Take a few minutes...

I had NO idea!!! None! I just didn't realize...I am not even sure what to say. Thank you for opening my eyes to autism. I had little knowledge of it, only what I have seen in movies, and we all know how realible that can be...next time I am in Target and I hear a screaming child, my first thought will be one of compassion and understanding, and not one of judgement. My heart goes out to you and your husband and all the other mothers and fathers that go through this everyday, not out of pity, but as a mother...God bless you and your husband and all the other mothers and fathers who deal with autism everyday. May He contiue to give you strength and endurance, and peace when you need it.

YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE! Thankyou for sharing this informative video. God bless you and all the other families who deal with autism everyday. It's the little things like this that will EDUCATE others.

Wow. That was a powerful video. Thank you for posting a link to it, Ali. I admit that I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to autism and seeing that video really helped to educate me in a lot of ways. My heart broke for those parents and their children. I admired their strength and as a parent now, I can see how even though it is so hard on a daily basis, how you just can't give up on your child no matter what. I loved it when that one Mom said that her son is the best teacher she's ever known. Love their attitudes. I hope one day we can cure autism and help prevent it. Thanks again for helping to shed some light on this horrible thing called autism. I think you are an amazing person. I don't think that because your scrapbook pages are out of this world and because you're so cool and creative (even though you ARE ALL of those), what really is awesome about you is how you've taken your celebrity status and helped educate a lot of people about autism. I think it's so wonderful how you are taking your blessings and sharing them. You are doing so much good and that is awesome. Thank you. From one mother to another - thank you, Ali.

There was an article in the Southwest Airlines magazine last month on autism and a facility in San Francisco that specializeds in autism--developed by a couple of dads of children with autism. Don't know if you read/heard about it or not? You might find it interesting.

Thank you so much for sharing that heartbreaking video. It does a wonderful job of giving us a momentary glimpse at how incredibly hard it must be. Heartbreaking is the only word for it. I've been reading Evidence of Harm as part of my research into whether to delay Will's vaccinations, and the more I learn about autism, the more my heart reaches out to all the families touched by it.

Hi Ali, love your approach to scrapbooking and have been following your blog for a while. My friend and I are spending an afternoon scrapping which includes devouring the latest issue of CK. I keep seeing the use of a White Sandford Uniball pen but cannot find it anywhere. Any ideas? Thanks so much, Anna

Wow, Ali.
When I could not get through the video,I realized that you are a very brave young woman. My heart goes out to you.

Thanks for sharing. I work in an organization that supports people with developmental disabilities. I forwarded the link to several people and have heard nothing but thanks. Many people do not understand the constant battle.
Keep up your spirit. You are making a difference.

Thank you for opening my eyes to something I didn't know much about and now I have seen it, it is something I will not forget :)

Thank you for sharing the video. You have had an impact on at least one life today. I work with a woman, and all three of her children are on the spectrum. While I thought I understood what her life was like, this video showed me that I really have no idea. I don't know how she does it, and I hope I can be more understanding and more supportive because of the new knowledge you've given me. May God bless you and your family, Ali. You are doing a wonderful thing getting this message out.

Wow, I've been hearing about that video all week and only just now had a chance to watch it. It hit disturbingly close to home and really is the best inside look at what it's like to live with a child with autism that I've seen. And it only took about 30 seconds for it to get me crying!
Thanks for posting this!

Fabulous! Thank you, Ali, so very much for sharing that video. Wishing you continued success with Simon!

