I joined a zoom of 4 adults with varying severities of Autism and it was extremely eye opening. They all had careers and one was in a Ph. D program. One of the women talked about how her mom prepared her for adulthood her entire life and that it paid off. It made me realize that my daughter with Autism will grow up some day. I’m doing everything I can to prepare her for adulthood.
This is why the documentary I am part of is so important! Cannot wait for it to come out next year. It is all about Black families with Autistic children. Thank you for sharing this POV Vaughn. ASD is so different in every child. Learning more about the is so important for our kids and for our community.
I have a 28 year old autistic son. Keep going, there is always more to learn. I did not realize that some people experience autism , non verbal. I only experienced what I encountered with my son. He is very verbal 😊
I have that same feeling with taking my sons to aba. I get to see alll age ranges and it’s so eye opening.! It’s so interesting when I have conversations with others parents. Bring an autism mom has made me more aware, compassionate and understanding of everyone around me.
Hello, I know no one with autism but I was a avid viewer of Holly Robinson Peete show when her family was on air. She was & is so magnificent with her involvement seeming her son has autism.I learned alot & admire her for her dedication. I see that same dedication in you. Thank You for sharing.
If you do have the opportunity to volunteer at Anne's school, you should go for it. For my daughter, I started off volunteering for field trips, and I eventually made my way into the classroom. It was a life changing eye opening experience that taught me so much. Many of the students had multiple diagnoses. I have so much respect for everyone who chooses to work with individuals with disabilities.
You had me almost in tears speaking about autism.🥺😭 That makes me want to be hyper sensitive to those living with autism. I don’t know much about the community but I do want to be more aware of those around me and know how to act in certain situations. Thank you for sharing.🩵
Hey Vaughn! I love that you want to do and learn more. I have close family members who are autistic, children and some now adults. I also work very closely with autistic children currently. What I can say is they need more advocacy, love & support, especially in lower income areas. I had two young men who would get into fights every now and then, after being triggered. One thing that calmed both of them down was music 🎵. One found a love for Jazz and the other 90’s Hip Hop and r&b. I mean he would collect old cd’s, research the artist and everything. They have interest that can be a form of therapy but sometimes no one takes the time to ask. I love my babies, I love conversing with them because they are the realest. Too real at times. One of my nieces who’s now a teenager said, “I like your wig auntie” 😂😅 lol, and she definitely understood what she was saying. They are smart, articulate, beautiful and unique, and can have a very bright future with the right guidance and support. #AutismSpeaks💙♾️
I applaud you on being aware, honest, and always willing to learn. I have an autism student, and I teach in the south suburban school system. I've had students diagnosed and ones who weren't, and they were all different. My current student they told me was nonverbal when I had him in kindergarten. I'm teaching first grade now and he's with me this year talking more and more. He can face challenges socially, but his gift his numbers. I learn more and more about him daily!
We are at a very similar stage. My son just started an autism school at 5, and the school goes up to age 18. It’s very interesting seeing the older children, I find myself wondering what the teenage years will be like for us. I can totally understand where you’re coming from. Also I have found making friends with other autism mums super helpful 💕💕💕
Anne is still young and your exposure to the school setting is still new. The older she gets and more she become involved with school, the more you will be exposed to so much! Give yourself some Grace.
As a mom of a 12yo with sensory processing disorder and a pending autism diagnosis you make me feel so much better about learning daily. I use to feel so alone but I found you and my tribe so I am forever grateful for you sharing your experiences as an autism mom 🩷
I just learned today that walmart is starting their sensory awareness from 8am to 10am. They say that the music will be off, lights turned down some, lessening announcements on the intercom, etc.
