Thank you Grayson, that was lovely.

Here for you

Sensory processing is very difficult to deal with. I wish you peace my friend.

You are brave, you matter and you are needed in this world 💖.

You are a beautiful person and very inspiring. Thank you.

I wanted to comment on your video about Fathering Autism however comments are off so I came to this video to leave a comment. The first point I want to make is that Abbie's family does not do anything to extinguish her stims. The only time they redirect her is if she is flailing her arms near them so they do not get hit and if she is very loud they might send her upstairs. They do not stop her stims and they do not let therapists stop her stims. They do not see stimming as bad behavior. Yes, they do use ABA however the ABA therapy she gets is modified with nothing aversive. They are teaching her necessary skills like using the toilet or wiping a table. You seem upset by the initial negative response to Abbie's diagnosis. A diagnosis is very difficult for parents. It is a loss of many of the dreams you have for this child. It is an unknown and yes, can feel tragic. Most of the things that you or I can do in our lives, Abbie will never do. That is hard for parents. This doesn't mean that parents don't love their child however they need to come to acceptance of the diagnosis. How they felt at initial diagnosis is not how they feel now. They have said that Abby is who she is because of autism and if we took autism away she wouldn't be Abbie. I understand you don't understand the appeal of these videos. I love watching their life and family. I am impressed by how they handle everything and advocate for Abbie. Some families need to see hope and a path forward. Isaiah is an amazing young man who deeply loves his sister and helps care for her. Many brothers are not interested in their younger sisters and especially not disabled sisters. Isaiah did not say that word. He called her a dork in a loving, teasing, way. There is nothing inappropriate in the relationship between Abbie and Summer. Don't make a lovely beautiful loving friendship into something questionable. You seem uncomfortable with them struggling to handle some aspects of Abbie's behavior. Some behaviors are challenging and do just need to be tolerated as you try to change them. Abbie shreds her pull-up and use to do other things to the pull-up so you have to find ways to stop that behavior. She is a runner/eloper, she has meltdowns, she has SIB, and sometimes she injures them. These are challenging behaviors and caregivers get tired. Sometimes they need to say I'm tired or whatever it is they need to say. Autism can be an enemy and a friend at the same time. You and all the "experts" you quote don't live with Abbie and other low functioning non verbal autistic children. Do not blame these parents or any other autism parent. You do not have that right. Abbie's family is absolutely not abusive. They are a loving caring family who want the very best for Abbie. They never film meltdowns. I understand that you wouldn't be able to handle the filming. Abbie is not you and is not aware/embarrassed in the same way you or I would be. I think you are seeing this family with an agenda and through a particular point of view. You need to see autism in a completely positive light and sometimes that isn't the complete story. High functioning people with autism need to acknowledge that the paths and struggles of families with non verbal low functioning children with challenging behaviors like SIB is different. Stop holding them to a standard that doesn't fit their challenges and stop acting like the parents are to blame.

