Autism - How My Unstoppable Mother Proved the Experts Wrong: Chris Varney at TEDxMelbourne

Chris Varney is an advocate for children's rights. His advocacy began as a 16-year-old Youth Ambassador for World Vision during which he became active in anti-poverty campaigning. He went on to become National Co-Director of World Vision's youth movement and later, the 2009 Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations. As Youth Representative he put together a book Dear Kevin which helped catalyse many practical outcomes for vulnerable children and youth. For his efforts he has received the 2011 Monash University Student Alumni Award, the 2012 National Award for Youth in Advancing the Legal Rights and Interests of Children and Young People and the 2012 Future Justice Medal.
Visit Chris' website: chrisrvarney.com/
Connect with Chris on Twitter: chrisrvarney
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[Delilah Hart]

I'm 44 years old, and I was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum just a few months ago. When I was a kid, my mom was told by an "expert" that I wouldn't be able to attend college or live independently. Thankfully, Mom didn't listen, and thanks to her encouragement, I was the first person in my family to graduate from college, and I've been living on my own for many years now.

[I R]

Congratulations

[Ponn Ammal]

So inspiring

[Tony Tzanoukakis]

@H. bk possibly one of the most amazing replys I've read! Yes, there are days that are going to be hard, there are times where you plan trips especially for your kid and they turn into disasters. That doesn't mean that we give up, it's our job to give our life for our children and help them succed in anything that makes them happy. My 4 year old, after over a year of therapy doesn't stop amazing us. A couple of weeks ago we were in a bakery and we the lady ask him if he wanted a muffin she showed him. (He never had replied before and my wife and I were, as usual going to answer for him). BUT, he replied "no" ! that little small thing put tears in both of us! Little did the lady know what that meant for us! He's getting better and more vocal as weeks pass. So always remember, life is a marathon, not a Sprint! Little steps at a time! I wish your and you kids all the very best!

[Rebecca Morgan]

What an amazing Testimony..

[Snezana Stojanovic]

Please tell me where you go testing because I like my daughter bring.

[HaulinA55]

I was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. I was told I would never be in a public school or walk or talk properly. That day, my mom set me up with three therapists a day. After all this, I graduated from a mainstream school, I walk, talk, and I can do near anything. I am quite an inspiration to others on my autism. You'd never guess I was on the spectrum.

[Amanda Gray]

What therapy did you have please?

[Jeena Sohaily]

@Shana Dorrell oh thanks God happy for you and your kid , I am a mum of 4 in half boy he got autism I am so worried but your comment give me hope . 😢 Do you know how to help autism kid to talk more and speech better plz

[Jeena Sohaily]

@Sterling silver does your child talk now ??? My son is 4 just talk with few sentences I am so stressed

[Sdoddi 2000]

Well, my pediatrician diagnosed me with PDD-nos and sensory processing disorder… (This was when I was 3 years old ). Then the psychiatrist told my parents… “you shall continue occupational therapy and speech therapy , which may take about a few years to recover.” I was finally diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at 5 years old in kindergarten; Nowadays you cannot detect that Im on the spectrum , because I can hide my symptoms . You would’ve never guessed that I have autism.

[Ema]

@Love, Mayc how is your son

[JRod]

This was so touching and beautiful I was moved to tears. My son's been diagnosed with level 3 autism last year. He also has speech delay. I was devastated but I immediately worked on getting him to therapy, did lots of research and follow and encourage his interests. I talked to him a lot in simple words until he one day said some. 15 months later, he's now talking in sentences, they're mostly ready made sentences he heard but he applies them in the right context. He sings a lot too. In both English and Italian, and when he can't say the words, he'd look at me expecting me to say them. And when I do, he'd hang to every syllable and he'd say them after me. Those moments just melts my heart. I have hope he'll become fluent one day. He's bright and sweet and I believe he'll be the best in what he'll be.

