How we knew our daughter had autism (with footage) 

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My nephew has autism. He's 20 years old now and amazing. I started noticing different little things when he was a baby. He was extremely smart. Before he was 12 months if you handed him a book, with no words, upside down he would automatically turn it the right way. By 17 months he had taught himself to read by recognizing letters from cereal names and television titles on the guide. He wouldn't say very many words other than read from certain things. My brother of course would brag about how smart his son was. By 2 years and 6 months he was rearranging the desktop on their computer and laugh when his parents couldn't figure out how to change things back. Still he wouldn't talk. I ask my brother if the pediatrician had said anything to them about the possibility of autism. I was told no because nothing was wrong. But my brother heard me and started researching like you did. He became his son's personal warrior. He worked with the schools and finally homeschooling Elijah himself. Elijah's mother checked out as soon as she thought she had a less than perfect son. I do not understand how she couldn't see that he is more than perfect. By his early teens he was building a computer system for himself. It gets an overhaul whenever he wants more power. He talks to people now but you can not look at him while having a conversation with him. What breaks my heart is he doesn't see how amazing he is. He just wants to be like other people. He still has times when he gets over stimulated and can't handle it any other way but by letting it out. That can be running in the house, squealing, crying... you get the picture. When he laughs I swear the sun shines a little brighter. He has absolutely not a deceptive bone in his body. If you don't want an honest answer about a new haircut, do not ask Elijah. The sad part is he expects everybody to be as honest as he is. Lying doesn't make sense to him. Sorry for writing so much. Wanted to share my amazing nephew with you. God has given you one of His special souls to watch over. It won't always be easy but it is worth it. Listen for the pure heart and true happiness in your gifts laughter.

As an adult woman with autism, it makes me so happy knowing that your daughter will have the support and love she needs from the start. Girls with autism are so often overlooked and just expected to fend for themselves, never truly learning to cope with their challenges. Thank you for sharing 💖

I just ran across your channel today and immediately subscribed! I was a Speech Language Pathologist for 46 years before retirement. I have NEVER known young parents who are this informative. I am SO PROUD OF YOU GUYS!

I was diagnosed with autism when I was 2. I'm now 14. I've had difficulties in the past with communicating with people around me. I didn't understand I have it because I was only a toddler. Now that I'm a teen, I'm getting better with it by focusing on my hobbies and tasks. And you have an amazing daughter. She's the purest.

Mikko is blessed to have amazing parents ❤

You were meant to be Mikko’s parents and thanks for sharing your journey 😊

As a young biracial black autistic women myself, I a very proud that I had found your channel! Your shorts with your daughter are very heart warming and loving. We never see autism often talked about in the black communitites and I am proud to see a black family speak up about there child and not be afraid of it! Continue your amazing journey with your daughter and don't give up!

I’m a paediatric occupational therapist working in Australia. It makes me happy to see that you’re getting all your evaluations and assessments done early. Early intervention is always key. Don’t get too caught up in the chronological age vs developmental age. All children with autism are different and this is Mikko’s journey.

I’m a mom of 3. None of my kids are autistic I just think you guys journey and spirit is so beautiful.

I don't have kids yet. But we are planning on it in the next two years. Its great seeing black partners experience with having a child who as autism. It's refreshing and also, though it probably has its challenging moments, you guys handle it so patiently. Whether my child has autism or not and for being a future parent, there are great teaching moments I pull from you all. So with that, thank you.

You guys are the first couple I’ve seen that really talks about what Autism is and how it affects a person and the characteristics of it. I really appreciate you guys being so open and honest with us. I love what your husband said about how Yes she has Autism but she is just Mikko. She’s just herself. Like we say a person is Autistic so you know how to talk to them and treat them and that they are different but there’s nothing wrong with them. We all have our quirks and ways about us. She is who she is. It’s Okay to be different. None of us are the same. We’re all unique individuals. She’s so lucky to have you two as parents. ♥️♥️

The parallels between your daughter and mine are extraordinary. The non-verbal, food aversion, stimming, tiptoeing.. everything. Mine is fourteen now and we're still chugging along. I had to wait until she was around six for her to finally call me "mommy". But she eventually did and she's speaking fairly well now. Just keep on keeping on. Things will be what they will be.

