Autism Survival at the Mall Challenge

3 boys diagnosed on the autism spectrum go to the mall to see how long they can last through the loud noises, flashing lights, hundreds of strong smells and everything else that comes with a visit to such a busy place. Let us know how long you can last at the mall in the comments and if you are autistic as well. Thank you! #autism
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[@nelej7062]

I'm an autistic adult and it makes me so happy to see, that you encourage your kids to stim, when needed and asure them that they don't have to mask. 🥰

[@kukuriku7412]

Ho old are you?

[@Java-D]

Ian is so calm and collected these days. He’s so mature and well spoken now too.

[@Java-D]

@Michael Philip Oliver that’s creepy…

[@menotyou6932]

So proud of them. Especially Ian; it's like night and day from the mall video when he was little. I'm glad you guys went to Spirit Halloween; I start stimming everytime I go in.

[@diannemayberry4751]

@Michael Philip Oliver d the house and

[@diannemayberry4751]

Rhh

[@roro02]

I am an autistic female and I think this is a great video. My mum would always encourage me to do things that might have made me uncomfortable but she would always allow me to leave if I got overwhelmed. I also love how you check in with your kids so they know they can leave when they want to.

[@justleenie.]

I have a question for u please comment back if u see this

[@ElaineWalker]

It's high sensory just watching the video! 😵‍💫 What gets me most in our mall is how different songs fade in and out as I go down the hall. I wish the entire mall would just have one song at a time. And the beeps! Good job, kids!

[@littlejonathorn6860]

Awesome job: Ian, Alister, Connor and Dad!!! Looks like mission success. ✅

[@fawnajohnson6130]

I'm neurotypical and two hours in a mall would exhaust me. Props to all three of them! (Edit) Well this didn't age well... Guess who is almost 22 and looking into an autism diagnosis! On a serious note, thanks a ton for putting out these videos. Your videos (and some others on youtube) helped me come across the term 'autistic shutdown.' I have always kinda thought I might be autistic, but discovering this term made events make so much more sense. I had thought I was having panic attacks, but the symptoms didn't quite match (I never felt like I was dying). But the general symptoms for a shutdown seemed to be a much better match. I was always a bit of a loner. I was a little behind on social skills when I was younger, but got better later on. I always hated bright lights and loud noise (explains my dislike of movie theaters). Anyway, thank you! Whether I'm autistic or not, I hope the boys know that they are doing amazing! And for the times when they don't feel amazing, remember that they got over 100,000 people cheering them on! Love from Alaska :)

[@dlphcoracl9645]

These KZbin video clips of your family are informative and compassionate. The considerable amount of thought, time and effort you have put into these videos is greatly appreciated by all and they remain a unique source of practical information.

[@beanj580]

Amazing how far Ian has come! Gives me so much hope honestly for my own family! Way to go Ian!,

[@missy8867]

My son with ASD loves the mall and I'm pretty sure it's because of the food. He loves Chuck E Cheese too. The funny thing is that my husband and I cannot stand the mall. We opt for outlets that are outdoor. He also likes water parks. I think it's harder for him when we go to new places that he's unfamiliar with. He cried when we went to a resort in Mexico and said he wanted to go home until he was able to get in the pool and go on water slides and realized that he could eat endless fries.

[@922Virgo]

I love that you explained WHY this is such a big deal… my son has a meltdown sometimes when we enter any store that he knows is not the supermarket. It’s like he just wants to be outside only.

[@theboringchannel7278]

Ian is so grown up :OOO This channel is amazing.

[@lizzykate93]

I like that you boosted light and sound so people who aren't autistic can understand what it can be like for us. This is a great video, thank you for sharing 😊

[@nathanjw940]