[Lily Isaac's]

@Esther Buluma My exact case at 4 years 3 months. He began singing maybe at 2... Very good with musical tunes! He shocked me months ago when I noticed he types "cocomelon", "happy birthday" whenever he wants to search using my phone, he writes "Jesus" almost every time he has pen and paper. He writes B.I.N.G.O. and ensures it's 3 times as in the song, then goes to the next line omitting the first letter, as is in the song (replacing the missing letter(s) with a bold dot!!! One day he read in my chats, "Wow". Then he also wrote Question Mark (?) pointed at it, then said "Mom, what?" Meaning he knows how the mark is used: behind questions like "what?" By this time he was only half year into Playgroup/ nursery, where the most they learn is numbers and alphabets. Not even three-letter words yet, always introduced a year or two later. When he gets into a public bus, or while in Church, he'll be tapping every neighbor and greeting them with the widest of smiles, "Hi, how are you?" But he'll do this repeatedly. He mostly does preconstructed sentences. If he wants to eat and there's what he's mastered a cartoon character to say when they want to eat, he'll use that, whether it's a song or words. Like when you give him banana, or when he sees you with one, he'd begin to sing "I want to eat, eat, eat, apples and bananas..." At times he'll also say with broken words, mixing English and Swahili, to ask for the same. He hugs, kisses and smiles alot, keeps eye contact, can be very playful and interactive, but also loves to play alone, mostly indoors. He's however not very conscious of his environment; not completely non-responsive to danger but I'd compare his level of the same to a 2 year-old's. At school he demands food from other kids' tins, a gesture translated to mean he doesn't care about other's feelings or desires. I couldn't potty train him. I tried and gave up. But between 3-4 he started using the toilet, and he's good with it right now, except on cases when he's in a new environment and hasn't been shown the washrooms; then he'd mess on his clothes. He may be sweating but won't allow you to take off his sweater. Moments later, he'll be struggling to remove it by himself, crying for help. I took this to mean he wants it done only when he wants it done. Also, whether you wrong him or he wrongs you, he'll be the first to say sorry, and will keep repeating it until you too say sorry. He feeds on his own, but gets poorer at it around Mummy. I always believed that he's just okay but with delayed milestones, until his new school introduced the autism thing after interacting with him for two days. I'm just confused and overwhelmed by the thought of it.

[Xena]

You're a great mom. Never give up hope! You are doing everything right and although it sometimes seems impossible and feels so hard now, you are planting and nurturing the seeds so that you will see the fruits of your labor grow and bloom over time. Your son will bloom. And you will see all your hard work and love pay off in dividends as he gets older and overcomes one obstacle after another. A mother's love can move heaven and earth for her children. ❤️

[Esther Buluma]

@JRod My son is 3 and 10 months, he can sing nursery rhymes, says all Alphabets and phonics, numbers upto 20, says colours and shapes by heart but just can not communicate. I'm so confused.

[Dan Lyle]

Personally, what my autism diagnosis means to me, isn't "there are things I can't do", it's more like "there are things I need to do differently, in my own way" or "there are things I'm going to need help with"

[Musings by Muñeca]

This is so true. Even some of the things you'll need help with, in time, you'll find ways to get that done too💕 Never give up.

[wacoi wacoi]

Yes ,differently,no point of trying to fit in.

[LovinMe60]

@Pateck Aaron what's the name of the herb?

[jensine onuwa]

wow he touched me his story is touching. I cried all through the video. I will not let the doctor label my son. he's gifted and smart, my son was born 12/12/12. thank you Chris for giving my son confidence

[Meles Hadgu]

What are the numbers say I have a son born 12/12/14 he is also smart but I do believe it depends by the way we raise them

[Rita Marie Kelley]

Lucky kid to have you as his mom.

[Lord Louis Salguero]

I am a father with a son with autism and you have given me so much hope, thanks Chris Varney...... I salute you Sir.

[BeginningAndLast 7]

Louis Salguero how is your son doing now Louis?

[Rosy]

Thank you for this. My worst fear is to leave my autistic child alone in this world. He’s 3 and I pray everyday that he can live on his own, work and just cope with life. You give us hope

[Quatsie Sutton]

You remind me of my 5 year old son and I feel like I can feel everything your mother went through.. luckily his father and I see past the diagnosis and we also see the incredible gifts he has, socially he struggles, but he can learn a world map / countries / foreign alphabets and pick up very complex math like nobody’s business.. thank you so much for your story

[G L]

I was told that there’s something mentally wrong with my son and that he won’t be able to go to a regular class room. He is in 7th grade a straight A student. Please don’t listen to people that don’t know and understand you always push for more. Good bless.

[Ema]

@Debbie Larkins am same like you we can encourage some times i dont wanna live

[Ema]

@Debbie Larkins am feeling same like you I have a boy as well...be sttong

[Fowzi Fouzi]

Well said. I believe moms are the best expert just need little extra support from honest, kind, caring professionals.

[Rigor Mortis]

@Debbie Larkins I am not sure where you are from but I would suggest you to reach out to a developmental paediatrician. They are fully qualified to do an assessment especially if you are waiting for assessment from public hospitals. In any case it’s not as bad as it sounds or being projected. Wish you good luck.

