Autism Q&A | Potty Training, Church, Diagnosis, and More 

Great video! You can see by watching your videos how much Nate has grown. You’re doing such a wonderful job

We potty trained our son with the help of his ABA therapist around 3 years old with the help of the potty alarm (that’s usually used for night time). We never really used it at night for him. It really helped to train him to stop himself when the alarm would sound (and also vibrate) and even though it took longer than his twin sister (who potty trained in 3 days at 2 1/2), I was overall pleased with the process. He wasn’t able to go to the 3 year old class at school in August with his sister partly because he wasn’t fully potty trained, but spent the first semester doing the 3 year old work with his BCBA in the 2 year old classroom while she continued to work with him on his potty training. In January for the second semester, he was able to transition into the 3 year old room. We were allowed to put him in PK4, with the one to one of his BCBA or a tech, but only really because we were on the waiting list for an autism center and I work at the school in the front office (it’s a small Baptist school). He got into the program in February of his PK4 year, so that’s when he left our school and was at the autism center until he needed to enter 1st grade in the public school system. He’s in 2nd grade now and unfortunately we’re having issues with getting the right supports for him at school. We have an advocate joining our IEP meeting this Tuesday, so hopefully it goes well.

Autism awareness month

Excellent video! You communicated your experience so well! Love you❣️

Thank you so much for sharing this! 💙💙Light it blue today and always💙💙

Jess! I’m so grateful that you did this Collab! I’m riveted by your Q&A! Much love mama, I look forward to getting to talk with you more!

I am 31 with Autism. I went to a special education school, a special education college program for students with disabilities. I am in a day program for adults with Autism. I am doing my day program virtually. I am thriving. I am getting the services I need. One of my staff members has Autism like the clients do. She has been the one who has really helped me since she understands how to help me. I am really grateful for the love and support of my synagogue. They have been there for me. They love me. They have known me almost my whole life. They have always accepted me. I love my synagogue!

We go to a big church and they have a special needs room as well. Whenever I have to go to my school’s church for anything, it’s always a struggle. Just a few weeks ago my daughter had a little performance at their church and I spent half the service in the car with him. He barely made it through her performance. It’s always a struggle. Just yesterday my daughter had a cheer competition in Biloxi and my husband had to sit in the car with him until right before she was set to perform. Then he came in and had to chase him around the back for the 15 minutes they were in the competition. He then ended up back in the car until awards were over and we could go. 😩

I love how Lucy loves to help you Jess I think she’ll make a great mommy when she grows up

You have the purest heart God has blessed all who know you. ❤️

I have a question. Why can't Nate tell you if something is wrong? I don't know a lot about Autism. Is it because maybe he doesn't understand what is wrong himself so he can't tell you?

Nate is such an adorable young man and he’s very lucky to have such a wonderful supportive family. In the few years I’ve been able to get to know you, I’ve watched how much Nate has grown. I’m grateful to have you as someone I can share our autism life with. Wonderful video :-) 💙

Hi Angel girl and everyone else 😇 I'm the first one here!!! Woohoo!!! God bless you and your family. Have a great weekend 😇 love you guys

Angel girl, God knew that you and David would be the right kind of parents for Nate!!! You are blessed to be his mom and dad. God bless you and your family

My older daughter who is 9 years old now has low spectrum Autism still has issue if she wet down there and has to change her underwear.

Thank you for sharing your sweet boy with us

Hi Jess. Lucy seems to be very good with Nate and he seems to have a special bond with her. I think she is a big force in keeping Nate centered. She is also so good with Mark. You have a great little helper there for all your boys! Hugs and blessings.

My son was diagnosed mild-moderate. My friends son was diagnosed with Asperger’s back when they labeled high functioning kids that way, but now I think it’s only a mild, moderate, or severe scale. I don’t really stress over or think on the scale or where he falls.

Thank you so much for sharing your heart for Nate and Autism Jess!! Although I cant relate to this I have learned so much from you in this area!!! I know you are a blessing and an encouragement to so many!! Nate is perfect and a child of the Most High God!!! A super smart, funny and sweet boy!!! And he has come so far and will go even farther 10 years from now!! You are an amazing mom with a tender heart!! Nate is blessed to have you as his mama!!! Love you guys so much!!!!

Nate is an amazing boy and he is very blessed to have you as his mom XOXO

The potty training stuff has hit me hard. I've been trying for 2 years on and off with my son. He's 4 and still in nappies/pull ups. He sits on the toilet, wipes and flushes but don't understand what to make his body do. Please please do I whole video

I’m so proud of Nate he has came so far I love seeing him grow up I see him as a kid much love from my house to yours 💕

I've been here since Lucy was in prek (I think) and it's been amazing to see how far Nate has come. I am so proud of him

Great video

They used level 2 not necessarily mild or moderate with us. Took 6 months to get in for the evaluation 3 years ago. My son always changes his underwear and he can not stand for them to have a wet spot.

As a disability advocate in the image of god was brought up as dignity

Is nate in a inclusive classroon at school