Ian even at a young age understood himself so well. He has grown up in himself so well Ian you are amazing. If you ever have your own channel I would subscribe. I think Ian hand flapping looks happy. So proud of allister for telling you he needs to leave. Especially for his age that is so awesome. That's as exciting as anything his self awareness. Connor is so smart I see his autism but he is just as intelligent his non autistic peers. He still has sensory issues and he is definitely affected when he is walking on his toes I do it when I get overexcited sometimes just daydreaming. I live on my own graduated with honors and Connor I want to share that because I can see you too being successful. I notice the speed and energy is it tapping or soft vs. does it look like they are hurting themselves they are more likely frustrated or too much stimming can be my mind trying to distract myself from all the input. I hate malls and shopping in general if I can't get it once a week at Aldi I get it on Amazon. I hate shopping with a passion. Getting outdoors and especially the beach can get me out of the house because too much time at home the smallest thing will cause a meltdown. My phone not doing what I want ect. Same thing with stores when I am done I am trying to find something and can't meltdown. I am very jumpy because my brain processes slow and in general if you try to scare me even if I see it coming if it's loud I will jump.

[@AutismFamilyChannel]

We definitely love the outdoors too 😉👍

[@nathanjw940]

@@AutismFamilyChannel I am right there with you. So much calmer than the mall. When I get outside I am less likely to have a meltdown. I bite my finger and start screaming my roommate heard me with his window closed on his car.

[@nathanjw940]

@@AutismFamilyChannel I could definitely enjoy some of those hikes I have seen. You have 3 awesome boys I look forward to seeing them grow up because they are awesome the way they are

[@Dina-ew1pk]

My son who is 10 hates malls so we really don’t ever go! He loves target and Walmart and that’s all he can really do. Great video!

[@luzzielvspearlina]

I'm an autistic 14 years old female and i always liked to go to the mall, but i used to panic if things didn't went as planned. I still do, but my friends know how to calm me down, like going to a silent place and hugging me. I also use AAC tools like communication cards when i'm overwhelmed. Thank you for making this video!

[@justsomerandominternetuser6379]

That’s a huge mall. I’m glad you all had fun, and it was good to see how the kids were enjoying it even though malls are sensory overload even for neuro-typicals. I don’t last long in malls because of my migraines and autism, so honestly I’m proud of them. These videos help me learn more about myself and others with ASD.

[@aquamarine13yt]

That mall is huge and looks so fun! I’m glad despite malls going out of business they’re still holding up, our local one is small but super popular still within the area

[@RomeoChessGameVlogs200]

That’s crazy to hear and yeah I know my mall is not super big but it’s still very popular

[@mscoot629]

Wdym malls going out of business ?

[@Lisa-gz1dg]

The boys did great and had so much fun. You are a wonderful dad!

[@Kayisnice]

I like how you tell us when they stim because that could be overlooked if we don’t know what to look for

[@lydiasonly1562]

I love going to the malls! I love shopping. However, when it’s quite busy and crowded it gets overwhelming. Also loud noises get me overwhelmed. My dad, mom, and I prefer malls on the weekdays as they are typically less crowded. Great job Ian, Connor, and Alister!

[@oscarwrede5796]

50+ yo guy here, ptsd from childhood abuse and on the spectrum. I have never commented anywhere on YT before but this vid has made me to do so for the first time of my life. Thank you for posting this. Oh I recognize this mall-situation so much! I believe it's more common than most people realize. The lightning and all the sounds and smells can be absolutely overwhelming, you seem to have visited the mall on a not so crowded day otherwise it probably would have been even worse. Sometimes when put in similar situations I almost panic and have to leave, as an adult that should be capable of so much more that feels really embarrassing. I think your kids did amazingly great, be proud of them! OW

[@AutismFamilyChannel]

Thanks for your comment! It’s a compliment that we are your first comment, thanks so much! 😁

[@rakoelie7581]

You're inspirational! I just found your channel on youtube and want to follow your journey, we are worried our daughter might be Autistic so I hope to be as strong as you. Thanks from France

[@joseprprprpr]

I watch your videos and compare your kids behavior with my son. They have so many similarities! Thanks for making others aware of what we encounter as we raise our kids!