[Jennifer]

My son was diagnosed at 3-4 years of age. I also had him in many and various therapies for some years. It did work... however the key I believe was sending him to a Montessori School. Their “I can” method is remarkable. Remembering of course that Montessori developed her whole philosophy on children’s education with kids who were seen as disabled in one form or another, in the early 1900’s My son has recently graduated with a university degree and as importantly is seen as a leader amongst his peers. It’s true the therapies helped enormously. However it was encouraging his faith in his own wholeness, however different that was to everyone else that was significant.

[Kirsty Collins]

Great to see some positive things said about Autism! When you have a young child with Autism It is impossible to imagine that they will ever function without help. You all suffer so much. There is no practical help out there just sympathy. I just want to say that it does eventually get better. It does get easier. My son is 12 years old and absolutely amazing. He is much nicer and smarter than most neurotypical kids. Schools need to do more about bullying.

[Sharon Jensen]

Neurotypical kids aren't born mean. It's the bigoted, small-minded grown-ups in their lives (parents, teachers and authority figures) who teach them how to be ("You've got to be taught to hate and to fear").

[Sonic12Lexi]

Not just autistic (autism + me) people who needs help, non-autistics also can need help.

[Sharon Flynn]

Absolutely bloody spot on !!!!! Exactly how I was feeling and you just verbalised every single thing i have been thinking . My 3 year old son will def be an " I can " child . A mother knows !!! A mother knows !!:)

[Musings by Muñeca]

So ... your child is about 8yo as I'm reading this. I pray you are still encouraged and all is well and y'all are excelling celebrating every victory both great and small💕

[Shantanu Rout]

This clearly shows how society's behavior could affect our condition in both the ways. Hats off to your mother, grandparents, friends and teacher for always being by your side.

[Kristen Foley]

I’m crying. Thank you so much for this video. I’m borderline ASD & my daughter has mild autism. I am just like your Mom. There’s nothing that my daughter cannot do & I refuse to let others tell her otherwise.

[Debbie Larkins]

I need some words of courage. I am trying get my son tested and I need to wait over a year and he is 4. I need help my son. He is probably in the boardline autism. I feel so guilty. What I don't did pregnant to make my son have autism? I need some help.

[Esther Buluma]

Thank you been looking for mothers who refuse negativity because of what seems like a disability in their children

[Tyler H]

I have aspergers, I really appreciated what he said. I just do things in a different way than others. I wish I had the family or the support he had from peers. Most of what I got out of high school was more anxiety. I really want to move past this road block and succeed in the ways I use to dream of.

[Philip Zamora]

Your experience is closer to what mine was like. I didn't get that support this speaker did because nobody knew what was wrong with me. And, yes, high school was a nightmare. I only lasted one year and then I just quit and went to work. I eventually got my GED though.

[DeirdreEmm]

Hello World: with Miyah K xoxoxoxox

[Joseph Parker]

one of the first people I heard say a wonderful quote as a child was actually a Pastor who stated "your disability in not an excuse for not doing things but a reason to find a different way to achieve these." I thank Bishop Ed Little who also teamed up with my parents to fight for me in the education system. We had something as an expanded plan that picked up on components from the school IEP in a so called Individual Social Development Plan that he presented to my Sunday school class teacher who also happened to be a special education teacher.

[Samantha Sweet]

That is inspirational. What age did you get potty trained?

[A]

I cried towards the end. This was such a moving story. Thank you Chris. I wish more teachers and parents would help educate and encourage their kids to become loyal friends and understand these individuals because as Chris said they can do anything they just orbit a little differently.

[Maria Kazzi]

You have no idea how much this talk means to me. It moved me from fear to motivation, to hope, to movement to help and celebrate my beautiful boy. Thank you!

[Waseem Raja]

Your strong mother in world

[Lavina Lewis]

That was a heart warming message for all parents. You hold so much of authority in the life of your child. Building them into beautiful human beings like Chris.

