Penelope Was Diagnosed With Level 3 Autism 

My son was diagnosed when he was 2 or 3. He will be 26 this June. He has a job on nightshift so he doesn’t have to deal with customers. He drives a car and has his own apartment. He pays his bills. Is he still autistic? Absolutely. He eats the same things each week. He is so tight with his money. Lol. We are so proud of him.

when I got diagnosed with autism at 24 they told me you are the same person you was before you came to us and you be the same person after just that now we can help you cope better

I am autistic and im 40 years, but had it when I was little. My brother is autistic too. No worries, I look at it as a blessing. I’m very creative, how to draw cartoons, mostly black and white. I love photography, I like to go out in nature. I find my peace.

You have me in tears xx love you and all your beautiful family, I have autism and was completely non verbal until 8 years old. After intensive speech therapy I was able to communicate my needs and everything verbally this relieved so much anger I had through not being able to communicate verbally. I now work as a support worker with people with additional needs, disability and medical needs, I understand on a non verbal level and it is beautiful and I love work

My 30 year old son has autism and is a high school math teacher. My grandson from another son was diagnosed with stage 3 when he was 2. He is now 8 and doing awesome in school and with friends. There are many things the specialists can help you with. Autists are very special people and a gift. It’s not an easy path, but neither is raising children in general. They are a blessing to me. I wish you and your family the very best. ❤

I have 2 amazing sons diagnosed with autism at 3 and 17 months! They are doing great! 12 year old got his first real gf. 9 year old being invited to birthday parties! I’m so proud of them!

Your emotions mirror mine when professionals started mentioning things about our daughter. It was so hard to fathom that this cute chubby girl was facing this in her life. The end of many hopes and dreams. 22 years later she is still supported and struggles but is married and living a worthwhile life. Love to you.💕🇦🇺🐨

My daughter is level 2 ASD and her father walked out many years ago. Appreciate the fact you have family, many do not have the support.

My daughter passed away. Trust me, appreciate them and their differences. God made them special from the rest, they won't feel pain like we do and see life easier than we do. They're truly beautiful.

When my son was diagnosed my heart sank. But the best support I received was from the most unlikely source. He was the same baby I woke up to that morning before he was diagnosed on the day and the same baby I took home. He is perfect.

My baby was diagnosed at 22 months with level 3 autism and it has been a roller coaster. I think I was in denial for the past few months prior, but his therapy has helped SO MUCH and now at age 2.5 he isn't quite caught up, but I see so much progress. Love to your family. I know the feeling of having hopes and dreams for your kid and knowing they might not happen anymore. This video made me so emotional.

I remember that pregnancy announcement and finding out you we’re having a girl after so many sweet boys in a row. ❤️ And all her sweet bows. Tess loves stimming with things in front of her eyes too. I know it’s always such an emotional time around diagnosis, but you’ve totally got this. ❤️

Diagnosed at 45. Early intervention is a godsend. You got this! Your baby girl is utterly adorable, perfect and a blessing.

My heart goes out to you. Your story with Penelope is similar to my son's. (Minus the feeding issues, substitute complex febrile seizures.) It's tough when you notice signs so early and it's as if once you start down that road, you're ON that road. You are doing everything you can and she's going to have a great life!

Big hugs!! ❤️ You have a whole bunch of people in your corner! Keep your head held high and try to not let the negative comments get to you. You are a phenomenal mom and I think the move you guys made to Colorado was the biggest gift that you could ever give your children!

I am autistic and so is my partner. I was diagnosed in my 30s and he never has been. We are expecting our first child and I'm sure they will be on the spectrum. I will love and accept my child's uniqueness. We can do this. Ps I have autism level 2.5 your daughter can go on to do anything.

Lonnie spoke an entire SERMON in that FB post!! Wow! Both of y'all are built for this. The two of you are amazing parents and these children are blessed to have you, typical or not♥️ btw y'all should think about writing a book about your life. It is so interesting and inspiring to watch you parent your tribe.

I'm so sorry. You are incredible strong, and Penelope is lucky to have you and Lonnie as parents. You got this, sweetheart.