“It’s a big deal but it’s not” love this…I knew when my non verbal 15 month old girl revealed to me that she was on the spectrum…she is now verbal top of her class and full of life…everyday is a challenge but stronger. We figure out how to make our world adapt to hers. Bless you all for the parenting you are giving her.

This channel is so incredibly valuable for parents of kids of any age.

As an adult person who is neurodivergent, watching your channel is really healing for me. To see you understand your daughter’s behaviour and working with it makes me accept and love myself more. As a child I often felt weird and punished for being similar to her. Thank you so much.

Your calming demeanor and complete acceptance of your baby just warms my heart. You’re incredible. There are no other words. Thank you for sharing your journey! ❤️❤️

You have a great husband. He’s extremely in tune with his daughter. You can tell from the other videos but you can also tell from his explanations here. God bless you guys. ❤️

You guys are like- what family channels should be. I love the gentle and calm vibe you guys have and I love that you're able to talk about your child in not an exploitive way (like I've seen other parents do). It's no drama, just calmly talking about your experiences and I love that.❤️

My daughter’s story is so much like yours she didn’t speak one word until the age of three now she will talk a hole in your head so keep the faith your baby will speak my daughter is 11 years old now and very intelligent. When she was two years old her teacher told Us to read picture books to her every night because she could understand what we were saying so we read the same picture books over and over and one night I pointed out the pictures to read to her and SHE named every picture in the book and that was her first time talking and it shocked the heck out of me. So never stop believing.

They both seem very gentle. Their voices are super gentle and welcoming. No wonder why they have a special, gentle and precious baby. This family seems very wholesome.

I have a 23 year old niece that's autistic. She is very special and I truly love this channel.🙏🏽🥰

Y’all are such a beautiful couple! I wish I had y’all’s channel when my son was younger. I didn’t understand autism and I was raising him alone in the country alone so I fell into depression. He would cry and scream out of frustration that he couldn’t communicate with me and so I would just sit and cry too 😂. He’s 10 now and things have gotten a lot better. He said his first words at 4. Started having conversations at 7 and now he’s in a non ASD classroom! He can read at his grade level but understands up to a second grade level. I have such a huge fear of him getting older and being a black man with a disability in this country. I worry so much about it that I can’t seem to enjoy much of my life in the present. It’s crazy, I know😔. Your channel will help so many people (myself included). We’re all still learning and just trying to do the best for our kids as we can. Can’t wait to see more of your beautiful family!

I absolutely LOVEEE the fact that you two are not in denial and are proactive. Big up Chris for being a solid father and overall human-being. You have to look beyond society’s norms and potential bullies in order to help your child. I love your family and may GOD bless you all. Amen.

It’s so good to see a young black couple that have common sense and who are sticking together for the progression of their child. Gotta give props when it’s due bcuz we have so many young black broken families and it’s so refreshing to see this I just can’t tell you how beautiful it is to me. It takes two parents to raise a child with special needs. One of my four children had special needs and I had to be a single parent going through that and still going through that and he’s an adult now. It’s going to take strength to do this bcuz the special need does not go away when they turn 18, it actually gets worse especially during puberty. May God continue to bless your union and family! Finding out your child has special needs is not an easy pill to swallow. There are many different conditions that fall under special needs, autism just happens to be one of them. God bless this family 🙏🏾

Thank you so much for starting this channel. My son is three and he's autistic, and it feels good to see someone who looks like me that understands what I go through. Thank you so much!

You are the perfect parents for her. Your patience, gentleness and love that you display must mean the world to the entire family. My hat’s off to you Mama! I am a grandma, but learning so much from you. Blessings to you all!