Hi, you turned off comments on your FatheringAutism video, so I'll just leave my thoughts here. 1. You reference the video where the talk about Abbie's diagnosis, saying they were basically throwing themselves a pity party. I've watched that video and can't say I agree. I think they were being blunt and honest about how they were feeling at the time, considering they just had a child diagnosed with a condition they admittedly knew very little about. You said it yourself this world was not created with autistic people in mind, and as an aspie myself I have to agree with you. 1a. You also stated that you felt they were making it about how they 'overcame' autism, and how difficult it is to raise an autistic child. as you stated before, the world is not made for autstics, so I interpreted Asa and Cilla's words as 'we fought for our daughter's place and helped get the services she needs to be successful.' I'm specifically referring to a video titled something to the effect of 'a lawsuit was the only way.' where the specifically address how they sued their public school district in order to get Abbie into a school that was able to help her learn, instead of being made to sit a desk facing the wall like the public school was doing. 1b. I don't think they are trying to 'minimize' Abbie's struggles, if anything filming their life and pointing out obstacles Abbie faces highlights just how much Abbie struggles, giving them and their fans all the more reason to cheer her on as she grows and learns to cope with various situations, people, and places. They don't seem to view autism as the 'enemy,' they view ignorance as the enemy, hence the entire reason they began posting videos, to bring awareness and acceptance. 2. You're right, AutismSpeaks is a terrible organization and does far more harm than any good they may do. 3. They do not view Abbie's stims as bad/undesirable behavior. They may redirect her stims to a chewy or some other sensory toy, but a majority of the time that allow her to stim. The only time they have actively attempted to supress a stim is when she was going through a phase where she would stick her fingers down her throat, gagging herself until she threw up. Obviously you understand how that could be detrimental to her health, so it was in her best interest to redirect her to a different stim with similar sensory input. 4. Yes, it is about their family excursions a lot, because it is an autism channel but they also fall into the family category. Regardless of if you agree with their choice or not, KZbin is one of their sources of income, they get paid from people watching ads, so of course they are gong to make their thumbnails and titles seem as interesting as possible. 4a. Just because you say you are 'not insulting anyone,' doesn't make it true. Just because you don't find their content entertaining does not mean someone who does is 'brain dead.' I don't know why you felt the need to go on that tangent, but nevertheless, people have different tastes and like different things. 4b. They do not make videos on how they live 'in spite of autism' they make videos on how they live with autism. Unfortunately, with the amount of misinformation and stereotypes that are rampant in media, especially regarding 'lower functioning' or high support needs autistics, many families believe their child cannot do or enjoy things that typical children do. What Asa and Cilla do is try to debunk those myths, specifically by going out and doing things with Abbie, they point out tips and tricks, how to get accommodations for autistic and other special needs people. They are trying to encourage people to not limit someones boundaries because of a diagnosis. 5. I have to disagree that the 'pity goes to the family a lot of times.' If anything they try to get people to stop pitying them and autistics and their families, because autism is not something to be pitied, it is something to be celebrated. 6. I can honestly say I have no memory of them ever saying 'we can't do something because of Abbie.' Outside of the obvious, 'can't leave the fridge unlocked' etc. but if you know of a video where they state that I would appreciate you linking it or giving the title. 6a. The point about Isaiah I sort of agree with you, I don't think Isaiah deserves praise for driving his sister around and going on Dunkin' runs. That being said there have been times where he has gone above and beyond what was expected of him, one example that springs to mind is Valentine's Day a while back. Summer and Becca were hanging out with Abbie and Isaiah was down staris with his friends, Abbie got sick and threw up all over herself, rather than let Becca and Summer (who were more thatn capapble) handle it he put his night on hold to make sure his sister was taken care of. 6b. 90% of the time Isaiah does get to be a normal teen, he played football, hung out with his friends, went on date, had a part time job, etc. 7. I'd really like so concrete examples of them using 'demeaning' language in their video titles, like actual quotes. The reality of the situation is that Abbie is has global developmental delay. It takes so much hard work and dedication on her part to not just learn but master any skill, especially any skill that allows her more independence and freedom. When they say things are 'embarrassing' (referring to something that happened in public) they mean that more than likely people were staring and or judging them, rather than moving on about their day. It has nothing to do with Abbie and everything to do with ignorant people who can't keep their eyes to themselves. 7a. Again, I would really appreciate concrete examples of this happening, vlog titles, descriptions of what happened, where they were. 7b. Sometimes you do have to stand there and tolerate it, if Abbie is to the point where she is overwhelmed they generally let her work it out on her own, either through stimming or giving her a break. Mainly for two reasons, number one: self soothing is a life skill, if Abbie has an opportunity to self regulate she should be allowed to. Number two: Abbie is smart enough to make the connection between a Behavior and leaving the store, they don't want her to manipulate the situation so she can leave, they want her to communicate what she wants. 8. They are FatheringAutism, that is their brand, they are also autism parents because they have an autistic child. That is the definition of an autism parent unless I am mistaken. That is their life as the parents of an autist and they do have to 'deal with thst stuff' on a daily basis. And you're right they do understand the struggle of being a parent of an autistic child, hence they grew this huge following of parents that appreciate and enjoy being able to see themselves represented somewhat. 9. Let me make this as clear as I possibly can; Asa and Cilla have NEVER seen Abbie of her behaviors as a burden. That may be how you view it, but I would strongly urge you to watch more of their vlogs so you can see how much they love Abbie and want her to grow.

