Autistic, Nonverbal and Happy (Fathering Autism)

Abigail is diagnosed with autism and has not spoken a word in 13 years. She is learning to communicate and brings joy to her entire family.
Subscribe to Abigail and her family at / fatheringautism .
Watch the behind the scenes footage of this interview on their channel at • Meeting My Hero! Fathe... .
SBSK Socials:
Insta: / specialbooksbyspecialkids
Facebook: / specialbooksbyspecialkids
Twitter: / chrisulmer

[@psychicrenegade]

I have autism...and I grew up in a violent, severely abusive family. I wish I had as many loving and caring family members as Abigail! My husband is also autistic, and was severely beaten as a child for every tiny infraction, because his mother was a nut job. She ever tried to give him electroshock, but his dad stepped in and said NO WAY. My greatest wish would be for every child, especially autistic children, to all have loving and supportive parents and siblings!!!

[@ohboilien]

I’m so sorry to read that you had to endure that. I send lots of love your way and I hope that you’re able to heal as much as possible from those horrible actions. You didn’t deserve any of that and you’re incredible and resilient young people. I hope that you can build family with your husband and friends m/chosen family around you and find a peaceful place together! Lots of love from Germany!

[@weinhereeeee9271]

they literally exploiding her to make money nothing nice about that fam

[@sugarsore]

@@weinhereeeee9271 that's so ridiculous.

[@africarenee]

Both of you are beautiful and awesome 🥺🤗💝💐🦋

[@bookworm4404]

May God bless you and your family! Greetings from Brazil! 🙏🇧🇷

[@emmawieson2121]

My son was nonverbal until he was twelve. Then one day, he just started speaking, as if he'd always known how. It wasn't what you'd call graceful speak, but it was definitely English. I was amazed. He'd always used sign language and cue cards up to then. Clearly he'd been listening this entire time. I was thrilled that he decided he was ready to talk. This family is so supportive. Nonverbal autistics are a challenge, but always so worth it every day. They'll talk when and if they're ready and never before.

[@kathygildea2025]

Wow, so wonderful!!!❤️

[@yourmajesty122]

I'm autistic and as a child I was pretty normal with a lot of friends. My childhood was so magical. Then as a teenager I got lost in my own world with a lot of problems. People could tell there was something wrong with me and felt so sorry for me. Then at 21 I became normal again. I still get my grammar messed up quite often when I talk and have trouble learning, but when people first meet me they can never tell. A few years ago I found my biological mom all over the news for being arrested hundreds of times. I diagnosed myself with autism as an adult. No one knew what was wrong with me. I got misdiagnosed as a child for having just an anxiety disorder. So many autistics get misdiagnosed and undiagnosed. So many with autism overcome their problems and their problems just seem to disappear without a trace. SO MUCH MORE NEEDS TO BE PUT IN AUTISM AND SO MUCH MORE NEEDS TO BE UNDERSTOOD ABOUT THIS VERY COMPLEX DISORDER!!

[@emmawieson2121]

@@yourmajesty122 I’m so sorry you had such trouble in your most vulnerable years. Autism runs on my husbands side of the family and I knew there was a chance the kids could have it. He’d been diagnosed with everything from bipolar to schizophrenia and I stood my ground on autism with all of those professionals. I knew I’d be his best advocate since my husband was in denial for a long time on the subject. He’s since come around thankfully, but I can imagine it was so difficult for him. He spent his childhood being told he was lazy and dumb by his father, and that his obsession with horses was a crying shame on the family who had been making excellent money as truckers for decades. You see the connection I’m sure

[@ronniehughes6322]

Your welcome I'm in it is yuh I will be up there 💯💯👊 you 💯👊 just got home and

[@heatherhoward7026]

@@emmawieson2121 God bless you for being your child's greatest advocate! It's very sad and lonely when your spouse is in denial and family is discouraging. I know. I am so happy you are a parent you stood up to it all. It's few and far between to find a parent like that. Sending good vibes ☀️

[@toxictator4561]

"You know your doing the right thing if you are questioning yourself all the time ." Poetic truth of a good parent.

[@jont2576]

It depends are u questioning urself about urself or are u questioning urself about something external......if u are constantly questioning urself about urself,it leads to self doubt and eventually a vicious cycle of perpetual crisis and self loathing and ultimately paralysis....unable to move forward in any direction in life.

[@adrenalineactivate]

Even if they question themself a 1000 times but never change themself it's useless. You can always hit your kid and feel bad afterward but as long as you don't stop hitting them and change then what's the point of questioning yourself.

[@Victoria-qb6cc]

This must explain why I’m so indecisive and why I’m always questioning myself

[@SEJ3333]

It seems there are those commentors who didn't understand the meaning of his statement. It was clear to me that he simply meant he's always trying g to learn;not that he's always doubting himself...