“There’s no need to borrow worry.” Omgosh I love this so much. Every mom needs to hear and feel that🥰

No matter what anyone says, you and Lonnie have SIX wonderful kids. One of the most important message I got out of this is that you are in a better place to get your babies much more services than where you were before. That’s a HUGE blessing. I pray for the best and also for strength as you and your family begin this new chapter. Lots of hugs!!!

🤗🤗🤗 hugs!!! You got this!!! You’re putting her in programs that are going to help her!!! My daughter was diagnosed at 2.5 moderate/severe.......she is talking, potty trained, imagery play, interacting with people. Her issue she has is controlling her emotions. If someone would have told me how much my daughter would excel I wouldn’t believe them. She is 5 now and is thriving like crazy!!! Penelope has two great parents. She will be ok!!! You’re on the right path.

You can do this Stephanie you made it this far you can make it through the harder times every one is here for you no matter what

Girl Nellie is a beautiful little girl. She brings so much joy ... just pure joy!

Stephanie you are THE BEST mom for these children!! You were made to be their mom and no one else can do it like you! Stay strong love ♡ you got this

I started watching your channel the day you released your video about finding out you were pregnant with Penelope. Something about you and your story just drew me in- I have no friends or family that are autistic (that I am aware of) but I’ve learned so much from you, and I understand more why funding for families with autism and early intervention is so important (I live in Canada). I know this was a really difficult video for you to make, so thank you for inviting us into this intimate part of your life. It is a privilege to hear your voice and know your story.

Lots of hugs and love for you guys. Our son is atypical and as we usually tell people he is "uniquely wired and wonderfully made." He is becoming aware of what his struggles and differences are...but he's also aware that his mind is amazing in its special way. There are a lot of ups and downs but he has brought such a different perspective that I wouldn't trade it for anything.

This is one of those times I wish I could wrap my arms around you and Lonnie. Thanks for sharing your struggles with us. Sending love, support and prayers.

You're a wonderful mother. If anything, your children are EXTRA SPECIAL! I appreciate how open you are to talking about it, even though I can see it is difficult. I know you love all your children the same, but I know you don't want them to have difficulties. With everything you and Lonnie do, your children are going to be okay. You are both amazing parents.

Stephanie you are an amazing mom.💗 Your children are the luckiest to have you as a mom. God's blessing to you and your precious family. Love you from California.

Your landing crew is here for you and we all love Nellie for the sweet angel that she is. The biggest blessing is you guys got to the right place for her at the right time.

Hugs! Hard news, but she is part of a family that understands just what she needs and loves her so much!

You've got this Momma! You truly rock and my heart goes out to you 💜💜💜

You are a great mother, all your children are so blessed to have you as their mother. I know it doesn’t feel like it right now, but all will be okay.

Stephanie - Well done for getting the video recorded, edited and online as I know how difficult this has been for you! You are allowed to have difficult emotions surrounding Nellie’s diagnosis but she is still the same sassy diva she always was and you’re still her amazing mother that you always were! I think the universe gave you all of your unique children because it knew that you were just the parent for them all, that will help them to live their best lives! Love you girl! 💕Ellory X

This might not be the diagnosis you expected or what you wanted, but you’re an amazing family and Penelope is in the perfect home to help her reach whatever stars she aims for. Your journey has helped me so much in raising my own special needs child because through you, I learned I wasn’t alone. You’re not alone either. Much love and light to you all 🥰

I don’t think that people understand yes we love our children! but it doesn’t take away from the pain we feel every time they miss a milestone, every stim they do, every time I see them in a room with other children acting “differently” it shatters my heart, there is no pain like having your child not being able to not only identify their own self but having issues even knowing who mom and dad are or having difficulties saying mom or sad! So yes we love our autistic kids but we also grieve!! We grieve for the child we thought we would have, for all the hopes we had placed on them even before they were born. It’s such a strange place grieving for a child whom is still with us and in all other aspects perfectly fine 😪 the pain never goes away but the love also never leaves. Any one going through this will get through this with time!

I wish you all the best on this journey Penelope is such a sweetheart!

you are such a strong woman! although I can see the pain you're going through you're handling the pain like a queen! These special angels are born in your house because God knew you could take really good care of them. I am sure they will make you proud one day (i'm sure they already do)!