[@marjanvermeulen9753]

Hi family! Thanks for the great video. Well done to all of you, boys. What a big shopping mall. You stay there for a long time. Good job when you go there whitout headphones. I have always my headphone with me. Because you know I have autism. Thank you Dad Robert for filming the video. Good to see you are doing well. A big hug from the Netherlands. 🇳🇱😃❤🇺🇲

[@AutismFamilyChannel]

Headphones are generally a great idea for autistic kids in places like malls 👍

[@marjanvermeulen9753]

@@AutismFamilyChannel I use my headphone very much. I'm 47 years old. And I have autism. 🇳🇱😃❤🇺🇲

[@tessabakker662]

Hello Marjan, greetings from a fellow Dutch autistic person! 🇳🇱 I don't particularly mind malls, but I don't especially like shopping either so I usually prefer just not to go. I'm much happier riding my bike 🚲 to the local store and quickly picking up what I need. Much more efficient! My local Albert Heijn is my favourite location even though it's on the pricier end - it's a small location, making it very easy for me to get in and out without being overwhelmed.

[@aneesahthequeen]

😍😍❤️❤️💙💙Happy Friday beautiful family.. thanks for sharing and giving us you guys daily experiences!❤️❤️May God bless you all always❤️

[@rhdata05]

I remember when you posted the stages of a meltdown, yes Ian had a rough outing. They seem to have made huge strides. I commend you for how all of you are doing. I am an adult and just was diagnosed last year on ASD, high functioning but I now understand why I can feel anxious or over stimmed. Especially when out in public somewhere

[@rubinanajeeb6504]

I’m a grandma of an autistic boy And I learned so many things from your videos Good job 👏🏼 kids and also dad You’re such a wonderful father 👍

[@mettehansen9754]

Wow what a great mall your city has. In my country (Denmark) malls are mostly for everyday things to buy and the occational movie theater. Yours look so much fun with the arcade, the pretty cars, the Halloween store etc. You boys all did so great in there. Again it looked like a fun place, but I would not have lasted 2 hours in there. If you go back some day I would love it if Ian wanted to give a tour of that car exhibition :)

[@shiny6123]

Glad you give them exposure to the mall and stuff they are doing great!

[@AutismTwinsUs]

You all did great 👍, subjecting them to this type of activity will help them greatly

[@salome_psychostudy_asd]

As an autistic it was so tiring to watch (to listen to) but fun to see the boys enjoy the place! When I'm at the mall I can't even focus to buy what's on my list, I couldn't play like they do

[@adammchugh5456]

I am discovering these videos on my journey, and really identifying with Connor. I'm probably the same age as Dad, I reckon. All the best to the family, keep on keeping on as you are doing an amazing thing in educating people online, where they need it the most ;)

[@davidmay2535]

Man you guys are awesome. For your older son to know that he wanted to stem and didn't do it that guy is amazing

[@TheRealAndyB.]

I spent the last hour just watching your videos. Lovely family.

[@samucob123]

i have autism too. i have sensitive ears. not sure about flashing light lights or strong smells. i do get meltdowns because of my anxiety. where i live there are strip malls. there is ONE mall. and i will not say where it is. about meltdowns: when i get them they involve crying. im 11 at the time im typing this. love this channel!

[@richardphieler7737]

Your boys are so sunshines. ❤

[@HenrietteEverhard]

I would have tapped out at 30 minutes. I love your video's, thanks so much for making them.

[@Dream576ful]

I love being in the mall. it is super stimulating for me. I have high-functioning autism and I like to focus on lots of things however I have a one track mind. I could most likely stand the mall for a whole day. I love everything about life and its deep and high attitude it gives me. I just saw the dc league of super pets movie with my step-nephew. and we both liked it. He is also on the autism spectrum. sometimes we go see movies together and other times we see them on our own.

[@karynj2609]

Guys, you did a FANTASTIC job!! My youngest child would have meltdowns when entering a building. I didn't make a connection that he was being overly stimulated. Recently, I've noticed he doesn't react as bad.