[Alina]

It hurt me so much when my son was diagnosed with ASD and labeled as ‘disabled’ or ‘disordered’. I always saw him as someone pretty unique in the way he perceives and interacts with the outside world, he’s one of the most empathic people I’ve ever met, he’s so kind and full of emotion, and does take him quite a. It if effort to try new and scary things but once he knows he can do it he does everything without a hitch, he’s such a good hands-on learner! I refuse to believe there’s anything wrong with him at all, he’s just different from most other people, and I love who he is. The doctor who diagnosed him told us he can’t guarantee he’ll be able to live an independent life and we need to force him i to social settings, like team sports, etc. I was stunned at this - my son was 4 years old and spoke understand 3 languages, yet went through the assessment in his non-primary language and was diagnosed with speech delay! When it comes to team sports, I know he struggles with it so much, yet with individualistic sports he absolutely thrives, so why would I need to force him into something he simply doesn’t like to do??! Just to make him look ‘normal’?!

[December Hendrickson]

I am high functioning, I have never been tested but there is no doubt in my mind that I am. My son also is. We had a really bad night last night and I was feeling really down today. This video is wonderful. I love it when other people have the courage to tell their story. I needed it.

[Ayesha Pathan]

Behind every successful story there is one thing common- a dedicated mother..gives me immense hope my son has mild autism he is 3 and half year old..

[Suzan Burge]

Thank you for this, I'm the Mum who has been the one going "why is my child struggling". Ive had to fight for her to get help, so easy to blame her challenges on my parenting and her bad behaviour. Thank you for posting this, my girl is utterly amazing and I'll be there to help her become the wonderful person I know she will be in her future, I love her for who she is and I'm happy that she is special and I'm happy to be that unstoppable Mum for my unstoppable daughter who feels the world like others don't.

[Lupita Hernandez]

This is beautiful! My three year old was diagnosed with ASD back in Aug 2022 and I was terrified at first. I felt like a failure and as if it's my fault. I feel as if they teach us to be afraid of the ASD instead of teaching us acceptance. Now, I'm working on how to be a better person and help my child grow.

[Will The Champion of buses 32]

I fought the experts after being told it was my fault my son was the way he is. Eventually he got the diagnosis he deserved and was diagnosed with 6 separate conditions. Never stop fighting for your kids.

[Austin Powers]

Fantastic, you described my childhood very closely. I was marked as being a problem child with genius which inevitably landed me in a few sticky spots to say the least. I am now 40 with a child who has been identified as having autism, I will make it my lifes work to ensure that he has a much better start in life than I had. Inspiring mother to say the least and you are a credit to her. Encyclopedias rock!!

[Michelle Visage OnlyFans]

OK, I held it together the whole time, but welled up at the very end when he went to hug his mom. :) Fantastic story and speech that applies across the board to all children, autistic or not. It's called unconditional love, support and acceptance of someone exactly as they are! All children need it and we all still need it as adults more often than we think.

[Zz Hetty zZ]

I have high functioning autism and his story touches my heart. 💜 My mother is also a wonderful patient mother who encourages me to do everything that I set my mind to because 'I Can'.

[Eduardo Rodrigues]

Man, it brought tears to my eyes! What a groundbreaking speech!

[Cobby Jones]

This certainly one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever listened to. So touching

[Ann-Marie Atkins]

This is one of the few videos where the parents get a little praise. It’s important as parents that we look at what our children can do and not at what they can’t do and not to look at special needs schools as a stigma.

[grace & anything]

My son was just diagnosed with autism days ago. And I chooseto do the same, to prove his doctor that his dusability ain't like that .. Thanks for being an inspiration.

[Anoldanimefan]

Mr Varney ... Your way with words is wonderful and I love your 'I can' message! It is one I have and will continue to pass onto my children regardless if they be autistic or neuro typical :) I will even use it for myself when I believe I am a bad mum when faced in those situations you and your mother have gone through ... Thank you for being you and a beacon of light! I hope to hear from you and will be a happy listener to your stories and talks. The very best to you always and many thanks x

[andi ..]

I come here every time I feel worried about my kid.

[Ema]

me too i blame my self a lot

[MissJBradford]

I just got a diagnosis of level 2 autism for my son, and was feeling so lost in fear for my son's future. If he could make friends normally, have meaningful relationships, and be happy... Thank you for this video. It tells me there is still hope and my son can grow into an independent happy man.

[Amelia Tearnan]

Redefining the label!!!!! I love this guy and how he is helping students and parents all around the world! He tells it like it really is. Great thin to show new parents who have just gotten a diagnosis. He shows that anything is possible!

[Aleiteisi Latukefu]

Dead at the finger painting!! 💩 My daughter is 3 and was recently diagnosed with ASD Level 3 and the amount of times I've had to scrub the walls in our house...😷 But when I sit back and watch her play (by herself) she absolutely surprises me and teaches me so much about her 🥰 Your mum is goals and I plan to be as fearless when it comes to getting my kid the help she needs.