It never gets any easier to hear there is something wrong or different about our children, but Stephanie you are strong and so is Lonnie your daughter you know was meant to be here and you also know nothing is permenant your girl is gonna be ok regardless bc she has a wonderful families support. We love you!!!

Thanks for the thorough explanation. I think you guys moving to Colorado was such a great thing. I'm glad you're in a place that is so on it. My nephew couldn't be diagnosed until he was 5 even though we were nearly 100% sure that he was. Penelope has great, supportive parents. I know you guys will get her the assistance she needs and she will thrive too. ❤💜

I tried holding in my tears until you started crying! I don’t comment much but I’m currently going thru an evaluation with my son. It’s heartbreaking as a mom to see your baby going thru this and not be able to make it better! U are truly an AMAZING mom with such a wonderful family! U we’re blessed with ur babies bc he knew u could handle it! I truly admire u!! 🙏🏻💙

Stephanie, thank you for being so open about the topic. you and your family are doing the best that you guys can. all your kids are really lucky to have you and Lonnie as parents.

I am SO THANKFUL you guys live in Colorado now too and that RU-vid has made that possible for your family!!! What a relief to know you will be able to get the support your girl needs ❤️. I honour your pain and sorrow though Stephanie. You are allowed to feel all the feels this diagnosis brings. It doesn't mean you love your child any less- it's just facing the reality that she will struggle and so will you. But you are a LEVEL 10 amazing mom and your kids are so so so lucky to be born into your family. I love watching your videos and you have a super important voice in educating people about autism and family life. Many blessings to you and yours ❤️

Thank you very much for this video. In one year I'll be graduating as a speech therapist, and this has taught me a lot from a professional point of view. She is very lucky to have you as a momma, and because you found out this early she will no doubt do very well and hit many milestones that now seem difficult! Good luck!

I remember the same feeling when my youngest was diagnosed with ASD ( by 2 different neurologist) that’s how I came across your channel I believe over 1 yr ago I think . During the time my youngest got diagnosed I was a mess. I cried so much . Now my son is 2 1/2 with speech , Ot, pt, and ABA therapy and hes made so much progress in so many ways . It’s hard in the beginning , but I’ve learned to focus on the good and never on the bad. Hugs to you .

i feel like i know you guys so personally watching you guys for so long. you’re great parents, and you’re doing all you can momma 💗💗

Wow another family like mine. I cant believe you were able to do all this testing during this corona nightmare. You are so calm and articulate. When my children were diagnosed in all different learning issues but basically under the umbrella of autism spectrum (my kids are now adults from 21 -30) all I did was cried all day all night it took alot of support to help with my kids and with myself. I would never have been able to do any sort of video. I am so impressed with you and how strong you are. Keep fighting for your children and they will be the best they can be and as you know autistic children are priceless.......

U made me cry since the beginning until the end of this vlog, girl, u are my inspiration, such a strong woman ♥️

I just admire how brave you are telling us all. You are a strong woman. You deserve recognition and you have it. I see you. ❤️ just keep going! Life goes on 😘 💪🏻.

You husband’s words made my heart feel so happy. He is amazing.

Penelope is beautiful. She is such a precious darling. An absolute blessing.

You are my absolute hero, I have two boys who have autism and it’s really hard you are so lucky you get the help with your children, I currently live in the uk and once you get your diagnosis you are automatically discharged and you are left to try and find your child the help they need. I love your positivity on this, it just me and my husband six kids it’s a lot but we take it day by day stay positive :) (nelly is too cute)

Nobody wants a diagnosis for their child, but I think if anyone can handle it it's you and your husband! You are so amazing you do your absolute best for all your kids make sure you take care of yourself in all this the adrenaline will only keep you going for so long carer's burnout is real. Love and hugs from one autism mama to another 💕

Sometimes we are planted where we can grow best!!! You guys are just the BEST!!!

Stephanie, you know you have this whole community's love surrounding you and your family. Penelope is such a beautiful little girl and she has the best parents by her side.

Y’all are wonderful parents! We love you Stephanie, Lonnie, Danielle, Lonnie Jr, Noah, Lex, Liam & Nellie!