[@lyndacormier2444]

I love watching your videos. I have a son who has SPD and I don’t think he could have done the Halloween or the arcade. Would you suggest that I start introducing these things with him? He’s only 3 years old and I my heart hurts when he cries because he gets overwhelmed by loud noises. It’s such a different and almost hyperventilating cry. It’s so hard. Your children seem to be doing so well. I hope they are proud of themselves. ❤️

[@AutismFamilyChannel]

Whatever you choose to do, it’s paramount that you respect the child’s limit or things could go sideways. It’s fine to expose them to things so long as they are enjoying themselves, but as far as lasting a long time? Well, our boys didn’t last more than 15-20 minutes at that age. It’ll take patience, but hopefully your little on adapts over the years. It’s a long game, not a short one, but just know we are here to help people like you along the way. We can all help each other really 😁

[@Sleepingchaos1123]

your kids are so adorable!! I love your video's. last week we had a mall trip and our little guy lasted a little over an hour. but crowds can definitely be a lot at times. :)

[@kirenjattan9885]

Hi from Australia. I'm 36 with autism and server OCD I didn't speak till 9. Do any of your kids see the world in Panorama vision?. I do. I didn't know this wasn't normal I thought everyone saw this way. Also, in malls, when people talk, their voices echo to me, and you're so right about the light coming through the roof. See Alistair walking through the Halloween tunnel is such an achievement for a child of his age with autism. All the boys have come so far aspecially your eldest Ian.I have a lot of the same traits Ian does, i still don'tunderstandsocial ques. Ian's at the age of trying to hide his ticks, my tip is at his age I carried a rubber band on my wrist and would flick it if I didn't want to be embarrassed, aspecially at school. But you and mum are great parents..

[@coriettapadilla9977]

We haven't taken our son to the mall yet. However when we are in the store he wears his sunglasses which helps him sometimes. He had a huge meltdown in CheebaHut which is a sandwich shop where we live in Colorado. Right when we stepped foot into the shop he dropped to the floor and had a massive meltdown. It was lunch rush and the music was loud and there are a lot of pictures in there. My husband had to take him outside and it took until we got in the car to get him to calm down. We haven't been back but we still continue to take him to different places to get him used to different places the best we can. Thank you for the videos they are super helpful. Take care💙💙💙

[@darkchipz3016]

I love shopping mall,espacially with arcade and food restuarant So proud of these boys,you guys are amazing!

[@18thvow]

Great job all three and especially Dad!

[@Owen2131_]

So proud of the boys❤️ btw I love the mall and I usually don’t get too crazy with my form of autism I usually go there for the Round1 since I play rhythm games there, and other games sometimes, so yeah, I would walk around the mall but I’d be in the arcade since it is my safe space Edit: I spotted a gitadora machine at 9:28!!!!

[@fern1416]

They are amazing and able to tell you when they need to go. More aware of their triggers and stuff

[@watchit2562]

Could you do a video how the kids interact with each other? That would be a very informative video. I really like and enjoy your content really much btw.

[@sammypearch4005]

I love you’re videos 💕 the boys are great.

[@jessicalawton1]

It's a big deal whenever we go somewhere with alot of ppl, noises, sounds. My son hyper focuses on numbers. He's 3 and is already doing multiplication. I really appreciate you making these videos. Thank you.

[@fabigrossi2976]

So this was an adventure with only the men of the family 😄. The boys did AWESOME! They came a long way, they did extremely great. You can be really, really proud of yourselves, Ian, Connor and Alistair! And Dad, of course 😀. A special hello from Germany to Ian 🙋‍♀️, you did fantastic!

[@ianna2321]

Comments are disabled in your latest video. Just wanted to let you know your channel is AMAZING!!! I appreciate your videos and your family is beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing and please keep posting !!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@AutismFamilyChannel]

Yeah KZbin keeps disabling comments at random it seems. Thanks for your support!

[@maileensakai5378]

Omg I like your channel this my new fav. My son is turning 5 this month and he got diagnose global developmental delays and austism your kids inspired me hoping my son will be also talking soon like your kids:)

[@jasminesworldofautismfamil2797]

Success!! We have three kiddos on the spectrum that need to go to the mall soon. I hope things go as smoothly. Wish us luck 😂

[@AutismFamilyChannel]

Good luck!

[@Amber_Vegan_Brighton_England]

How did it go?

[@jasminesworldofautismfamil2797]

@@Amber_Vegan_Brighton_England it went great! Woohoo! 😃 Thanks so much for asking ❤️

[@simransdh]

They have come a long way ,proud of them ,your parenting is proof of the fact that when you really focus on your kids, work really hard ,eventually everything turns out fine, all the best ,they are good boys and they will make you really proud one day ,just wanted to know have you done occupational therapy for them ?