I’m kind of at a loss for words. Your comments were turned off (probably a good idea) on the other video. I’m Abbie’s dad btw. This is my scrap bin channel I’m commenting from. I stopped watching when you said we’d obviously rather have a non autistic child. I’ll tell you that Abbie’s autism is very much a part of who she is as a person and we love who she is the way she is. I think there’s confusion in this area. Wanting your child to learn life skills and develop doesn’t mean you don’t live them the way they are and accept them. It just means I want her to have independence because independence is freedom and freedom is happiness. That’s it. That’s all I desire for her is happiness. Most of what you said was so far off base I don’t really think you have spent any amount of time watching our videos. Tone is impossible to read in a YT comment so I will tell you mine. I am not at all combative or even defensive. I wouldn’t mind a conversation. I think you will find that almost all of your assumptions and perceptions are in fact the opposite of what you originally thought. The topic of ABA we simply won’t see eye to eye on. You have an opinion and you’re entitled to that but I have a child who has learned life skills that will give her that independence I spoke about earlier through ABA. Maybe fact check your claims. Stimming is how she copes with sensory input or creates input she needs/enjoys. No stim blocking in our home/school/therapies. Our kid isn’t a burden, never had that thought...not once. Her brother is an amazing kid. Him being a third caregiver really doesn’t have much to do with her being autistic anyway. That has more to do with IDD and other comorbidities. That’s not even in your wheelhouse. Going back to the beginning I think you should rewatch the video we talked about getting Abbie’s diagnosis. You expect a lot from 25 year old parents whose only knowledge of autism was Rainman. A lot changes in 13 years my guy. I hope nothing but the best for you. Again, no hostility intended at all in my comment. I think your video was made with very little actual knowledge and a lot of stereotyping of “autism parents”...also, I don’t get the problem with saying one is an autism parent. Every single aspect of our lives, every decision we make, every part of our family’s past and future has an autism element to it. Nothing else in our life has that great of an impact. I think “autism parents” and “autism family” fits nicely. Long comment, hopefully you read it. Maybe you’ll consider what I said. 100% without a doubt most claims you made were dead wrong so I would hope you would consider it. Differing opinion is one thing but just being ignorant to the truth and still denying it is a whole other. I don’t get the feeling that you are trying to build your channel with this kind of content but if you are I can tell you this ain’t the way to do it. It makes the comment section a very ugly place. Hopefully not. Take care, consider what I said, and if you have any questions or would like to chat I’d be happy to.

Now this is gr8

Honestly youve just ruined your channel ...if you want support please focus on yourself not other channels ...Maybe it might get subs positive subs ...Dont know what your point is attacking the Maass family who are a gorgeous genuine family bad start to your channel 💯😡 Id sub if you focused on your health issues it is great to support great informative channels not ones attacking others