Ali, what a great video! I'm a teacher of Autism Spectrum kids and I am constantly challenged and enlightened by these kids. Thanks for sharing this video. It really gives everybody a good peek into the life of AUT families -- and I hope makes everyone think twice before they make a comment or give someone a dirty look.....until you walk in their shoes.....
I haven't met a single person on the planet who couldn't use a little less judgement -- and a little more help -- in their life.
thanks for sharing, JIW

Ali,Ali,Ali...... After watching the video I sit here with tears rolling down my face, and cold chills all over my arms. You invite us(fellow scrapbookers) into your daily life through your work. I have read your book, every article, and follow your blog daily. By observing these, I thought I was in tune with you and your family. But after watching that video I have now seen only 13 minutes of your daily routine. I cannot even imagine the questions and fears you and Chris have faced. You are doing the right thing by trying to make a difference, and informing yourself and others. You are a leader, and I'm sure that your voice will be heard. Simon is blessed by having you as his mama. I only wish I could offer more than praise to you.... a listening ear, some babysitting, answers? Thanks for sharing, my heart and prayers go to you and your family.

WOW! Ali I had no idea. thank you for opening my eyes...my heart breaks for these children and their families...

Ali, I'm finding your blog so helpfull in understanding my friend Louise's journey with her son Sam. I visit time and again not only to catch up on you scrapbooking but more for the wonderful inspirations and messages you have on Autism . Thank you for sharing with us.

I have a serious issue with that film. It seems one sided. It is good if they use that for propaganda for getting more money from supporters, but it shows that autism is such a hardship. That our children have nothing good to offer. And having that mom say that she thought about murder WHILE her child was in the room was just awful! Her duaghter probably understand a heck of a lot more than she gives her credit for.

Can you help us get the word out?:
Musicians Perform in Oregon to Benefit Autism Group
The Breedlove Guitar Company and the Tower Theatre Foundation Team up
for a Magical Evening of Music to Benefit Oregon Autism Group
The Breedlove Acoustic Fest 2006 will present some of the best acoustic
musicians on the planet on August 9th at 7:00 pm in a concert event
benefiting children with autism and their families. The event will be held
at the Tower Theatre in beautiful downtown Bend, Oregon. The evening will
feature Ed Gerhard, Brad Davis, Tim May and Special guest Randy Scruggs.
Each Artist, and their unique guitar and vocal styles, will be featured.
All proceeds will benefit the Central Oregon Autism Resource Group,
which will have staff members on hand to pass out flyers and answer
questions. Judy Lynne, author of Autism: Heartfelt Thoughts From Mothers
(http://www.autismthoughts.com), will give a short presentation preceding
the musical performances. The latest statistics from the Oregon Department
of Education are that 1 in 98 Oregon children have autism. If autism goes
up another 22% this next year as predicted, 1 in every 80 children in
Oregon will have autism . Oregon has the highest rate of autism in the
United States. The national average is a diagnosis of autism in 1 in every
166 children.
Breedlove has pulled together these musicians from all over the country
to participate in the Breedlove Extraordinary Experience (August 10-13).
Adding the benefit concert was a way to allow the local community a chance
to hear these talented musicians perform and, at the same time, contribute
to a great cause.
Doors open at 6:00 P.M. Music starts at 7:00 P.M. Tickets are $25.00
and can be purchased online at http://www.towertheatre.org/. Other
Sponsors are KSJJ and Suntrack Sound and Flatpicking Guitar Magazine.
Even if you can’t make it to the show, you Can Help Support this
wonderful cause by purchasing a ticket to the show for a child with autism
or their family members. Email dan@flatpick.com (subject: Autism) to find
out how.
For more information, contact:
Steven Tate, Breedlove Guitar Company, 541-385-8339
541-385-8183 fax, 877-800-4848
steven@breedloveguitars.com

Ali thanx so much for this movie! As a mother with a child on the spectrum, I've had a rough day and I needed the encouragement! This movie helped me cry and get it out!!

Ali-
My name is Michelle Webb, I have three sons, one of whom has recently been diagnosed with PDD-NOS (on the spectrum). I am also a graphic designer by trade-recently renewed with enthusiasm my purpose and passion for scrapbooking. I wanted to say thank you for your inspiration, warmth and wisdom in all the above arenas. You are a gift, you have a gift and it is a blessing that you share it!
Michelle