Comments on: Autism is Closer to Home: Ad Council, Autism Speaks Launch New Awareness Ads

By: Marina

Marina — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 19:46:33 +0000

I feel the Same way Kourt my son laughs occasionally and also echolal but I feel blessed too. I strugle sometimes with one autistic child i can only imagine two

By: Jenn

Jenn — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 01:41:28 +0000

I just saw the commercial for the first time…Danny, I am so proud of you for being a part of such a great cause. What an amazing opportunity!

By: makeeda ford

makeeda ford — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 03:26:56 +0000

College Living for Students with Learning Disabilities, Executive functioning Deficits, Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Autism, Aspergers, and PDD-NOS)

Body

For students with special needs, life after high school is full of possibilities, including college.

Finding the right college program for students with autism spectrum disorders, Asperger’s, nonverbal learning disorder, ADD/ADHD and other learning disabilities is vital for a college student’s transition into independent adulthood. The right program should provide support for each student’s unique needs and goals.

With the help of New Directions, young adults with learning disabilities are experiencing independence for the first time in their lives. Some of our clients pursue collegiate endeavors and some pursue vocational training/tracks. New Directions helps students attend universities, community colleges, and technical and vocational schools.

For more information, go to http://www.newdirectionsfya.com/ (this link goes outside odesk.com) (this link goes outside odesk.com) or call 954-571-5102 to contact Dr. Drew Rubin, Ph.D.

By: Christine G.

Christine G. — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:21:22 +0000

I would like to see more TV programs that explain autism. Many people say people with autism are “retarded”. They just don’t get it!

By: Angela

Angela — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 15:56:08 +0000

I was really glad to see an ad talking about autism. However, there really wasn’t muck talking about autism in this ad. We are the parents of a 14 year old boy who has autism. I’m sure there is a time frame for the ad but it would have been nice to really SHOW or even break-down some of the noticable symptoms of autism. What I mean is: our son as well as most others “Look Like Normal Individuals”. In the ad so did the little boy. There are people still out there that have no idea what or how a child/teen/or adult ACT LIKE with Autism. If there were….I wouldn’t have to keep encountering people out in public who have been outspoken/rude before I HAVE to INFORM them that our son has autism. I do run into understanding people too, but there is still an obvious lack of AD Awareness. Regardless I am grateful for Autism Speaks for putting this Ad together; I just ask that if possible in the HOPEFULLY next Autism Ad that it will really bring the watcher into a more intimant view regarding to an autistics unusal behaviors and maybe even how it affects the parents/families. Watching eagerly for the next Ad Autism Speaks. Thanks for speaking out for us and other families like ours. God Bless!

By: Lanette Poteat

Lanette Poteat — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 23:29:12 +0000

Thanks, this is fantasitc.

By: Cindy Pershinsky

Cindy Pershinsky — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 22:44:15 +0000

I’m sorry to see your comment about your son’s group home. My 24 year old daughter and 6 of her friends are in a terrific group home. The parents (my friends) make a point of being very involved in their lives. We visit weekly and bring her home for weekends very often 2 to 3 weekends a month. She can be home for 8 nights a month. Make a point of becoming more involved and NEVER give up your guardian rights. Much luck to you and your son!!!!!
Cindy

By: Karriesa

Karriesa — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 22:00:16 +0000

I shadowed a boy with Autism this past year at his school. He is such a wonderful child and I loved spending my time with him. He also happens to be my nephew. Now, I babysit for a friend and I believe his son may be on the spectrum. Unfortunately, NEITHER of the parents are willing to even discuss this possibility. I am working to be a teacher (in college for it) and I plan to specialize in Special Ed so that these kids WILL have a teacher who cares and knows how to work with these kids. They deserve the best just like the rest!

By: Andrea Payne

Andrea Payne — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:57:55 +0000

Our son will be ten next month. We’ve always told him (obviously not with this many words at one time) that Autism means his brain works differently. Because of our beliefs, we also tell him that God gives each person EXACTLY what they need to fulfill their very special purpose in life which is His Plan. When he’s being looked at, I quietly remind him (ok – sometimes it’s a little louder on purpose, but still a whisper)that even though God made his brain very special, He didn’t stamp his forehead with a bright red AUTISM so people who don’t know him – don’t know and expect him to act like most kids as big as he is act.