Listen, I wanted to comment on your other video, but I assume out of fear of backlash you turned them off. So I took 3 seconds to find a way comment another way. I really wanted to see what your opinion was with the Maass family. However, you failed to make any valid points. They do push her a lot , so at first I was interested to hear your take on them being ableists...but you failed to give any good examples. And just kinda moved on to topics that were irrelevant or simply nit picking their personalities. For ABA , yes its flawed , and yes its a system with a bad past . Which is why in the past they've said that while Abby does receive ABA, its modified and generally only for helping her learn life skills. Yes their vloggers , yes they have to make try and make their content interesting. Thats literally their job. Their thumbnails are generally vague and in many cases not even about Autism. Im not sure what thumbnails you're referring to say things like "ugh abby had another fit". Not sayingnthey dont exist but theyre not the norm and I cant think of one rn. Also calling out people who watch vlogs of any kind, because you think their boring, was kinda uncalled for. Especially considering your videos involve you siting in front of a camera doing nothing but talking , lecture style. Which is fine content, but doesn't give you the right to say theirs is the boring kind haha!! You seem to be more mad because these people are different than you. Them thinking their son is a good kid because he likes hanging out with his sister is not odd. And no, not all 18 year old boys want to spend time with their siblings or parents. You said you shouldn't "overcome Autism " then explained that what they should do is minimize struggles and live as happy a life as you can with Autism. Which is what it means to overcome something, just using different words. They constantly talk about how Autism is a part of Abby and how it makes her who she is and they dont want to take that away. They also dont suppress swimming unless its causing her harm. The most they do is ask her to yell on the 2nd floor instead. Yet you say they act as if Autism is a villian. Them talking about when she was diagnoses is what many parents go through. Because they have to adjust to a life they didnt expect. They again say how they "overcame" that feeling and were trying to show other parents that things get better. Finally , you really nit picked the channel name...lol FatheringAutism does not mean Asa thinks he has Autism lol Its means he is fathering someone with Autism. If the channel name was "FatheringAbby" would you think that means that he thinks HE IS ABBY ?? LOL all in all , I really was interested to hear your thoughts as someone with Autism on the channel, but what you picked as topics just didn't seem credible , and in some cases just mean. I watch their vlogs , so i see the content theye putting out. I've seen other criticisms that I can understand, so don't think that I think they can do no wrong. Because they certainly can.. after all no ones perfect. Next time maybe, try to shift focus.

Because obviously you have blocked your comments from the video that you said about the fathering autism family I’m gonna say something to you now you obviously do not know them personally and if you watched the video like a real fan would you would know that Isaiah never called his sister a retard he said “”dork what are you laughing at you dork so maybe you should re-watch the video again and really listen closely to what was said before you make a video embarrass yourself

How dare you attack Isaiahs character he has a beautiful soul. And abbie is freaking spoiled i think she should be punished once in a while just like any other child. I dont like the entire family and i actually dont even watch them as much anymore but you have no right to judge Isaiah he is a great kid he never said retard. You should think before you say things

Hi so I dont really comment on video but I do believe your last video was so uncalled for yes they do therapy for abby and some people dont agree with that but there trying to make her stronger and make sure she knows more incase anything happens with them in the future yes they do video every day that's there choice they have every right to video as it's there own right also they try to stop her stigma sometimes as she hurts people and they want to let her know she can stim all day in her room if she wants I understand why there doing that as there trying to teach her that's not abuse abuse is a strong claim abby is a happy go luck child and u have not even said once how happy she is

Hello friend. I just want to say that I found your video on fatheringautism! All I would like to say is with all of the supporters Abbie has in her real life, if any of them noticed any signs of abuse they would report it. Abbie’s parents both worked extensively with autism even before their KZbin channel and aim to give her the best life possible. About her stims, they only comment the movement she has in her arms when she is very near them and could possibly hit them. Autistic or not, no one wants to be hit in the face. Also, I believe that the channel comes off more so “about” the parents and brother simply because Abbie cannot speak or communicate well outside basic needs. I do not think they have ever said anything that implied they want pity, they have even said that they don’t want it. Abbie has more needs than a neurotypical child would, and that is probably draining for her parents. They have never complained about her “misbehaving” in public. And her brother said “you dork” not the R word. He calls loads of people dork in many of the vlogs and calls Abbie dork very often. Sorry this is much longer than expected but I wanted to present what I know about them from watching them for quite some time.

I’m happy to have found your channel recently and look forward to more videos! I liked the way you explained things here and used your personal experiences to illustrate things. I especially loved the line “autism is anything but a disease, and is instead a way of being human.” I really relate to your perspective (I’m autistic too). Also, I’m glad you spoke about some of the issues with the FA channel in your recent video. I hope you don’t get hate sent your way over it, as I know how their audience can be. Just know that autistics like myself support you and are grateful to have your perspective out there!