I’ve never smiled and cried so many times in one video. Im a paraprofessional and I work with children on the spectrum. She is so very blessed to have understanding parents like you two. God Bless Miko and family 🤎🤎🤎 I’m cheering for you kiddo 💚💙💛🧡❤️

My Granddaughter has Autism she was non-verbal. At the age of 7 years old she started talking and hasn't shut up since lol . Music to my ears 👂 😌 🎶

We love what you do please don't stop because it's helping a lot more parents than you can imagine. I have my own story but I'll share in the comments section when I'm ready...

Your daughter is so lucky to have such lovely, intentional and caring parents. Hearing you guys talk makes me want to cry because I can see and feel the love you have for each other and your sweet girl🥰💕

I have learned more about autism; it is a unique situation. She is the spitting image of her father for sure! It is a blessing that he is being so supportive of what is going on with his family as a Protector, Provider, and Leader. May God continue to bless your family.

I don't know anyone with autism. I still started to watch all your videos and I subscribed after I stumbled upon a short of you (where you do her hair and she's reaching for it to calm herself; nothing there and you immediately notice and give it to her). I read fairly a bit about autism and yet I feel like I never got a grasp of it. You help me to understand it in such a lovely, easy way. It makes it seem less "scary" or big, if that makes sense. I recently became a mother myself and can only join all the others: you seem to be so amazing, loving, gentle, patient, understanding, supportive. You are an inspiration and a lighthouse for all! parents. Thank you! Edit 1: Forgot something important! This gotta be the least toxic comment section I've seen on RU-vid so far. Amazing community. It lifts my mood to read all the comments ❤️

Your husband seems like such a kind gentle loving parent as do both of you. I'm so happy you have that support ❤️😊...blessings to your family

I praise you and bless you for including us on your journey. As soon as I saw your love combing her hair and watching all of her expressions, I feel in love. I got my BS in Special Ed and worked w Autistic kids. There is a special angel within her and she will be our teacher. Teaching patience and kindness and love and vulnerability and ohhh that smile lights up the world exponentially. Take good care of you on the journey too. You hv a gift of modeling as parents and you are loved and in my prayers. Thank you kindly! I get tearful cause I wish we all treated one another w such grace.

You are both truly special parents. You are doing a wonderful job.

My son is autistic too. I noticed little signs quite early. The first one was that he absolutely hated to get food or dirt on his hands. He pretty much panicked and waved his hands around until I washed them. His father has had a difficult time accepting the diagnosis we got when he was 6 years old. What struck me was a few days ago I was watching old video clips of our son. He was waaay better than I remember at talking, even though he was only 2,5 years old. Clear speech unlike now; he mutters a lot, talks with a very nasal voice and more often than not, keeps a hand in front of his mouth. It's like he went backwards in a lot of things. When you talked about this as reverse, it just hit me. Thanks for putting words on it for me. Exactly what I've been trying to do even though it now seems so obvious.

Your baby is so fortunate to have you. I’m sure it wasn’t easy, but you’ve got this and Mikko has you. It’s ok!❤

If parents were assigned their children you would be the best choice for your beautiful daughter. Your calm positive energy and natural soothing vocal tones are exactly what she needs. You have been blessed by one another and she will excelle because of you.

First thank you BOTH and your family for your service! Military is not just mom or dad, sometimes both going to work or getting deployed, the WHOLE family serves in some way, thank you! Your family is beautiful and Mikko, little Mikko as you know is a blessing and I thank you for sharing her with us. I just want to keep encouraging you because I know every now and then parent police will say something. But as you said these are short clips not your entire life. Even if you gave us hour shows. It's your choice to share your beautiful life, the twins, Miklos and knowledge, so for that o say thank you. And little Mikko I believe will continue to prosper, God has her! Thank you 😊

I'm proud of both of you and not running away in denial but embracing the challenges with love and support for your daughter and the viewers that is going through similar circumstances. Its Power in what you both are doing. Thanks, ❤

Love you guys and how you both are handling it so patiently, with gentle care and attentiveness. I love her, she has stolen my heart.