Or – when a stranger has been so “helpful” as to point out anything, I put my body as a shield around him (I get as close as I can without him flinching) and quietly remind him that he isn’t doing anything wrong, and depending on the situation I either leave it at that or give him some other concrete way to adjust his behavior.

By: Andrea Payne

Andrea Payne — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:43:59 +0000

First, I’d like to thank you for your awareness that it really takes being “empowered”, then figuring out where they are (especially since they are so different in the school setting and it’s hard for us parents to be empowered when we are so clueless to the stressors and triggers), and FINALLY determining what you need to do to even make one step. Until this year, I was really as much of a help as a hinderance. When my youngest started school this year, I began volunteering with some children in a different grade than mine. What an eye opener! And Second, please feel free to send me an email (andi30312@aol.com) if there is ever any way I can help you with my ‘both sides of the fence’ view! :)

By: Kourt

Kourt — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:40:13 +0000

I have two kids one boy one girl Twins… It’s so strange how people view Autism.. The education system in utah is horrible for these kiddo’s and the 4 private school’s spread threw utah isnt enough Three year or more waiting list while there is hardlly any support here for Autism!

By: Kourt

Kourt — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:37:04 +0000

I know ezactly how you feel… My son flaps his hands and laughs out loud i think it is so cute… I wish i could laugh all day like him. Everyone stars at him like he is on drugs… My daughter has echolal and she does not get much looks but, they think she is crazy or wierd the way she talks i had one lady told me it scared her. I no longer judge when i got these kiddo’s i keep my eyes so open to everyone and there needs. It is so sad.. God gave me these kiddo’s for a reason i feel very blessed.

By: Cari Erven

Cari Erven — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 14:03:37 +0000

Thank you for continuing to fight the fight. My 10 year old son, Kenton has Aspergers Autism. One thing about Autism that is difficult is that there is no certain look that says “Hey I am different…I have Autism..so please don’t judge me” Kenton looks like any other 10 year old little boy. But inside he is anything but “normal”. It is a daily struggle for him and his entire family. Just last night he cried out “I hate my Autism Aspergers…why can’t it stop?” How do you answer that? We just love him unconditionally and make sure he knows he is always safe and alright at home. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for continuing on this journey. We are praying for a cure someday!

By: Andrea Payne

Andrea Payne — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 10:55:36 +0000

I BELIEVE. That’s where I stop… and where I start again. As I watched the video, AWESOME!!! BY THE WAY, I cried… I cried because I BELIEVE. Now – when I say I BELIEVE it’s about my relationship with Christ… but it applies here too! I believe that there will come a day when we won’t be forced to attempt to educate everyone around us ABOUT THE NATURE OF AUTISM as opposed to what our child with Autism needs… I believe that there will come a day that people won’t give me those stares as my 120 pound almost ten year old alternates between horse galloping through the store (you’d better hope your not the one in his path) or sitting down and refusing to move… I believe there will come a day when saying the word “Autism” in a physician’s office won’t be like dropping the flaming “A” into the room – entire buildings are evacuated!!!! I believe there will come a day when these wonderfully meaningful and effective ads will change just as the man on the video did… they will become closer and closer to home (to each of our homes)and closer and closer to the point where the part at the end won’t be SO NECESSARY, to learn the signs.. visit: AutismSpeaks.org… But for now… for now… I BELIEVE…

With faith, it’s about believing in what you can not see. It’s blind. It’s stepping off a cliff that you don’t see the bottom of and KNOWING you will be stepping onto the hand of Jesus – so even if you fall – you’re safe.

With Autism, you have to see it to believe it. And most people – even some of the best teachers, and smartest individuals – can’t see it. The good news though, my fine AUTISTICIZED parent friends… is most of them – WANT TO SEE IT!! The BEST news is that once you SEE Autism – you can SEE IT. The bad news, is there are more of them out there who are way further away from being READY to even believe it’s real – much less to SEE it, and then believe in it… and the worst news is that there are those – even some physicians – who have taken a stance against the public – or even ONE PARENT – believing in it too. And so…

I BELIEVE.