Yes, autism definitely has it's differences. My daughter's first diagnosis is cerebral palsy but when she turned 12 I started noticing behavior problems..more so than she ever had and agitation. She was giving some medication for agitation but eventually she was given a diagnosis of autism. I think she probably has been stimming and doing other things but her cerebral palsy diagnosis took over everything. She is also nonverbal and can get aggressive when agitated , annoyed, or when she can't get her point across. During puberty she went through severe tantrums and rages and it could of been due to hormones. We couldn't do anything until it passed because she would attack you during the fit if you tried to touch her. We went through a lot but at 19 she is much calmer
Vaughn, you have helped me so much with my son who is Autistic. I have been subbed for many years but when I had my son I knew nothing. I turned to your channel….I binge watched your autism mom videos….He’s verbal but as you said in the video I feel green at times because there’s so much that I don’t know still. I did want to say thank you for your patience and your way of sharing your experiences as an autism mom. 🫶🏽❤️
Hey Vaughn & fam, Anne looked so cute in her Wonder Woman costume I loved that show growing up. Seeing Ava cling to you is so adorable 😊 yes autism comes in different forms. It’s a learning process on a lot of different levels. We have to be vigilant about the kid’s health as well. We lost our nephew at the age of 22 of an enlarged heart do to high blood pressure & high cholesterol. He had autism, but he was able to talk & hold a conversation. I have a brother that I care for that’s severely mentally disabled, but with our siblings help everything works out. You & Anthony are doing a wonderful job with Anne & I enjoy seeing her growth ❤
I respect you being honest I recently had a mommy revelation as well my daughter is 17 (neurotypical for reference) a senior in high school & I know my child I’m familiar & understand what she’s into, I know her friends etc. A child just had a drug overdose at her school I was devastated to hear a about it. Although not anyone she hangs with but a child she knows non the less. I asked my daughter do you know kids are doing drugs at your school? She’s replied Mom be forreal so many kids do it’s crazy. I was so taken back and shocked that may sound crazy to some but we live in our own little bubble. I’m now immediately on a journey to do more, know more and be more involved why didn’t I know she has this information what else don’t I know? I have so many questions. Sorry for the long story but I said all that to say us parents try the very best we can & we know our kids but those of us acknowledging that we can do more or learn more shouldn’t feel ridiculous ❤
No Vaughn you make a HUGE amount of sense because as I listened, I was like wow ... "she's right" ... we only see it thru the lense we have ...it's so much more ❤
As someone in the ABA field, Autism Spectrum Disorder is so different in every individual! But it is amazing to get to know them all and adapt. Even though my job is to work with those diagnosed with Autism, you still have no idea what you are walking into when it comes to communication, basic living skills, challenging behaviors, routines, etc. I love the community and I hope that you get more experience. I am looking to try and expand on “All-inclusive” parks for kids!
Please continue to share learnings about autism. It's important for all of us to understand how to better interact positively within the community. Thank you 💓
Ms Vaughn you are an awesome person and mother. I understand exactly what you spoke about. While in Walmart shopping I saw a young man who was at least 6’ tall walking on his tippies. My twin grandsons are 5 and walk on their tippies. It was my revelation that I still have a lot to learn as well. I did not imagine the boys could still be walking on their tippies into adulthood. I appreciate your partnership in the community. God bless you and your family.
The meltdowns are the worst . My son is 21 and he’s not able to control his anger emotion during a meltdown. It’s like when your computer freeze and there is not one button you can press to stop it. One day at a time…
As a very late diagnosed 51 yr old, I'm glad you made this video. As a child I was diagnosed with selective mutism and didn't speak to anyone outside my immediate family. I occasionally still have my moments of not being able to speak. It's embarrassing when it happens. As I grew up and was able to speak to others, I still had every trait associated with it, and KNEW something else was also going on, but couldn't figure it out. Didn't understand why I had all these sensory issues and severe anxiety and depression, and OCD issues going on. Didn't understand why I reacted the way I did to different things. Once I figured it out, I was like "that explains soooooo much." One thing the diagnosis has helped with is it allowed me to be more myself & mask less (I still mask heavily), and give myself grace when I do or say something "stupid." I don't look at it as being stupid anymore, but it's still extremely hard, and my executive functioning skills suck, and I feel scatter brained. Now ADHD has been added to my diagnosis, which explains a lot more to me. 🤷🏾♀️😕 Sorry for the novel. 😅 I get this way with certain topics.
I've been given the diagnosis of level 1 ASD, but at times when looking deeper, it seems hogher than that, but just not necessarily level 2. I think they really need to rethink how they look at this. CPTSD wasn't part of my diagnosis, but based on what I've read, it would seem like that might be part of it. Too many times I've had an idea of what's going on with me medically, been misdiagnosed, then later finding out I was initially correct. But to be truthful, I've had a hard time talking to my therapist about most of my childhood, and my perspective on different incidents can be very off. It's hard to think of anything I've been through as traumatic, but whenever the subject comes up, there are very specific incidents that pop up in my head. 🤷🏾♀️ But I do know most of my symptoms/traits being there before 4yrs old, so I don't know.
Great vlog. I haven't done temu as of yet. It's refreshing to see you have the baby bundled up. I've seen several babies & children in baskets with no jackets or socks on. Their ears & fingers so red.
You’re okay, I think you’ll know as Anne grows. We’re usually operating in the moments that our children are in. I remember when We moved to a new state and City. My children were in the early Elementary years. Our house hunting was centered around the best schools. A few years later. I was amazed that I never gave one thought about middle and high school. I was totally in the elementary school mind set at the time.🤷🏽♀️
Oh wow thank you for sharing your experience at the school with the trick or treaters! I feel like I’m learning along the way as you are sharing your experiences about Ann. Thank you!