You both are so CORRECT, it does not matter the label sort of speak but she is key word "IS" a beautiful being that will grow, prosper and be her own individual....SO BEAUTIFUL!! As always, thanks so much for sharing I will continue to watch and learn!!

What a beautiful little girl you have. I love your refreshing view on Autism. I have Autism (38 yrs old) , one of my twins also has Autism and I 100% believe my 1 yr old, little guy, has Autism as well. Thank you for taking the time to make this vlog. I stumbled upon your channel and immediately subscribed. God bless.

Y’all have such a calm energy. I could listen to you two talk about anything for hours. And you’re great parents. I think your channel will be extremely valuable to the autism community, and just the parenting community in general. I’m happy you’re here.

Mikko is truly so angelic and loving. I can see that she just lives in a different world and does her best to adapt to everyone and everything around her. She is beautiful. ❤ there is something so special about Mikko. I instantly gravitated toward her soul the second I saw your video. Idk what it is, but she’s magnetic!!

I echo so many of the comments already written. I really appreciate your honesty and the time you've taken to make and share your videos... Also your child is so incredibly cute and I love how you communicate with her. 🤗

What a blessed little girl to have you both as parents! God bless your entire family ❤️

Mikko is her daddy's twinnnnn so cute. 😩🥰🧚🏾‍♀️ I love how soft y'all are being about this bc it is a sensitive topic to discuss in general but especially on camera i know filming this video took a lot outta you guys emotionally, if anybody leaves rude or negative comments don't hesitate to block them no slander of a child will be tolerated. 💯

I came across your channel accidentally, and so grateful for that! Your gentle, and authentic explanations of what you do with your beautiful Mikko melt my heart. I am a retired special education teacher who had the privilege of partnering with several families with children with autism. Those families and their children taught me so much about autism and helped me help them. Even though I am retired, I am still very interested in autism. I believe your sweet calm way with Mikko is good parenting for any child and appreciate you sharing your journey with the world. God bless your family. 🥰

"that's my child they're just them and they don't have to be like everybody else" I just discovered your channel and I just wanted to let you all know that you guys are amazing thank you for sharing a part of your life with us much love!

I honestly subscribed to your channel because of how extremely beautiful your baby is and the way you handle her. I always say that GOD sends the special needs humans to special people. Mom and Dad you two are absolutely wonderful human beings and baby girl is so blessed to have you. GOD knew what he was doing. BRAVO to you both!!!

You two are perhaps the most wonderfully appropriate and loving parents in the world. May God continue to bless you Miko and your family forever 🙏😇😇!

I am blessed to have 2 children. My oldest has Autism, he is 15 in 10th grade. I remember him being not verbal until five. He has come so far. I am loving that you all are being so transparent!! so wonderful that you are comfortable to share your journey! My son carries a lot of things also, til this day. HE is an amazing person.

I am an autistic 24 year old. This video has brought me to tears as I resonate so deeply with eveything said in it. What your husband said about “it’s a big deal but it’s also not” is so spot on. My autism has everything to do with Everything about me. But at the same time it’s just part of me that’s always been there. It is what is it and I don’t know and wouldn’t want anything different for myself

I love how calm you both seem. The Gentle Life was the perfect name for your channel. I just love this, guys. Communication needs NO words. People just need to listen in other ways.

I think everything happens for a reason. To think that you started Curls and Cries just to post your baby, gained a whole heap of followers from that, and now you’re able to educate thousands of people! That’s amazing if you look at it overall. Also, you’ve gained a lot of supporters who are in the same boat as you. Thank GOD for that!