[@icy8042]

*you're

[@aldolopez]

As a parent myself, there is nothing I admire more than a patient, caring father who never gives up.

[@hidynhyde8951]

I'm autistic, but because I've gotten so good at masking, I get good grades, and I can pretend to be okay when I'm overstimulated, my needs are never met. It's so nice to see parents that know how to parent their autistic child and see her as just as much of a human being as any other kid.

[@sugarsore]

Ask for help! Can you see a therapist?

[@chloeg.4640]

Hi. I started unmasking a bit recently and while people on campus might think I'm a nut case, I feel relieved psychologically and physically. I hope your situation gets better, please don't give up

[@shanelka8304]

Your needs will neve pr be fully met, you are not a king

[@shanelka8304]

@@chloeg.4640 Your mist obey social norms, if you don't want to be canceled by mankind.

[@lurji]

@@shanelka8304 bro returns to some random thread a month after not being replied to just to be a pos

[@minah19845]

She is calm around her brother, very calm.

[@globalprincess489]

Seems so....

[@ivonnecaradenacho3726]

She probably respects her big bro a lot

[@jacquipotgieter5821]

She loves him

[@2Cute2Care22]

Abbie has come so far since this episode. She's now over 18. I like to watch there channel ( Fathering Autism) and see how far she has come.

[@MJLover100]

He should totally follow up. It would be incredible to see from here to now.

[@salmansheikh4377]

She legal 😂

[@augustvukosovich4683]

Thank you for mentioning that. I also have a child with non-verbal autism. I was a nurse and am still a nurse before I had him. The one thing that drove me nuts is when nurses spoke to elderly with a baby voice. I said, "Just because they are elderly doesn't mean they are I intellectually disabled." And I never speak with my child or ANY patient with a baby voice. They deserve our respect and they deserve to be treated as you would anyone!

[@quirogatnonerrat3214]

What advice can you give to other parents of kids with autism? Give as much as you can, please 🥺

[@augustvukosovich4683]

@Qui rogat, non errat Patience. It's hard to have a child with autism. There are time when I want to pull my hair out, but I've learned the more patient and loving I am with him, the more calm he is with me. I used to become upset when he hit himself and I would raise my voice telling him to "Stop hitting yourself! " obviously that didn't work. Now when he hits himself I pick him up and hold him close and tell him how much I love him. It works. He calms almost immediately. But a word of warning, I'm lucky that my autistic child loves to be held and kissed and hugged. Some autistic children don't enjoy that at all. The sensory overload of being touched can be too much. But I have noticed in all aspects that if you are calm when they are having a meltdown, that it usually helps.

[@quirogatnonerrat3214]

@@augustvukosovich4683 Oh wow, sounds like an everyday rollercoaster of stress 😣😖😫😟😰

[@kitty.catalyst]

@@quirogatnonerrat3214 i would say be in their world. (i have asd so know thats why commetnsing isnt perfect). best thing my friends always do is play with me never making fun of him. i love music thye listen with me tell me musics good we listen its great thats what kids should be able to do. or if he flaps his hands then freinds flap with me thats how i know their my friend.

[@quirogatnonerrat3214]

@@kitty.catalyst Oh I see by what you mean to be in their world, to do things they like so that you are seen like a playmate.

[@chriscook460]

Her brother is such a young adult...Hes an amazing voice for her

[@MrChandlerjm]

As a father of an autistic son, thank you for these videos. They help me out a lot. 😊😢

[@quirogatnonerrat3214]

What advice can you give to other parents of kids with autism?

[@lurji]

@@quirogatnonerrat3214 you should try to ask autistic people themselves

[@Bro-cx2jc]

Dunno why but that one bit with her brother feeding her the Goldfish cracker was real sweet

[@mallori6610]

I LOVE the autonomy they give Abi! It’s so important and the fact that these parents make sure to give her as much freedom as she can safely have! Good job parents! She def has all her needs met ❤️❤️

[@SS13icker]

Her father seems so kind and loving!

[@kaylabarnes]

Their channel is FatheringAutism. They're the best.

[@feardotcm4651]

I love his channel. Has incredible patience and understanding

[@wadisanaa]

he looks like he is 18

[@kaylabarnes]

@@wadisanaa he acts it too. (😜 Love you ace if you see this.) Anyway. They are on the younger side.

[@Sam-ty6zo]

@@wadisanaa yeah

[@ManicMama.]