[Michelle Justice]

Thank you for the wonderful and inspiring video! Both of my young children are on the spectrum. I hope to be the type of mom you have. Thank you for the boost in motivation.

[nixie NICLA]

This is a great clip I think. Absolutely the key is focusing in on the child or adults strengths as we should do with any person of course. Children and adults with autism, need a strong network of family and or friends who really are there to highlight the positive aspects of their unique gifts and individual outlook. It's so great to see someone who actually sits on the Autism Spectrum advocating for others who do too. I really got a lot out of this clip.

[megha sharma]

Tears in my eyes, there's nothing a mom can't do!

[Tineke Williams]

Thank you for giving me the confidence to deal with my grandson. You won't know how much this has helped me, many many thanks xxx

[vashisl33t]

When he said Lisa was his mother and he was the child i burst into tears. I just recently was told my son is Autistic and is non verbal this gives me hope that he could learn to speak one day.

[The Leaf]

Do not give up. They need more practice and different ways of teaching. Focus on what he is interested in.

[Jackie Kelly]

Always talk to your child and give them more time to respond! Even using sign language, Assisted technology that will speak for them or with pictures… they can & will learn will practice!

[Fells]

Contact the lady on Marcia Hines previous mess for assistance.

[Alex Kantor]

I can definitely relate to you, Mr. Varney. I am on the autism spectrum myself, and I never really liked socializing, actually, I still don't. But my mom always pushes me, always helps me out. She hasn't thrown my school bag through a wall, though I imagine that would end any argument rather quickly.

[Amanda Curtis]

Absolutely inspirational speaker and inspirational mum. Us parent's of children on the spectrum are always reevaluating goal posts for everything we hope our children can achieve because times are full of highs and lows and so important not to get stuck in the lows. This is a fantastic reminder to enthusiastically believe "they can!" and WOW - Chris is a shining example :)

[Top1s Central]

I recommend the book 'Wonder' to every child. He's not autistic from what I know but you need to read it. It's about a boy named August who has a bad face and it was his first year in school since he was in homeschooled for years. That's all I can tell you

[Miss Jenny K]

It’s also a movie! So good, made me cry!

[Iud]

"It’s a cruel world. And yet…so beautiful…", this is the quote that comes to my mind watching this, thankyou for this, thankyou a lot.

[Iud]

@Autistic outcast not by choice YES it is xD

[Autistic outcast not by choice]

That's the same quote found in ATTACK ON TITAN LOL.

[Catarina May]

This was the most amazing talk I have ever seen. I am a 17 year old girl currently being assessed for Asperger's. You are so inspirational :)

[Tweetypie78]

What an incredible man and his family, thank you for sharing your story

[Christine]

Yes , I encouraged my daughter to bring her to talk and meet others when she was young , she is the most kind and beautiful girl in the world and I love her very much. I am proud of her and always believe in her even I was exhausted and caused lots of tears in the dark being there alone for her ..... I thank God for having her in my life 🧡

[b fayman]

☑✅❗Thank you for your speech , and your humor ! Your precious information is a great help in challenging times . 🎆🌠⭐ I think that many children changed after the many vaccinations they where forced to admit . So many medical and other problems are caused by jabs , so many sad children suffer because of the lockdowns . I send you love and peace from Shanghai !🌄🏝🌎

[Super Syden]

This is such a touching and inspirational story. Thank you for sharing. I'm sure your mom is so proud of you. My son has Autism and ADHD and i'm super proud of who he is. ❤

[Tea LaRee]

As an autistic parent and individual my advice to others is this: don't settle, don't be complacent, don't doubt your ability to parent AND be the best advocate for your child. I've had teachers, doctors and all kinds of professionals try to gaslight me about my own child and what works best for him...don't let them push you around. It's the hardest grind in the world to be a parent of an autistic child but it's the most special one too. Hang in there.

[DoomTrooper.666]

I’ am so proud of this hombre , because I think he give all of us hope, letting us embrace who we are by convincing that we should determine what’s best for us and not by people’s opinions, we should listen to them sometimes, yeah, but no always when you realize that what they are trying to do is wrong. One of the first lessons I’ ve learned in life is the ability to choose how you wanna spent your life on the rock we call “Earth”, but the choices we make will always have different outcomes, either it’s bad or good, doesn’t really matter. Lesson Number 2 is that we all make mistakes like everyone who is not on the spectrum and we choose how to view these mistakes and think about our course of action. Leason Number 3 is to remember that we all have different personalities, different tone, different habits and different self-rules, never expect anybody anything, because it’ll effect your feelings badly by their disappointment. Last lesson is self love, meaning you should treat yourself like a caretaker, but who only takes care of himself, it’s also believing yourself by thinking you can, for example: Go to Mars or to the Moon and put the American flag on the surface, it’s all up to you, you want something meaningful, name it and find a way to get it no matter how long it takes, the choice will always be yours to make.