I have no doubt she got the best parents for her journey. This is beautiful, refreshing and so wonderful. Y’all are such a team, and both so in tune with your girl. Y’all got this, she’s beautiful and wonderful and has an amazing example 💕💕💕

My daughter has autism and I am learning to live with her way of life because mine revolves around her. There are moments of awe I have because her thought process is right on point from a logical prospective she is more than correct, although in the world we live in it is not completely correct. this cannot be explained to her, she relies heavily on her personal autistic child logic and this make me want to se the entire world through her eyes. Thank you for sharing your experiences i instantly subscribed once I saw how you show her autism and treat her. I want to gentle parent but i find myself in a situation with a 6 year old teenager.... man is it a struggle to not laugh when things catch me off guard. She is more than her diagnosis and the more I learn and observe the more open I am to her world. I want to live in her world so i can keep her safe everywhere. You and your husband are a breath of fresh air. Than you!

Hello gentle parents! RU-vid threw one of your shorts up randomly in my feed. I don’t usually click the random shorts but something about your sweet daughter’s face made me look at yours and I’m so glad I did. From there I went to you channel and watched more and of course I subscribed because I want to encourage you and to cheer 🎉for Mikko! I don’t want trivialize the struggle, but y’all got this. Keep on keeping on!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

It is so nice to see such great caring parents!!!

Hi Precious..I just love this channel. I have a 20 year old nephew with austism..so I understand what you say very clearly. We didn't find out until my nephew was 3yrs. Mikko is so blessed to have you as her mommy. Your patience warms my heart n makes me cry...not for being sad but for how well do you with her..Gods blessing n continued patience to you n ur Family.. 💕actually my Sister in law was the one in denial more than my brother...you go Chris🤗.. love what you said...u sound like my brother...

I came across your channel a few days ago and the few shorts that I’ve watched let me know how great of a parent you both are… you are doing a beautiful job …keep on doing what you are doing. I’m so proud of you both…new subscriber 😊

I came across one of your short videos randomly and I truly fell in love with your daughter. She’s so beautiful. While watching some of your videos I actually was so touched by you both. Your daughter and your story, how you look after her and understand her, really, really touch me. I have 2 daughters myself, a 3 month old and a 3 year old. You’re so gentle and supportive. I can imagine how tough it can be sometimes. I sometimes despair at the thought of children being abused or neglected. And then God reminds me of the many more children who are loved and cared for. I believe Mikko is one of the latter. She has abundance of love for and from you two. I pray that God gives you strength. And I pray for Mikko, that her life will continues to be full of wonders, that her life will continue to bring sunshine. ❤

What a beautiful family! Thank you so much for sharing your story.❤

I think this video is going to help so many people. Thank you both for being such beautiful humans!

“Manage the day” - this is very helpful for me. I’m so excited to follow along your journey with Mikko. I’ve learned a lot already.

What a wonderful example of loving, caring parents. Keep up the good work.

So awesome of you guys to share your journey. She is so sweet and I'm praying for the best for her and you both ❤️

Thank you for taking us on your journey! I was in Special Education for 25years and am now serving families and individuals with IDD as an advocate. I am a parent myself with 2 of my 4 children with other types of disabilities. I am truly grateful for sharing moment with your absolutely beautiful daughter and family. I have encouraged families I work with to watch your journey. Thank you!

I am so happy I found your channel. Your daughter is blessed to have you as parents.

Thank you for sharing all of this… I’ve been trying really hard for the past few years to form a perspective on autism/ASD and I truly feel like the two of you are the only ones that have been able to provide me with the clear perspective that I was searching for… I will cherish every moment that I have witnessing this child’s journey blossom.

So strong 💪🏾 amazing parents ! I’m so proud of ya ! Spread the word , its tough at times but the journey is a awakening

You just really blessed me because on Friday my one year grandson was diagnosed with level 3 on the spectrum. As a grandmother and former educator I cried my eyes out because I've seen how people treat children that have extra needs. You put it so beautiful as to manage the day! I'm looking into finding support groups for us. And toys another things to provide for him. Be blessed

Your gentleness and kindness is so obvious throughout your videos. All families have problems, and you handle yours with such grace. I have two perfectly healthy boys, I’m so thankful. But I did work for 7 years with the physically and mentally challenged (working my way through college) and it was a fantastically satisfying and wonderful but also very challenging. I ended up as a one on one with a lady who required that for behavior reasons. Every day was a journey and a challenge. And that was only 8 hours a day! I have so much respect for you and wish you all the best.