I love this family! I actually discovered this channel through them! My youngest sister is autistic. I was already in high school when she was born so we have a pretty significant age gap between us. And because I was a lot older than her, I became somewhat of a parental figure to her. I was always right there with her and my mom anytime they went to doctor appointments, therapists visits, school activities..everything. But although I helped raise her, she was the one who helped me grow. She really opened my eyes and made me see things differently.. through the years we have always been super close and I'm incredibly grateful for that. Even now that I'm an adult and have 3 kids of my own, I still try to be there for her as much as I can :)

[@entirelybonkers8832]

This family is horrible please don’t support them ~ most of the autistic community

[@justinhamilton8647]

@@entirelybonkers8832explain pls?

[@Shan-lp2iu]

man i got full on happy tears when listening to that father. Amazing dad brother and mother

[@memetisseria8153]

I can so relate at 7:36 when she looks away when he ask questions then gets up and leaves. She looks up when her mom is right too. They understand they just show it differently. My child is very similar to her ❤️

[@kristine3076]

Her brother Isaiah is an inspiration for her...so caring and loving towards her

[@pollypocket2282]

What an amazing family… their approach to life and positivity to life gives me something to strive for.

[@LilySaintSin]

Her relationship with her brother is so cute! 😍😍

[@savingday]

You guys are so chill, I admire your strength. I hope many autism parents will be able to cope and be loving to their children and other family members like you do.

[@Tickles_The_Oaf]

As someone with ASD, I would have been quite anxious about strangers coming in and filming in my safe space. Abi’s calm behaviour in this situation shows what a calming influence her family has on her and that makes me quite emotional to see such a supportive family! I was also super impressed that Chris didn’t try verbally engaging with Abi. For me personally, I do not require conversation to get comfortable with someone and in fact, verbal engagement with me can often backfire if the point is to connect.

[@kazb4496]

Abigail so lucky to have a loving family she acts a lot like my son he’s 14 ❤

[@saralowe5306]

This family are absolutely lovely people, so patient and kind.

[@locksmith1214]

Man this channel is great I love the work to open the eyes to different disabilities and from what I've seen it just makes me understand better and how to interact with people like this

[@crimewithmelvis]

she is blessed with amazing parents and brother. i admire them alot.

[@Baron6760]

Her parents are lovely and really supportive to her, she learned more skills everyday! Their vlog is amazing to teach us how to raise and live with someone with autism

[@shanelka8304]

Her parents have got Munchhausen by Proxy.

[@sadem1045]

​@Shanelka Listen, I'm not a fan of the parents either but there's no reason to believe they have MBP.

[@shanelka8304]

@@sadem1045 Watch their videos carefully.

[@sadem1045]

@@shanelka8304 I have. Do you actually know what MBP is?

[@shanelka8304]

@@sadem1045 Of course. Maybe you don't.

[@saragoff9065]

Abbie is so lucky to have the family she does. I still watch their channel. Such a wonderful, loving family.

[@lilyowen5756]

I love her happy! Makes my happy look so dull and boring. She's so excited! Has a well rounded big brother and fantastic parents! What a wonderful family!

[@moubhattacharyya1141]

Kudos to the parents who stick together and raise such beautiful kids. All my love and best wishes to the entire family. More power to you.

[@i.m.m5846]

Une famille d'une telle intelligence... C'est admirable. Ces rencontres sont très riches et très précieuses. Merci et Bravo.

[@justbrowsing1278]

What a lovely family! Thank you for sharing their story

[@free2bme9797]

She is so beautiful and fortunate to have such a caring family.

[@DJ-Dreaming]

This is the perfect example of a great,Family. The Disability treated with Acceptance is a marvellous thing.

[@leefleer]

Ability for patience is such a gift.

[@charisharvey82]

What a loving family that Abigail has. Awe 💗 She's also definetly smart, you can tell by the way she clearly points things out and gets their attention. She seems like such a sweet girl.

[@jnieswartz4878]

She has a incredibly loving wonderful family! Great parents and great brother.

[@delphinium5555]

Such a beautiful, kind and loving family. They are so very brave. Sending them love and prayers.

[@ilhaamhartley7468]

Love this family.Big ups to the parents.Just love our child and be patient.

[@Corkyrooster]

Great parents. Ty for being so open and giving her choices. Many ppl, that don’t understand autism, rule them around. It’s maddening. Even nonverbal ppl are very communitive [is this a word?] Im high functioning autism, been married, raised step daughters, worked in a career. I also worked with autistic violent boys, 12 to 18 yrs old. Challenging but fun too

[@Leo_ness]

The word is "communicative" :)

[@ravenswoods177]

I just continue to love this channel more and more!

[@Julia-tk2em]

Oh gosh. Not the puzzle piece 😬

[@suexyong1742]

what I love about Abigail is her beautiful funny laughter. We all have our weakness, strings, good, bad, ups and down days. I believe that Abigail is beautifully unique in her own ways.

[@leestimis9264]

She is so blessed that she was sent into your family!! And vice versa. So beautiful!