By: Dr. ISpeakAutism

Dr. ISpeakAutism — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 04:43:41 +0000

I do not have Autism..I am not a parent of a child with Autism….but I have a great interest in working with children with Autism and therefore, I speak Autism. In reading through everyone’s comments, my heart is warmed to see so many people “in the trenches” and advocating for education and awareness of the disorder. Although we can’t pinpoint exactly WHY there has been an increase in the incidences, I would like to encourage you all to continue to educate yourselves, and the people with whom you interact, as champions for your children. They desperately need you, more than they need it from anyone else. And to that end, I will say, I am proud there are so many faithful and spiritual believers on this message board. I once told a friend, who parents a child with Autism, and the same goes for you all “God gave these children to you, specifically. You were hand-picked by Him, because He knew you would be able to provide them with the unconditional love, support, and understanding that they would need throughout their lives.” So keep doing what you’re doing, and keep the faith!!

By: Maria

Maria — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 02:16:33 +0000

I Agree with you, after i decide to try the Isotonix for chidren in the Spectrum, my son is getting better day by day. We are so Happy to see he coming aout of his World that is hardy to believe. The Isotonix is natural,has Ezimes, Vitaminas, anti-oxidante wich heps digest gluten and casein. He start to talk and do all the things that ask him to do, sometimes i don’t use his PECS, he looks more, he comes when i called him.The only probaly is very expensicve, so decide to became e retail, so i can by ate low cost, but it is best thing that cross ours lives.

By: Lillie

Lillie — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 23:25:11 +0000

I still struggle with the diagnoses of my twin boys, but to them, autism is just something that makes them more special. I am blessed by my children and the were meant to be apart of this world… but, if I could give back their diagnoses, I would. As a parent the thought of them having fulfilling and successful lives is a struggle I face daily. Knowledge & education is vital. This PSA also brought me to tears, but it reminds me how urgent it is to get the information out there. Many blessings to all of the other families facing these difficult challenges- remember “God makes no mistakes!”

By: Susan Kilmurray

Susan Kilmurray — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:41:38 +0000

My grandaughter is autistic, her name is Jenna and the man in this PSA is her cousin. We’re very happy and thankful to all who work so hard to help and to Danny.

By: Amy Turner-Iannacci

Amy Turner-Iannacci — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:12:07 +0000

Excellent! Keep up the great work you are doing! Education and dialogue will bring positive changes for the autism community…we can change the future!

By: Melissa Furtado

Melissa Furtado — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:10:51 +0000

I love the information provided by the website and the way that it is presented, very informative and well designed. The new commercial is great! keep up the good work and may we accoplish our goals, everyone of them! God Bless

By: rebecca

rebecca — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:01:19 +0000

great commercial! lets keep getting the word out! my 16 yr old is high functioning asperges.

By: Robin Gershaw

Robin Gershaw — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:24:29 +0000

I am so honored that my son, Dan (the younger actor), was part of this ad campaign. Our niece is on the autism spectrum. I still have tears running down my face after watching this. More people need to be aware that this is so prevalent in our society and to be compassionate to those around us. Thank you for doing such an amazing job of bring this into the light. God Bless You.

By: Theresa

Theresa — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:13:30 +0000

I enjoyed it, although I thought it was a bit fast. I had to watch it a second time to match the audio and visual. (Perhaps this I’ve got my own disability) Continuing with the thought that Kourt had….how about a PSA reminding the public and politicians, that this is not a fatal disease, it is a spectrum disorder – all these autistic children will eventually become autistic adults.

By: Jane

Jane — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:48:31 +0000

I hope to see this ad soon and often. I my son has autism and I wear it on my sleeve. It is one of the most important things I feel I can do for my son, and others children with autism. I thank you for your efforts from the bottom of my heart.

By: Jesus Lopez

Jesus Lopez — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:06:23 +0000

Exactly our case (2 kids) … and exactly as I feel about the lack of education to professionals, and even worst, that lack of attention by general population.

By: Kourt

Kourt — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:51:04 +0000

Great Job! I cried… Not just tears of saddness but tears of hope… I am blessed i have my two children with Autism. It has taught me so much about me and life. But, one of your worst fear is what happens when they become an adult… We just need too take action from begining to end for these people..

By: Diana Yeisley

Diana Yeisley — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:23:41 +0000

LOVE the new PSA!!!! Great job AS….. it speaks volumes

By: Peggy

Peggy — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:52:00 +0000

I have posted it to my Facebook! Great awareness! Thanks for all you do!

By: Tina Monson

Tina Monson — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:57:42 +0000

My son is in a group home. I wish i would have never listened to the state . Now, i will never get him back
Tina

By: Wendy Marshall

Wendy Marshall — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 11:45:14 +0000

Very moving and thought provoking. I wish well with the campaign and am sure this ad will help.