Good job

I love you and I am proud of you!!

Just what I need now... like this

Wishing you feel/find happiness of life soon :) thank you so much for sharing. Lots of same thoughts and pains here in Sydney. I think you are such a beautiful person. And for sure your fermentation process will pay you back good in future!!

This is awesome.

Unfortunately, I am diagnosed with ASD but do not have the emotional connection you describe, including with the people you mentioned at 1:00. People of my severity are extremely hard to come by. The search continues.

Wasted views, that's all they see, Blue: Hot blood, guilt, optic nerve With the right attitude, you will succeed, Blue; Self-abusive recluse, too late for me. Make shifting peace... unsettling. Crazy... Doing crazy things. Keep your eyes open. Soft-spoken changes nothing. A view so cruel. -Skinny Puppy, "Worlock"

You aren't alone in any of this.

It is always difficult to share music with others. And it can be annoying AF. Maybe you already know about this. Maybe not. If you ever need an emotional cleanse, and a little hope, try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHLcg4J9h9ybn7c Turning on subtitles can help, although just looking at the crowd's faces might be enough. Don't let the practiced ease fool you, her handlers have spent many years teaching her to dance, as an alternative to stimming. :)

This is what real courage looks like. A very wise lady, Tori Amos, once said: "You're just an empty cage (girl), if you kill the bird." Pronouns aside, this is still true. Don't let the love you feel inside you stop singing. Ever.

Thank you for being so open! It's really nice to hear someone so honestly.

I used to be a rapper, the Hip-Hop scene did help me thrive in such a neurotypical driven environment and society.

Hello Greyson! It´s good to see you. "A sudden stutter can be caused by a number of things: brain trauma, epilepsy, drug abuse (particularly heroin), chronic depression or even attempted suicide using barbiturates, according to the National Institutes of Health." yeah I agree with you on that. Stuttering is automatic and makes me feel even more uncomfortable

9:09 EXACTLY! That’s messed up. Some odd traditions. I recently found out that my therapist doesn’t let her son wear a hat at the dinner table. I jump to questioning her judgement because it’s such a strange rule. It helps get light out of my eyes.

IMO, in the shower is not the place to "branch out".... Totally get the thing about other people and cleanliness.

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJSpdJqAoq55pdk You might relate to this.

What are you studying?

🙌🙌💗🌈👏👏I relate

Alice Miller spoke of a repetitive, regressive compulsion. Bitter nasty people who never resolve past crises will relive the same pain in new manifestations while begrudging others.

If there's no inherent meaning, then there is nothing to be crushed, grasshopper.

This is so relatable, thank you for expressing this.

I tend to think of meaning/reality/choose-your-parameters as being quantum in nature. There are a number of viable alternatives, but they're not entirely random; they follow laws, whether physical or "meta" physical.

thanks for sharing this.

i think i played alone a lot and i did feel left out a lot...

thanks for your heartfelt sincere words. very comforting

I had this mental image of you with a note pinned to your shirt: "hi, I'm Greyson. I'm a nice person. Please talk to me." :) ;) The good thing about uni is that the longer you're there, the more, eventually, people are going to start understanding who you are. Once the first person talks to you outside a group setting and realizes you have things to say, word will get around. And it will probably get easier for you to interact without freezing (it did me.) I like you. I'd make the effort. Other people will, too.

I'd like to thank Carol for sharing you on Mindful Divergence. I might have popped out a tear or two of my own listening to it. It's really hard to come to the conclusion that you're either going to have to guard your heart or hurt, because you're someone whose feelings run strong and deep, and then to actively choose that you're going to feel the feelings anyway. It's a choice you don't make lightly, but if my experience makes a difference, I think it's the best choice to make. I'll never regret living in color. <3

Awesome dude. Amen, brother. Cheers!

hello greyson