What a Beautiful team! She is so wonderful and Blessed to have you both!

You two are such great parents and the love, patient you give her is so amazing and she is so beautiful be blessed. Joan

She has wonderful parents!

Thank you so so much for sharing. I know it's been more of a journey than you can possibly capture in one or even hundeds of videos, but I'm so glad you've taken the time and heart to share what you have. Thank you for loving her and each other and for sharing ❤️ what a beautiful soul she has and how lucky to have parents that can treasure that!

Thank you both for sharing. I’ve caught some short clips and you both are so gentle and easy. You’re calm nature with your little is so wonderful! Each baby is so different and it’s great how you just responded to her. ❤❤❤

I'm proud of you two ❤ this is a tough journey I watched my parents go through this with my siblings remember you're stronger as a team when raising little angels with ASD

I love you guys - can't say it enough. Mikko is so adorable and beautiful, inside and out. My heart breaks when she makes that sad sweet little face but mom always tenderly comforts her ♥️🖤💚

Thank you all for sharing your life with us. I know you’re helping so many parents to know that they are not alone in their journey.

I love your parenting skills... You have such a calm, peaceful and loving way of raising your precious daughter.

❤ our sone is Autistic as well. He was nonverbal until he was 5, and then started to build on his speech one word at a time. Stay an advocate for your little one, and she will do just fine. Give yourself little breaks as well. You guys are doing awesome!

You both have such calm energy and are so attuned to your daughter’s emotional needs and support it beautifully…it’s so awesome to see ❤…I’m an occupational therapist with an amazing son on the spectrum, too 🥰 I love how you can explain Miko’s behaviors & experiences so simple and clearly, with such compassion and empathy. I believe your videos are so important and needed for families to see …I’ll definitely be watching 🥰❤️

It is so beautiful to see you as parents that showing so much love ❤️ for your daughter. You are so calm when you deal with her. Thank you for sharing with us.🙏🏽💗

Thank you for sharing your beautiful family! I don’t even have children, but I love to see parents succeed. I look forward to seeing future videos.

Thank you for sharing your story. Information is power and your calm and patient demeanor helps the listener (me) to actually hear and understand what you’re saying. Thank you!

You guys such a genuine family 💕

Yay I'm so glad you are making full length videos. ☺️

I'm glad she has you two as her parents, you guys are very caring and attentive parents.

Oh, thank you for sharing yourselves with us! As the autistic mother of 2 autistic adults, I'm deeply touched by your gentle, supportive parenting. How much suffering we could have avoided if only we and our parents had known what was going on and what we could do about it! What a blessing for your children to have you all to help them through life!

you guys are so informative and clear with explaining your journey...I love this channel ❤️

Thoughtful, intelligent, loving, caring. Your daughter is blessed to have parents like you.

I found you through the reels. I think your amazing, compassionate, patient mother. I’m also happy that you guys as a couple are dealing with what’s ahead. I think y’all are doing an amazing job as parents. I enjoy the videos. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for sharing your journey with the world. When a child seems different, like something isn’t quite right about them, you can’t put your finger on it, they very well may be on the autism spectrum. Life is a journey for all of us and we all have different paths. Mikko couldn’t be in a better family unit than what she has. You are willing to research her diagnosis, let her lead and figure out her needs. God bless you and your family.

Love this! Times will get tough but such is life. Try not to lose yourself completely and always seek balance. Cry but don't forget to laugh. Give you baby everything she needs and more; just remember both of your needs as well. You guys have it in you to not just cope/deal but to thrive :) Much love to your family

Your family is so blessed. Your strengths show in every action, video,and speech. Thank you for each other and your amazing gentleness to share

This is great. Being open also helps her with some many interventions and unique ways to grow! She's so blessed to have wonderful, supportive parents!