[@AutismFamilyChannel]

Yes 😉

[@bigpooper69420]

these kids are funny lol thank u for sharing their experience !!!

[@HelloSkyy]

They have came a long way! I’m starting to see when my 6 year old gets over stimulated b4 a meltdown

[@games_bond7221]

For me it depends with who I am and what I'm doing. If I'm hyper-focusing on something, then I can last up to an hour. If I'm being dragged against my will into doing something I don't like, then I sometimes start getting overwhelmed after even just 15ish minutes. Edit: The arcade part got me overstimulated. Hat off to Ian, Connor and Alastair for doing so well

[@kilIstation]

The amount of social battery that I have changes from day to day. Sometimes I could last hours if I'm taking it easy, and have my headphones, but sometimes I can't handle even walking into the store. I have level 2 ASD but am being assessed for level 3, as I have a lot of obstacles that I have to overcome, similar to the people at level 3. I wish there was a 2.5 or something, that would be easier to assess.

[@_RavishingRaven_]

Great job boys and dad 🥰

[@kathymacellis9478]

I am so proud of your boys !❤❤❤❤

[@ThatPaintingLass]

I’m an autistic/adhd adult, I have to admit this video was sensory overload for me. By the Halloween store I turned my volume down to 4, in the arcade I went down to 1. I want to keep watching but I feel like this could set me off even in my safe place. (I did make it to the end but the sound stayed low and I focused on writing this.) I say all that not to be a downer, it’s because I know that in your visit, these different encounters were spaced apart and there were breaks and downtime. So I know the condensed version is more triggering since it’s all in quick succession. it is super encouraging to see your family doing so well, I have two autistic/adhd toddles. Everyday after school I take them to the playground and let them run until they ask to leave, making sure they get the free movement and no rules outside of stay safe has done wonders to stop them from breaking down from masking all day. Sometimes after the park, we go out to eat at a familiar place with their preferred safe food. we basically play this same who can last longest game. Some days we get through the meal without incident and then the older one always asks for ice cream. Some days before we even get our food i’m asking for them to pack it togo. In the moment the victories bring so much hope for calm fun meals, on the other side the meltdown days are so hard. Seeing things like this, especially since I found it triggering to watch, brings me so much hope for the future. Things will get better! It’s beautiful, watching your boys cope and stim freely to help regulate or choose not to and cross their arms (which was my way to stim as a teen, I would hide my finger movements behind my elbows or rub my arms as it was a fully acceptable hand movement to all) Anyway this is so encouraging, so thank you.

[@abbybaker5900]

Your also so good at telling the boys no like saying I’m not going to change my mind is really good way of saying no. maybe if or when I have kids

[@azurelad236]

I am an adult with autism...it is more than important to praise any level of competence...especially in the child with autism...

[@HaggithGraceGaming]

Awwww y'all videos always make me smile 😊😊😊😊😊

[@davemadmover]

Great video your boys did such a wonderful job in the mall I wish my 9 year old would be the same way but he get to over stimulated in stores within minutes turns into a horror show

[@richardalmeida2646]

I’ll finish the video but I had to stop at one minute 31 seconds because that bright light and the music in the background is making me cry. I feel completely overwhelmed and confused. it feels like a brain freeze but I feel it mostly in the place between the eyes and behind the bridge of the nose. I’m still crying as I write this and I keep having to make corrections because the stupid dictation software is messing up. When I have to go to the store, I put in my Bluetooth headphones and listen to music because I can’t take all the sounds from everybody talking along with everything else happening. I know you said the audio and video are amplified and I can definitely tell. The sound makes my ears feel claustrophobic and the video makes my eyes kind of feel the same way too. It’s hard to explain. It feels like my eyes are being pushed in. Especially when you swing the camera around. I can’t stand the smell of finger nail polish remover. I become agitated. The same with all perfumes.

[@AutismFamilyChannel]

I’m sorry for your pain. Please don’t feel as if you have to finish the video. We understand 😉

[@user-yd1mz4on1k]

Omg your mall has an Sbarro!! I remember that place! Our mall used to have that back in the 90’s !! I miss that place !