You’re so strong! Your children are so lucky to have you as parents! Sending love and prayers

Stephanie, thank you for sharing Penelope's story. She is such a precious child. So glad she, Liam, and Lex, are getting early interventions. Your children are blessed to have you and Lonnie as parents; blessed to have strong advocates for them.

I was devastated when my 4 year old son was diagnosed, 23 years ago. I realised that everything in life would be a little harder for him, and thats why I was so upset. Now, he is a fully functioning adult, has a fabulous career in I.T, and is happily married. How? Well, we just kept adapting until we found out HOW to do something. We ignored society and their disapproving looks, and instead focused on finding OUR way to master everything. He still prefers to have only one or two friends, and avoids crowds. So what? Who says we need to be different anyway? He fears and gets panicky in new situations. We spent a lot of time (his whole life) teaching him that the emotions are fine, and gave him cognitive methods to help him cope through it.

Love what your husband had to say. She is beautiful and lovely and can’t wait to see her on more Vlogs. Thanks for sharing.

I have to say, your family and your story are both so amazing. Penelope is still the same baby you loved yesterday. She is a very unique girl. That’s a beautiful thing. I do not have autism, I have generalized anxiety disorder, and my mom is a speech pathologist who specializes in children with autism. I too was a bit delayed as a baby, in that I was not mobile until maybe almost 2 years old. I was so shy and anxious and withdrawn as a child, I had to go to therapy. My mom did not have me evaluated because of two reasons. 1. A lot of times, children are misdiagnosed as having autism when they really have either anxiety or depression, so my mom did not want that to happen to me. 2. She did not want me to be labeled. She didn’t want me to be defined by whatever I had. Never let autism define who your children are. They are so unique. I’m sending you love. You’ve got this.

You were terrific. No one ever wants to face the fact that their child isn't"perfect" but we have to in order to help them. You guys are doing fantastic, God bless you and your family.

Stephanie! You are a fantastic mom and you are one of the very strong women I ever came across. My respect and hugs to you.

I love Lonnies perspective. Very nice. Your kids are blessed

I found your videos right around the time they swore my youngest was autistic at that time he was two and I had a 12 year old who was typical so obviously the thought of it made it so incredibly scary for me I was literally petrified! I found your videos and you made it so real not that it wouldn’t be scary but the joy they would still bring is unlike anything else so I wasn’t as scared at all! He is now almost 5 he is not autistic he just had trauma from cutting his toes off and we got him the help and he is doing great (they put the toes back on lol) I am also in Colorado and the early interventions we have gotten have been amazing! Our speech therapist became such a good friend and I miss not seeing her twice a week! Thank you for your videos and helping me even when you didn’t know you were!!! Maybe since we are both here in Colorado we will run into each other some time! Penelope is so beautiful! You’re such a good mama!

Congratulations on being so proactive and thank you for sharing your story. Many parents or other family members of autistic children need to hear your story. It is inspiring . My cousin wasn't diagnosed till age 4 because his doctor put it off and by the time it was all done he was too old for many programs. He is 27 now and has come so far but to have earlier intervention would have been so helpful. Also note he does a lot of things they said he would never do. Keep sharing and never give up. Love and positive energy from Ottawa Canada.

Stephanie you got this girl you are a wonderful mom to Noah Liam and Lex You are one of the greats up there with my mom

I have always felt that you and your family are so generous in what you share with us. None of us ever have the right to demand any insight or info that you do not feel is right or aren't ready to give. I am happy that you all are in a place that seems to be able to give each kid whatever they need and I hope that trend continues. As for Nelly or anyone else for that matter... Our diagnosis or labels are not what defines us.

You got this Stephanie! We all know Penelope will be great and do so much in her life like all your beautiful babies

I recently started watching your videos. I suspect that might 17 month old son might have autism, so I watch your videos to help me overcome my fears and reach out for early intervention. You have all the traits and love needed to help Penelope strive. Thank you for sharing this news with us-we all wish the best to you and your family.

Lonnie is so well spoken, even through his writing! I love it. The children have so many good examples around them, also supportive. No doubt they will all lead successful, loving lives. Great job, Stephanie! Your channel has inspired me to pursue a Master’s degree in autism and just as I am forgetting about it, you remind me or little odd things happen in my life when I’m questioning.

you’re so so strong, and every single one your children are so lucky to have such an amazing mom in their life. You do everything you can to help them, and I admire you so much for that!