[Sue Mick]

Amen Brother. Self-diagnosed and I finally get myself and the world around me at 58.

[mohammed saifullah]

Who all are their in ur family?

[Janet Graham]

Thank you for sharing your story - had me in tears and just what i needed to hear in light of an upcoming diagnosis for my 4 year old. Inspires me to be like your mum for my little one. Cheers to your mum and you for your advocacy for those on the spectrum.

[P65RcfZ]

Loved this talk!! Bravo Chris and keep up the fantastic and inspiring work!

[Cheryl Neiverth]

Chris, thank you for your beautiful and inspiring story. You left me in tears - of joy - and I can't thank you enough. I have done nothing but fight for my little guy, now 4.5 years old, since I became sure of his Autism diagnosis - and you gave me just what I needed to keep fighting. We still have such a long way to go in this country, the US, with respect to ensuring the life-altering services these children need. Thank you so much for being such an eloquent and gifted ambassador. You are reaching many - and so many need to hear your message!

[Lara Jones]

The doctors told me that my daughter was seriously mentally ill and would be for the rest of her life. I did not buy it. I kept looking for what was really going on. I read everything I could until I found a Tony Atwood video, Could it be Aspergers. It was like he was describing my child. The doctors made her feel like she was broken and needed to be fixed. I could finally tell her she absolutely was not broken, she was autistic and that is perfectly okay.

[LovinMe60]

@Pateck Aaron what kind of herbs?

[Sharon Jensen]

That is exactly the reason for my deep distrust of the medical profession. Doctor knows best? Don't count on it.

[Michelle Martinez]

Wow, I’m in tears.

[Kathleen Warner]

Amazing! You were so blessed to have an awesome mom & network around you. You are so gifted. I loved listening to you

[Maryoris Garrido]

Hermoso. Ame cada minuto de esta charla. Soy mamá de un niño con autismo y me llena de emoción y esperanza está charla

[Catherine Llames]

I am a mother of a 2 year old who's been showing signs of autism but is not yet clinically diagnosed and I am preparing myself for the worst by watching and reading and educating myself of this disorder. But then I stumbled on this video and gosh! I want to be just like your mom. She's an inspiration to mom's like me. Thank you for this super encouraging talk.

[Praveen Pandey]

Any update on your kid?

[ArcherLass]

This is a beautiful speech, thank you. Your mother is awesome, my mum was the same, different message but same intention and it helped a lot. I do believe we need to rethink autism. Thank you again for this. :D

[Mandy Jory]

Very very moving Chris . A very inspirational talk . Your mother is amazing and must be so very proud

[Ruth]

Thankyou .. it just goes to show the potential in all people, if given the opportunities to blossom. I'm 60 next year and this lockdowns given me the opportunity to listen to people like you and to recognise why lifes been so challenging. I've discovered my tribe (better late than never!🥴) and what amazing people they are makes me burst with pride!! Autism spectrum condition is okay!! Every life is precious and has something to offer. This guy is a beacon for us and his mother - Wow what can I say - we all need to emulate her!! I'm so uplifted thanx again🙂

[Mothering Mania]

Thank you so much for this lecture. You have made me realise that what Im doing for my two young children with ASD and the advocate Im being is the right path for them.

[Mohammad Ali]

This discussion really proves to me that everyone has some special personalities even if they may seem to be flaws. From beginning to end this is a very great speech to listen to just to not only understand what a medical case like this is, but sadly I must say that you didn’t mention side effects of cases of this which one of them may be ADHD which is often found. Overall a very educational yet also enjoyable video.

[Smb daddy]

I wanna thank you Chris on opening my mind more and a little more hope about this topic for my 8 y.o. boy who I know has a form of autism. Still waiting for a full diagnosis but because of budget cut's in the U.S. these poor child therapist are overbooked and underpaid infact he actually had to be put on a list for the diagnosis and it took a year before they contacted us about him getting diagnosed.