Ava is such a doll 😍 As you learn you keep us informed and that’s so necessary. Society has a lot of work to do when it comes to empathy and support for adults on the spectrum. We have expectations of people based on their physical presentation, we have so much to learn and unlearn.
You learn as you go along and engage with the community and read and pray. As a mom of 36 y/o believe you me their voices and bodies do change w/age. They have wants and desires being human. Your love will make it a little easier. The hardest is to let go and let them explore as to what stage of their understanding is no matter how their body grows and voice changes. Still have more to learn because we are learning something new everyday. We have been where you are now but with many twists and turns. Thank God we were much younger because honey chile this old girl would not be able to weather it. Loving them through it means so much! You have so much loving support! Hats off to you both Dad and Mom! God bless you and always be with you and family. Love yaw!!!
Another great video. I'm an autism mommy, and I love watching your journey. Autism is so different, and the spectrum is so BROAD. The kids on the spectrum are all so other. My daughter speaks until 4. Please keep us updated with ways you are getting involved. You always help me with your cool ways of advocating for Anne.
Vaughn your transparency and reflection speaks to many of us. Until I worked at SPEED I was very unaware. Best and most rewarding job ever. Keep up the great job mom!
Hey girl, Love this channel and your perspective of a parent in the community. My son is autistic and I remember the day I knew he was different from the typical children in his class and then ..years later.. in his own community. I have literally felt like I had to downplay his achievements inorder for the other parents to not feel "bad". He is 18 yrs old now and I feel like I'll forever be learning.
Just by watching your autism videos I have been educated . I am very mindful when I’m out and I see someone with autism because of it. I have even shared information with one of my coworkers. You are still learning. But you are an educator . You do your research, and you just have a way of explaining things to us. I have been with you for years. I know if you step out in any capacity you were going to help someone because you already have.
I have like 5 pair in different colors of the so so shoes, I love them, and it is really crazy how I get sooooo many people stopping me and just telling me how much they love my shoes. I get more compliments on these shoes which I paid no more then 27.00 dollars for then I do for shoes I have paid hundreds for. Very very comfortable for healthcare workers as I am a medical assistant/ lab technician.
I would be cautious about purchasing items that touch food from websites like Temu, and even some Amazon sellers. China does not have the same food safety standards. They may say food safe, but there is no real regulation. Only purchase food adjacent items from reputable brands.
Yes it is a lot to learn and you do learn as you go and grow I have a 17 year old living with autism and it is a learning experience be prepared to continue to face challenges and deal with not so understanding people.
Your revelation is very normal. I am a special educator and parents, community members, and family members of the students all start to realize that children with special needs are just as diverse as any other typical children. In fact, every person has some type of mild special need. The difference is that most are not impacted by it and can function and thrive without supports.❤
Idk if you seen the news thing about the boy with autism harming a teacher.. due to the association thing and facing years in jail … A lot of ppl in the field were saying association is a big thing and simply changing the schedule , it causes things like meltdowns , even physical behavior … I just thought it was very interesting from MANY perspectives
Haven’t even watched past 10 seconds yet but clicked so fast to can a sneak peak bc I gotta go to bed!! I’m excited bc I’ve been learning so much on my own the last 3.5 years. I’m very grateful early on I found your channel when specifically looking for black moms. I’ve come to know a lot but also know I don’t KNOW nearly as much as I’d like. I want to do more for myself, my loved ones, my child and our community bc it’s devastating to me how little knowledge there is about autism. It breaks my heart how ableist we’re conditioned to be. I may be extreme but I’m disappointed that there aren’t discussions from the time you’re getting your first prenatal visit for the potential to receive this diagnosis and resources pointing to where to begin. I pray this generation of caregivers and those following make huge strides for themselves and their loved ones. Everyone touched by ASD deserves the best ❤
So refreshing when ppl openly talk about the issues, obstacles we all struggle with. From my xp; to anyone who's ever been a victim of hate / violence because of their appearance, gender, orientation, race : DO NOT ever let a hateful notion 'there's something wrong with me' sink in. Trust me, it's a recipe for self hatred and compulsive anxieties later on. When we suffer and we need a break, it's only natural to think: maybe if I wasn't 'different', if I was 'normal' I would be accepted. No, haters will always find something else to prey upon. I've always had kinda androgynous look, which was a real fuel for bullies when I was growing up. I embraced it, used it to my advantage in my acting / modeling career, I was almost the face of Leon in these new Resident Evil games :)
Sis not a baby bird 🤦🏽♀️🤦🏽♀️🤦🏽♀️😂😂😂😂 You look absolutely gorgeous 🖤🖤🖤 It's so much to learn about autism. What I thought I knew I'm sure is all different now. When I worked for an after school program, I had three students, each one was so different from the other, one was non verbal, the other could say some words and the other one was verbal. They were each amazing kids! I was watching Fathering Autism and their daughter turned 18 and they had to go to court to get guardianship over THEIR child who has autism. Why? Because she's 18, an adult. In their state, parents have no say so over an adult child with disabilities. I was baffled! The mom called her doctor to reschedule an appointment and because she is 18 the doctor office said legally they( the parents) can't cancel the daughter's appointment because she's 18. She's Non verbal! The mom was done. Some laws are crazy. It's all a learning experience 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I can relate with the changing environments, my son would be so confused when he would see his teacher at the grocery store, he would have a meltdown. Eventually, he was able to understand.
