Most Watched Mild/Severe Autism Channel

Summary

This heartwarming video shares the journey of a family with five children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum. The family, after a near-death experience, sold their home and embarked on an adventure to visit all the U.S. National Parks in an RV. The video highlights the unique experiences of their children, including Simon, who has level one autism, and Ezra, who has level three autism. The parents emphasize the importance of embracing their children's autism and creating an environment where their abilities can thrive. The family also offers coaching for other families on similar journeys, aiming to find joy in the autism experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 The family has five children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum, including Simon (level 1 autism) and Ezra (level 3 autism).
• 😀 The family embarked on a life-changing adventure, selling their home and traveling across the U.S. in an RV, visiting national parks with their children.
• 😀 Simon, the youngest, enjoys playing with cars and often smiles for strangers who take his picture at national parks.
• 😀 Ezra, despite having non-verbal autism and ADHD, loves cords and the outdoors, and shows great joy in nature, such as at the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
• 😀 The family believes that a diagnosis should not define a child's future and encourages inclusive adventures for all their kids.
• 😀 Marie, their 11-year-old daughter, is a helpful big sister who enjoys riddles, trying new foods, and singing Simon to sleep.
• 😀 Benson, the 13-year-old, is an adventurous teenager who loves parkour and taking risks, including making backflips at national parks.
• 😀 Mark, the 14-year-old, is mature for his age, knowledgeable about global history, and provides educational facts during their travels.
• 😀 The family shares their journey with others, hoping to build a community that offers support, understanding, and knowledge for families dealing with autism.
• 😀 The family is launching coaching programs to offer one-on-one support for families, helping them navigate their own unique autism journeys with joy and progress.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the family featured in the video?

The family focuses on raising their five children, including two who are on the autism spectrum, while sharing their experiences traveling to national parks and embracing the challenges and joys of autism in their daily lives.

How old is Simon, and what is his diagnosis?

Simon is three years old and has level one autism, with no intellectual delay. He loves cars and enjoys various activities, including interacting with animals.

What are some of the challenges the family faces while traveling with two children on the spectrum?

The family struggles with taking all their kids on trips, especially considering the specific needs of Simon and Ezra. They worry about how the children will manage each experience but are often surprised by their resilience.

How does Ezra communicate, and what are some of his interests?

Ezra is non-verbal, has ADHD, and a praxia of speech, but he communicates using an iPad. He loves cords, spinning, and outdoor activities like hiking, often snuggling with his family while holding a cord.

What was significant about the family’s visit to the Great Sand Dunes National Park?

At the Great Sand Dunes National Park, Ezra had a magical experience with the wind and sand, showing how he enjoyed the sensory aspects of the environment, while the rest of the family made mistakes and faced challenges.

How does the family approach their children's autism diagnoses?

The family chooses not to let the autism diagnoses define their children's destinies. Instead, they involve all of their kids in their adventures and focus on celebrating their strengths.

How does Marie contribute to the family dynamic?

Marie, the 11-year-old, is a brave and helpful sister who loves to assist her younger brothers. She enjoys telling riddles, trying new foods, and singing Simon to sleep.

What role does Benson play in the family’s adventures?

Benson, the 13-year-old, loves parkour and living life on the edge. He is featured in the family’s adventures, such as Angel's Landing, and enjoys challenges like backflips.

What is Mark’s role in the family, and what is one of his key interests?

Mark, the 14-year-old, is the most mature in the family. He enjoys collecting coins and banknotes from around the world and is knowledgeable about the history and facts related to the national parks they visit.

What are the family’s plans for the future regarding autism support?

The family is planning to open coaching programs to offer one-on-one support for families dealing with autism, aiming to help others find joy in their autism journeys and progress in their children's autonomy.