Three Videos That Changed My Life
When my son was diagnosed with autism I spent hours, days, maybe even months, scouring the internet for information about autism. I wanted to know everything. I wanted to know the best diets, therapies, tactics and resources. This was the business side of me. I knew we needed help and I was going to find it. That part was relatively easy. The help is out there…you just have to find it.
But as a mom, I also wanted to find stories of hope. I wanted to find out what autism really looked like in other families. I wanted to learn about sibling relationships. I wanted to hear from other moms who had done this before me. But most of all, I wanted to find out if this was going to be okay.
Let me tell you a secret though. Once I found them, the videos about severe autism scared me. My heart couldn’t go there yet. I had this beautiful little three year old. He was smart and funny and cute. I couldn’t believe there was a universe where he never spoke to me. I wasn’t ready to see the reality yet.
A few years ago I was ready for reality. These are the three videos that have helped me most throughout my journey as the parent to an autistic child. Grab a tissue and watch. All three are incredibly emotional and lovely. These videos gave me hope, a dose of reality and a sense of community. Enjoy.
What It Means To Be A Special Needs Mom
This video is my absolute favorite of all time. I watch it at least once a month. It’s even bookmarked on my cell phone and my personal computer. Never has another human on this earth summed up my feelings more accurately. You nailed it Kristi. Thank you for being a beacon of honesty and hope for so many moms. Take a listen as Kristi Rieger Campbell reads, “What It Means To Be A Special Needs Mom.” Follow Kristi’s journey at www.findingninee.com. Her blog is wonderful.
What It’s Like To Have A Brother With Autism
This video was created by Spencer Timme and was originally shared in 2013. This video helped me more than I can ever put into words. Spencer filmed this video with his brother who has autism. His message: ‘Hey guys, here is a short video I made about what it is like for me to have an older brother with autism, I hope you enjoy it and see how blessed I am to have Mitchel as my brother. I love him to death and I want everyone to see how awesome our bond is!’
On Autism and Disability: Bill and Chris Davis
This is the one that was hardest for me to watch. I remember I watched it, sobbed, and told myself that would never be my son. My son was different. We were different. I want you to know that came from a place of fear. I was a mom with a newly diagnosed son. After a few years I watched this video again and I fell in love with every second of it. The love that the father has for his son. There is nothing greater. I only hope I can be half the parent that this man is. He fought and never gave up. He is my inspiration. Read more about their journey HERE.
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Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.