wait! the part where she said her husband was clowning the shoes "what are those!?" when the clip showed the shoes... I BUSTED up laughing!!! Too funny
@msvaughntv you are a true Rockstar!!! Your heart is so pure, I think you are right where you should be in regards to what you know about autism. I think we learn with our children as they grow, we learned so much from ALL children, and we have to meet them were there are, especially the first born, and you are doing the same, and most definitely doing a great job! Another suggestion is that since you are into being fit, I wonder if the special Olympics would be a good start? My kids volunteer and love it and the parents of the athletes that we hv met are so supportive of each other. just a thought.
Acceptance was a big key for me. On my part. My autistic son is 44. He is who he is. My biggest help came when his teacher told me I was the problem. That I was handicapping my then 6 or 7 year old son. She told me to treat him like I would any other child. Well, I went overboard and demanded him to perform above his means. I needed to then readjust and accept that he has limitations; if this makes sense.
Just remember your child is not broken but delayed. This helped me. Remember also, your child is different from everyone else’s so learn your child and you will be able to understand other kids.
Wow. How enlightening and humbling of you to share. I am thinking you learn as you go and she grows. Like you said she is going to grow up and her autism will grow with her. So in other words she will become a teen, young adult to adult with autism and you will be prepared. She is doing awesome. She is speaking more. Great video..
Vaughn speaking that I was approached like that by several of my daughters classmates but was scared but I was so amazed to see there was others with different personality my oldest has celebral palsy and also that kinda happened with our grandson which is nine but I was more prepared and I know that that people look at me differently and sometimes I get them that says I don't know how you do that love that I also thought about being a advocacy person love the video ❤
Sometimes I feel so down. My daughter is 6 and she can't even speak in sentences. Sometimes I can't get over the worrying over her future as I feel we do the max and if she will ever mature past where she is now. Nonetheless I'm grateful for her and her life and want her happiness to the be always my priority😊
Thank you for sharing that. Indeed we are living in some uncertain times. It's difficult not to worry, I just try to use that energy to think through possible solutions for the future. And sometimes those conversations have to be had with the people around you. I'm very grateful to have sisters, cousins and friends who are committed to taking over if I should ever become unable. That brings me some peace.
My son is 15yrs old and was diagnosed with Autism at 3. Chyleee the spectrum is so broad! He was non verbal until he was 5 and fully potty trained at 8yrs old. Girl one minute he's cussing (we still have some difficulty understanding him besides that😂) and the next minute he's having a meltdown because he doesn't get a Happy Meal toy from an adult meal at McDonald's. I'm like Sir. You are 6'2, 130pds, and wear a sz 13 men's shoe. You can play with Woody and BUZZ when we get home. 😂😂😂 OH and he went Trick or Treating...he was Michael Myers. 😂💙🧩❤
Yeah I’ve experienced it from working in school environment and friends that are ABAs (hope that’s the right thing) but I never knew there was so many diff levels / triggers/ type .. even that there’s differences in autism and just someone maybe having IEPs or needing accommodations… you can def kinda feel “ignorant “ about not knowing , but I feel like now in these times the info is more exposed to learn and ppl share their experiences
That's why I believe Anne has made such great strides as a child on the Spectrum. My cousin has a son that is 13, & he is non-verbal, & can't do anything for himself. In fact, my cousin tells me that she has to change his diaper at 13 years old. With all my heart I believe that Anne will speak eventually, because she understands everything you & Anthony say. Me too Vaughn!!! I have wooden stools for my island, & not because I have little kids, because I have a Husband & his buddies...lol?!
Hi, wanted to share some info on what help someone that I know. There is a special detoxamin formula for children. It is used in autism treatment. Many parents report good results. Detoxamin is EDTA. It is a chelation agent. It binds with heavy metals in intestines and eliminates them. Please research, may help. Children that has been diagnosed with autism could be related to exposure to mercury in early childhood. Peace& blessings!
That happened to me. My daughter is not autistic but she has a learning disability and when she came home with this new friend I was like omg. Once I heard her speak. I felt the same way you did. From that point I went to protection mode like I was her mother, because the young boys was trying to take advantage of her... to say that is to say you never know. My daughter and her was in high school