[@Nico_DiAngelo]

It’s funny because bath and body works and food courts are horrible for me. I’m hyper sensitive to bright lights, touch, sound, texture, and smell. Basically I’m a walking autism stereotype but it really sucks because i get overwhelmed so easily and i can hardly interact with people normally. That tunnel thing is my worst nightmare lol

[@jeanmorgan5410]

Loved this video can relate my grandson is autistic also

[@mirac9305]

Im glad watching your video, my son with Asd too,

[@melanytodd2929]

Well done all of you❣

[@lk3522]

Thank you Impactful video I am inspired by your eldest son. He brings hope to our family.

[@mxsant]

I am deaf autistic adult. When I am going to the mall, I do not worry about noises because I am deaf - Thank God! If I smell something strongly in food court, I moved other location. If there are too many people in the mall, I will leave the mall quickly. While I watched your video at the mall, I feel comfort to visit this mall. I won't go in the Halloween store because I feel nothing about the Halloween.

[@eliasroux4537]

You guys did great, good job everyone 👍👍

[@Princesses-from-uk]

I like ur channel. Handsome kids. Lovely parents.

[@abainimarama]

Great Video 😊 Thank You ☺️ You Are All AMAZING 🤩

[@jessiecee6564]

Well done boys 👏

[@carlatroncoso1821]

You are a great father ❤

[@SnaKek0rn]

Love the video!!

[@elizabethkusce2718]

That is great that they learn other languages, my son Thomas can’t handle the Halloween store. My son walks on his tippie toes all the time, he does his hand functions as well.

[@353bandit4]

I wouldnt make it 20 minutes. The only time I make it more is when with someone and they keep me engaged elsewhere and directed. Thats what I see you doing with them and thats a great thing. As for nail polish remover stuff, I have to leave that area quickly, Its a strong smell and i irk thinking about the smell. Glad to see them doing much better

[@mharoach5637]

Hola chicos...Les envío un saludo desde Bogotá Colombia..Son Increíbles ❤️

[@jonathanring3614]

I’m autistic, however I have always loved going to the mall. Studying them, their histories, and their visual designs have been some of my unique passions for many years. I’m from CA, so I haven’t taken the time to study many malls in your area. The only ones I’ve become fond of are Fashion Place and City Creek Center in Downtown Salt Lake City.

[@user-fy7sm9kh5x]

Hello in Kazakhstan🇰🇿Beautyful family👍

[@Young_r700]

I love this video have a great day

[@YoureMyCherryOnTop143]

As someone with autism I liked going to the mall it had some stuff that can neither overwhelmed me or have something a bit friendly for me Also I noticed that Halloween is coming up in 3 months

[@derekaldrich4887]

Ian is a good person ever

[@sweetgirl-jp4hn]

243 likes 👍👍👍 Good job, boys. I'm so happy.. I love malls, shopping anything and food 😋

[@zacjohnson9418]

I wouldn’t be able to go in an arcade without my earplugs/buds

[@stephanielynn3844]

They all did great at the mall! I think Ian could definitely do a haunted house one day. Maybe like a little one. I’m the same way and get really scared just gotta tell yourself it’s not real.

[@knitterscheidt]

Shout out to Dad! I think the boys should've gotten you the Worlds Greatest Dad coffee mug at Hallmark!

[@kc0eks]

I'm a adult on spectrum and the mall still overwhelms me fairly quickly. An hour or so is usually enough.

[@Sam-yb1kz]

I am highly impressed.

[@DBK415]

Glad Ian is still in to cars. I like it when Ian talks cars. Is he still in to Zelda?

[@AutismFamilyChannel]

Yes he still likes Zelda but has been playing a lot more car games instead.

[@Zero-cw4qj]

Connors Spanish was SO GOOD!

[@neilrocks84roblox19]

I can stay at a mall for hours because I like elevators and escalators

[@RomeoChessGameVlogs200]

yeah same here I know Tell me about it

[@katijoaltman9742]

I LOVE THE HALLOWEEN STORE!!!!

[@katieharriott8229]

Stimming is super important for our wellbeing.