Take a few minutes...

Hello Ali,
I have been a fan of your fabulous "life art" and a reader/lurker for some time, but your inspirational posts the last several days have led me to comment for the first time. I am so moved at your amazing perspective on life, art and raising your son. He is so lucky that someone like you (and your husband) "have his back." Thanks for your continued inspiration.

Ali--Thank you. You are such a brave, brave, amazing, inspiration. I'm so greatful to come here every day--to read about your art, your creating and about autism. I am learning so much because of you, and I'm profoundly greatful.

Hi Ali..
Thanks so much for sharing your story. As a teacher of kids with autism, it gives me a different perspective...one that my "parents" are going through versus my teacher aspect. Thanks. I also love that book...read it years ago when I first started teaching. Powerful.

Oh Ali...thank you for sharing this video with us. My son, Porter, is almost 2 years old and just had some Speech Therapy (past 5 months for oral motor feeding). He was diagnosed with FTT (Failure to Thrive) then came Disacharide Deficiency after many, many tests for months. They still have no concrete diagnosis with him....yet. His GI doctor even said he thinks Porter could very well have a syndrome all of his own.
Now...comes the other therapies (OT/PT) along with diagnosis from them and expert opinions. Today the intake worker mentioned special education and how Porter can qualify...my heart stopped for a moment. It never hit me that he'd need that...kwim?
I worked in the developmental disabilities field for years, so I understood her...I just never thought I'd hear it for my own child. I am a bit nervous. He shows a few 'signs' of different behaviors, but overall he is learning and slowly growing, and he is basically a happy child...so I just give him love and support and wait to see what the experts say.
I just really felt for these women on the video. My life since Porter has been born has been mainly focused on him....and I have 3 other children at home (18, 8 and almost 5)and a lost 21 year old daughter to drugs. Life has not been a bag of donuts...but it's our life and we're blessed to have what and who we have in it.
Sending warm hugs, understanding, and love to you, Chris, and Simon.....and the many other families who struggle daily with children with special needs. Thanks for always keeping us aware and in tune.
Hugs-Peg Graham and family

amazing, unbelievable, i am so thankful that you have brought this information, this video to my attention. i am sending this link to my mom's group. i think this is something everyone needs to see, b/c, unfortunately, there is so much misunderstood. so much disconnect and misinformation. that's gotta change & i think these moms & their stories can be a little (& powerful, & strong & beautiful!!)bridge over the gap.

Thanks Ali for that powerful and touching video. It's good to hear the other stories - reminds me that I am not alone in this crazy world that autism has brought to my family. I so love your uplifting and encouraging messages. Celebrate the everyday - that's soooooooooooo true. I still remember one of my most memorable days in my life - Feb 28, 2004 was the fist time my Vince told me he loved me. He was almost 4 years old. I had been waiting 4 years to hear those magical words and it was so worth the wait. It makes me smile that Simon is so loved by you and Chris. God Bless.
Jenny

That video was wonderful for someone like me to watch, I don't have children but I feel like I have been one of those people that have said,"Why can't they take care of their child, why is the child screaming?", I never knew how bad it could get, and for that I am sorry, that video brought me tears when one of the woman said she was contemplating driving off a bridge with her child in the car, rather than make them go to school. My heart was broken. I now want to learn as much as I can, because maybe one day I will be able to help a family or a child because I have some knowledge, you never know. Thank you Ali, for opening my eyes!

Hi Ali,
Thank you for sharing this touching and insightful video. I have a child with Type 1 Diabetes, caring for him is a walk in the park compared to living with Autism every day, but I can relate to the Every Day concept. There are no days off from Diabetes either. The relentlessness can sometimes feel overwhelming. In fact my son(Harry - 9yo) was in hospital earlier this week because of a life threatening complication of his disease. He's fine now.
Anyway I just wanted to let you know how much I admire you. I read your blog daily and it sounds like you are doing such a wonderful job with Simon. Keep the faith!

What a powerful message that video had. It truly helped me to understand autism better. You are such an inspiration. Thanks for all you do!

Is there an organization out there to match up some of us "empty nester volunteers" with some of these young moms who are so overwhelmed? If not we need to start one up. This is what the Leo Buscaglia quote was all about.

Ali - Thank you once again for getting the word out. I do not have children of my own (yet) but watched the video anyway - to learn more. Thank you again for educating! Just like another person said - the steps that you let us know about that Simon has reached just make it all that more meaningful! You rock!

Thank you. I've finished reading the last few posts with tears in my eyes. So many of your comments apply to most little boys, but others remind us your family is on a special adventure. Thank you for sharing it all with the world, and educating us as you go along.

i was touched by the video. as someone who used to work with kids with autism, i knew the signs and behaviors. what touched me most is the story of the parents behind the children. over and over i heard the parents on the video talk about judgement... judgement from other parents of typically developing children. and the worry -- about their children in overcrowded schools, the cost of their therapy, about their children one day being self-sufficient...
thanks for sharing this video. i hope everyone takes a moment to watch it.

I took a moment to watch the video. I now understand much more. Thanks for sharing.

Your post from yesterday about our message...WONDERFUL! I love that you are always inspiring me to think (and rethink) about the important things in life.
I. am. a. life. artist.
I haven't watched the video yet but will I get a moment to myself.

thanks so much ali - i'm bookmarking everything and adding that book to my amazon wish list!! i may check to see if its at my library just to check it out faster. I havent watched the video yet - getting ready for a playdate (yay!) but hopefully later today. thanks for all you do for autism!

Ali,
Thanks for sharing the video. It gave me insight into a world that I know little about. I have read "Slant of the Sun" and agree that it is a wonderful, beautiful book.
What inspires me about the video and the book is how deeply parents love their kids--imperfect and tiring and sad. There is always love. That's a good lesson for life.
HMBalison

Ali, thank you so much for your inspiration! I don't even know if you understand how much you affect people's lives. I come here for encouragement...all the time! I read your posts and I just love ALL YOUR MESSAGES! Inspiring and incredible doesn't even come close to what you write. I'm going through a very difficult time in my life and my journey has changed dramatically. I have found myself a 30-year old single mama to a very spirited 3 year old little boy.
I'm trying to focus on my message to Jackson, but sometimes it becomes muddled in all the mess we are going through. But, then I come here and it's calm here. Peaceful. Just the way I need my life to be.
I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for touching my life.

Thanks for the book reccommendation, Ali.

Thank you for opening my eyes Ali!
peace