[Tracey Ellis]

That was a beautiful but emotional story! Thank you 🙏 you are very lucky to have had the support and wonderful mother! The sky is the limit with the right support and I wish more people believed in this approach! Watching this has giving me hope for my own children.

[Clara Raimundi]

Being born on the spectrum is no different than being born without a hand or with speech issues. You work hard to overcome and find your place in this world. We all have challenges. Some more noticeable than others.

[Andrea Kress]

This video is so inspiring and it can help many parents who have received a recent autism diagnosis. I would love to share it with my friends who speak Portuguese. Is it possible to add Portuguese subtitles? I would be very happy to do the translation.

[Philip Zamora]

I wonder what my life would have been like if I had been diagnosed at a young age like this guy was. Unfortunately, I had to struggle without a diagnosis up until the age of 30. While it's true that you can do anything, you also need to be taught how to do those things or it's going to be a much harder road.

[lassus prophetam]

Awesome video just what mothers need to hear. I had a fractured skull as a six-year-old and my mother got one of the worst diagnosis is a mother could get for her child but she really Rose above this the way your mother did congratulations where some of the few saved by our mothers when the doctors were trying to sink us.

[James Smith]

Too often my own teenagers ( ASD ) say " I'm stupid" "I'm a failure" after they had done something considered "wrong" I tell them you are clever try again. Recently my teenage son stood up to a bully and told that student to stop and then physically he was pulled to the floor in the classroom.(that student since suspended from school). Later that day he reported to me he had felt discriminated for : talking differently, thinking differently, not being sporty, having different culture background and being autistic. I told him he is still a special person to me and their a lot of things he can do.

[Cornia The Rare Furcorn]

You are an awesome parent! I hope you and your son are doing well!

[for de lolz]

Got a brave son.

[DeirdreEmm]

+James Smith God bless you both

[Danielle Palao]

Kudos to you and your mom!

[ダルウィーシュ奈菜]

What a wonderful mother!! She is my roll model from now on!

[Entrust Disability Services]

Very inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing your story.

[Useless Noise]

This is an amazing story, but has me slightly worried as an autistic adult who is struggling :/ It's different when you're a grown man who doesn't know how to interact with the world rather than a misunderstood child.

[Jody]

My son is 23 btw his dad been gone over 17yrs...i did it alone with 2 other kids....cant never can...but sheer will never heard of can't

[Kirsty Collins]

It is very hard. Don't give up on yourself. If you keep trying you will make good friends who accept you for who you are.

[Winter Star]

I understand that difficulty. I've gotten by for a long lifetime, 'flying under the radar'. What helped get through? Adults who tried to optimize abilities, and occasionally pointed out specific things to learn to compensate for, such as when G'ma got eye-to-eye and explained importance of making eye-contact...it was something to work harder on. But there was plenty of difficulty to deal with...just some easier when one finds supportive people to help point or demonstrate the way.

[Lola r]

I suppose that adults will have to do what most "normal" people when doesn't know what to do or how to do it: Searching for information, learning, looking for group support, family support. If nothing of this is possible we have to learn to question the believes about ourselves. In youtube we can find Byron Katie a teacher who learned how to question her depresive thoughts and get rid of them, now she is teaching many people about it. The thing is an adult has to do something and we have now so many resources available to help us improve. Just a small change can be, sometimes, life changing. I know it was for me. My best wishes for you.

[Technology Wales]

True!

[Martha Hirsch]

How inspiring. It does not get better. Every parent, child and teacher should watch. This video can apply to any child with dissabilities. Thank you for sharing.

[Rita Marie Kelley]

I so well remember teachers sitting in the teacher's lounge (gossip magnet) describing how this child couldn't do this, that child couldn't do that, comparing their differences and their limitations. I never really went to the teacher's lounge much after that. When I went back to teaching 40 years later, nothing had changed. Teachers did the same thing with Einstein, pick, pick, pick. Peeps always asked me how I could teach THOSE children. I loved teaching THOSE children. I was able to celebrate their teeny, tiny baby steps as huge leaps on the human spectrum. Look for those teachers for your children. Demand they celebrate their successes and if they can't--if they don't have that capacity, as many don't--you can build a group of friends, family that does. My son and daughter-in-law celebrate their children's diversity and I am profoundly proud of them.

[Barron collection]

Yes, that's right

[Sharon Jensen]

The only way they will learn is if and/or when autism or any other form of disability affects their own lives. Harsh? Maybe, but it was the likes of THEM who made me feel that way.