I'm sorry momma. It's so hard to wrap your head around your kiddo's disability. We struggle with ours. I'm proud of you both and glad you have each other to rely on.

When I was diagnosed at a young age with autism and got all the therapies that i needed I eventually didn't need any of them anymore as I got older since they helped me.

im crying with you, your family isnt perfect but, its perfect to you and thats all that matters

💕 sending my love and strength to your beautiful family. I’ve learned so much about autism and what it’s like as the parents from watching your videos. Thank you 🙏🏻

Oh Stephanie, what a roller coaster for you all. I have two boys on the Autism Spectrum. My second son presented very similarly to Penelope and our journey started with feeding issues too. Sending love to you and Penelope. You are a warrior, Mama! You got this 💕

You are handling this very well. I’m struggling with my son just getting him evaluated. It’s so frustrating. I am thinking maybe I need to just move to get him what he needs. Just know you have a lot of support and love online. You guys got this!

The fates sent you these babies because you would be the best Mama bear for them ...they are lucky to have you! ♥

The way you described the whole parenting process with the whole situation is spot on. Thank you 💜 I could not have worded it any better, as a mom of 3 autistic children

She is so young yet and there is so much room for progress, which she will. Development is so fluid and remarkable. Excited to see where she is even in just a few months. All of them will keep moving forward. 💖

You and your entire family are so awesome and I just know that every one of your kids will live their best life because of you and your husband.

You are a true ROCKSTAR. You have gone soooooo far with everything from autism to scoliosis to moving. Your babies are so incredibly blessed to have a mommy like you. Having a baby who didn't develop socially or physically is hard. But that's just her. And you don't want to change your sweet girl to make you less concerned and not have to worry about autism. You are truly the best mama out there.

you and Lonnie are amazing parents. I wish I had parents like you growing up. when I have children I hope to be even half as amazing as you guys are

Congratulations! It truly just makes her even more unique ! I hope you all are happy and healthy !

I love what he said brought tears to my eyes. As a Para for special needs kid that touched my heart. Your doing good keep loving those kids.

I know how hard it was to see your kid diagnosed. You and Lonnie are the strongest parents I've ever seen. Your kids are so lucky to have you as their parents. We all root for you and your lovely family

Your children are so lucky to have you both as their parents !! I teared up as Lonnie read his reply. Keep kicking ass guys you’re doing amazing

Nellie is so lucky to have a mom like you. Sending my love for your family stephanie💜❤

I’ve been binging on your videos and just wanted to send you major props, good vibes and a hug, cause you’re really amazing! You have a great family 💕just lots of admiration here !!

Stephanie you are a amazing mom. Sending you hugs.

Am so sorry for all the emotions you’ve had to deal well. You are an amazing mother

My son is 2yrs old and just got his ADS diagnosis. So much respect / love to you and your family 🥰🥰 .. Penelope is just a joy. Support and love to our kids is the best medicine they can get.

Nellie reminds me so much of my daughter willow at that age. She’s lucky to have such a large family who will love her and care for her no matter what.

you're a wonderful mom with a wonderful family all your children have something special and wonderful about them keep you head up steph be proud of yourself and all you do

Hugs mama its one of the hardest things to accept and you do go through a mourning process unless people have lived it they just cant understand fully but i love that your videos educate them and help other autism parents at the same time thank you!

I adore Nellie girl! she is so cute and can make anybody smile 😍 thank you for being so open and honest with all of us. I can imagine that this realization was not easy to come to but I look up to you guys for putting your feelings aside and being so proactive. She is very lucky to have people like you two as parents, just as you are to have her as your daughter. I learned so much from this video.

Penelope is gorgeous. God bless you and your awesome family, Stephanie 🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾

You are such a great mom. Those babies are so lucky to have an amazing mom like you!. 💞

I'm sorry this has been a tough time for your family. Despite her diagnosis she is a miracle and you are truly blessed to be a momma to so many beautiful babies! My husband and I were only able to have one child and I look at the lovely chaos of big families like yours and they seem so fun! Enjoy each day with them 🥰