you felt safe enough to finally share your sadness and apprehensions about your daunting life. May I say that you need never be concerned that your energy and skills will ever fail you, as much as you fear they will. That has been my own deepest fear, always: what if I can't keep this level of care up and just get too dammmm tired or impatient to continue? Finally, at age 80, I am content and delighted to know that my love and dedication to my son has been the most fulfilling part if my life. Sounds crazy, but I guarantee you that you will be given all the stamina you need - because the extreme Mother's love and devotion you teem with now, is truly endless. EOL (End of lecture) Gentle hugs from Diane.
Thank you Diane. I don't think they'll need this level of care the rest of their life (or I hope not) like Noah doesn't need constant care and can do some things on his own so that's my hope. Although I know right now it's hopefully temporary, it doesn't make the "right now" less overwhelming
I know this is an old video , but I REALLY needed it. Thank you .
YOU are doing a great job!! You are my fav UA-camr ever. Lol. I can relate. 1 autistic 4 yr old and 6 kids.(2 step kids ). It does get so tuff/So hard. You're families videos are so uplifting. Parents really do feel so isolated. We have had a hard few months bc my son is having a hard time transiting to a new school. Lots of head banging and behavior issues. It's nice to see you put your self out their and show how similar autistic families can be. We are not alone!
Thank you for sharing how you are doing. I have had many times where I felt like I was the only one who was going through meltdowns with our oldest daughter. She could have melt downs that last for over four hours. I had time where I thought I was a bad mom because I couldn't get her the help she needs and the doctors wouldn't listen to me. The waiting list here in New Mexico is over 10 years. That is when I first got my daughter on the waiting list for services. I talk to other mom a few months back and she told me the waiting list is now 18 plus years long before getting services. We are still on the waiting list since 2010. I have also learn that family members don't understand what I go, I ha an Aunt a few years back didn't like that I had to remove my daughter from one room to another so he wouldn't hurt one of my other kids. That aunt has not talk to me since then. I also wanted to say thank you for your channel because of channels like yours and Fathering Autism I learned that my daughter does have autism. Thank you again for opening up on how you guys are doing.
As a mama to an asd 4 year old I know your struggles around sleep. My kiddo doesn't react to melatonin at all it actually gives him severe night terrors. We've tried everything for sleep and we found something called 'natural calm' and it works wonders. its the only thing we've used around sleep that actually works to let him get 10+ hours of sleep a night. You can find it pretty easily on amazon or any health food stores.
I also understand your struggle with comparing your kiddos to neurotypical kids their age. I've been doing that a lot lately and its been killing me inside. My asd 4 yr old is at the age of about an 18 month old developmentally and it was so hard to see that my younger kiddo has surpassed him developmentally at 14 months old already. I try not to compare them but its so hard not too sometimes. But I honestly haven't been told i've been doing a great job lately so thank you! I needed to hear that this week for sure.
You said "the strong mom my editing portrays". No matter what you're feeling or if you're not okay you ARE that strong mom. Stay strong, you're doing everything right 💜
She is strong and patient!
Thank you for continuosly being transparent. Much love to you and your family. Danielle is gorgeous! Loved the project!