[Eva Hoerler]

I'm the mother of a 6 year old aspie. This video made me feel so much better. Some of the KZbin videos and the comments from some aspies seriously scared me. Many of them made it sound like all aspies are doomed to a horrible life. I really needed to see this. BTW I love aspies. I wish I had such an amazing mind ♥

[lisa J]

Could not love this more. Would love to hear strategies for identifying strengths in our kids from Pluto, sometimes I truly feel like I live on a different planet! I have a 13 year old who was only diagnosed last year after many years of living in the fishbowl.

[Chris Varney]

Hi Lisa, great to hear from you. After this talk we started an organisation called 'The I Can Network'. We want to reframe the Autism Spectrum, away from 'I Can't' to 'I Can'. If you subscribe to our Grapevine newsletter by emailing [e-mail] you can hear more about what we're up to. Thanks, Chris

[Tomasz Wyszkowski]

My son has asperger syndrom. Im so blessed to have him. He is AMAZING.

[A Singh]

Where do you find such incredibly supportive mothers? MY mother would just say I must be super dull and in my country we have a very poor network of special teachers.

[Abhilasha Singh]

Thanks so much for this video. It gives strength to the people facing the issue. Blessings to you.

[Martin Jones]

I think sometimes these labels can also be helpful though. Just as long as you see them not in terms of things you can't do, but as weaknesses you should either work on or work around, and strengths you can play to.

[Sharon Jensen]

Having a label attached to me makes me throw one back in their direction. Not nice, but they started it.

[Dancestar1981]

It’s less than 1 in 68

[Jeanne Petit]

Oh, sorry Andy....

[Martin Jones]

Jeanne Petit That isn't my name, but thank you!

[Jeanne Petit]

I agree Randy !

[RikB251087]

I have seen quite a bit of TED talks about autism. Some of them are good, some less good but yours really stands out for me personally. The thing is, i pretty recently started to do autism awareness speeches my self. Where i give speeches about my relation between my life and my ASD (and ADHD) diagnosis. Mainly how my ASD has, and still effects my life. The struggles, but also the progress i have made. And about stigma's related to ASD aswell. You're story has given me a lot of inspiration for my own speech. For that i want to thank you Chris! Greetings from The Netherlands.

[V SS]

My son is 15 months and he has symptoms. We’re in early intervention and I’m trying to do everything I can for him. It’s hard to keep it up, and faith in better times and outcomes comes and goes.

[Elizabeth Mueller]

Chris you are my hero! I loved your TED Talk and have shared it with my clients! With my help, we are building the children I tutor, "I can networks!" Thank you so much for the inspiration! I'm following you on Twitter! Elizabeth

[Tommy Tamtomo]

A touching story. i wish all responsible people in autism care could understand this in my country. The sentence "Your Child Is Special", is SPECIAL.

[Pilates and Beyond]

Absolutely beautiful talk. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. As a mother of an unusual kiddo, I needed this.

[Laura Kennedy]

Thank you. Beautifully stated. I am so glad to help share the very simple truth of diversity as just that. We find it everywhere and it is everywhere. Neaurodiversity is a blessings. body diversity is a blessing. Go Team Can!!!!

[Piano Man2]

What an emotionally-moving story! Well Done!

[Gaella Elwell]

Wow. Thank you and your mother so much!

[Heidi A. Thomson BSc Biology & Life Coach]

Wonderful talk! Thoroughly enjoyed it. I think of spectrums as expressions of cerebral evolution. The mind exploring new frontiers of function.

[Angela Caligiuri]

Brilliant insight into your mother's personal experience with having a child being diagnosed with Autism, and your own personal experience having Autism. You are a true hero for the children of today, living with this "label". I wish you could come to primary schools and speak with the children. You talk is uplifting and inspiring and opens eyes to just how far children with Autism can go if we stop labelling them and help them to believe that they can achieve anything they put their brilliant minds to. God bless you Chris and God bless your mother.....what an amazing woman and mother she is!

[Dr. Aleta V Ashford]

Truly inspiring. Thank you for posting this video.

[Deepa Mandaliya]

My son is Autistic child...you inspired me alot....i watch your video again and again... Thank you 🙏

[Emma Deery]

I am the mum of an autistic 2 year old I love this video so much I've watched it so many times thank you for posting it :)

[Kevin]

This is an good example that inspires and give hope to parents and autism children or adults with the condition like me Never Give up on our potentials

[Esk8 Jaimes]

2:30 YES! Loved that unveiling moment, I genuinely started cheering!