[@nataliewn]

When Abby's mom said that other people called her a bad parent, I felt absolutely enraged! Abby's parents are a god-send, and they're so blessed to be interacting with Abby the way they do, including her brother!

[@shanelka8304]

Those people were RIGHT.

[@sadem1045]

The parents are problematic

[@nataliewn]

@@shanelka8304 please expand further?

[@shanelka8304]

@@nataliewn The mother is morbidly obese, that signals issues. The father and mother have NO social identification apart from autism parents. They do not have a respected skill and prifession. they are at the bottom of social ranks. APART from autism of the daughter. Cure her - and their lives will break down. Look at the very earliest videos - where the girl behaves ws ordinary tantrums, but the reaction by parents is abnormal. They coach non-verbal hysterical hevaviour and supress normal. They support and reinforce animal -like reactions and fail to teach human skills ( obedience, responsibility, patience in a toddler). Speech does not come naturally to humans. It has to be needed, in order to appear.

[@MJLover100]

Whoa people. Literally go watch their Channel. FatheringAutism.

[@pokerdoll100]

Such an amazing loving Mom and Dad ! ❤️

[@Tranquility32]

She’s such a cutie. Love her smile!

[@annalee117]

Thank you so much for your families and parents you give voice to. Helps me be more at peace with being a parent of a challenged and Wonderful child myself.🙏❤️

[@infinateparanormalencounte5737]

Hi, I have to thank your family especially your beautiful little angel, I have been struggling to stay positive and watching your interaction with each other, the positivity blew me away, such that it tripped me into the stable place of eternal positivity, which I have been able to sustain... Thank you for that gift. Much love JAALA xx

[@infinateparanormalencounte5737]

Unable to sustain till now.... 👼🌟❣️

[@jacquipotgieter5821]

She loves her brother. You can see it.

[@aliciagarcia5541]

I work with children that have atusium. They are beautiful children. They communicate in their own special way. The girl that I work with is beautiful, kind, sweet. I learned something new each day. I am so happy I work with this children they are the best.

[@lol-ff9pl]

I love this family.

[@OdinsRaver]

I’ve worked as a teacher aide, teacher, respite, trainer on all programs around special needs. I worked in a behavioral school as well. 15+ years experience and I absolutely believe you guys as a family are doing a GREAT job 👏 the parents can tell when the child is deflecting and not giving too much attention and then retrying with a redirection and anytime she responded or followed along she was rewarded with immediate praise! It’s hard to stay consistent, but I can tell they stuck with the hard work and it so natural. I can tell that’s a happy and positive family no matter the ups and downs. I’m proud of this video. Chris! If you ever want a volunteer with any projects lmk! My passion is big in this area ❤️

[@OdinsRaver]

Also I think it’s wise to push a kid to try something that can potentially be fun for them. EVERY parent does that. I’m sure ALL kids were nervous to try something new. This does not make it any different, if anything I was surprised her parents were capable of getting her to do it. I can imagine and thats impressive 👍

[@michelleoconnor1624]

You guys are so wonderful, you made me cry I love you guys . God bless Abbie and you guys 🥲

[@Giga491]

Abigail is so much like one of my cousins, I have an aunt who has four kids, (all autistic, 2 are severe, 1 nonverbal) and seeing this video reminds me so much of them.

[@dontinsultmyprevioushandle]

Found a smoke & mirror

[@kathygildea2025]

I love, “we can make anything work,”, so deeply beautiful!!❤️

[@stesj4]

I have autism, maybe more high functioning then you, Abigail, but I see the similarities from my life. I love the way you show us how and what is important and what life really is about, you are our teacher for that. Thank you Abigail.

[@DAVEJJR]

An absolutely beautiful family! Her dad, mom and brother are so inspiring! My life is a mess and there are days when I don’t want to get up and live. But I think of God and my beloved parents and baby brother who are all together in heaven and it gives me strength to continue….

[@douglagyal4364]

I felt pain in my chest reading this.

[@brandyng22]

Watching this and seeing the love in this family is so incredibly beautiful. I kept thinking about the love of Jesus and how He wants us to treat one another.

[@mikecampos5123]

Abigail is very smart and she has an amazing family ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@NakeeWhite]

Ok, first of all Abbie is HILARIOUS. She has such a sweet manipulative and funny personality. Great job parents. She is communicating just fine. You love her and feed her and teach her and show her and hug her. That's all we can do.

[@PomsNTomsMom92]

What beautiful people.

[@lilbitcrazy2283]

Thank you Chris and thank you Abigail.

[@AkiWasHere]

Aw each time she stims my body kinda fallows it, i have autism but i am verbal, she is unique and nice,dont worry much of her im sure she is glad within herself

[@mintyfresh8896]

I love this family! It would be great to get an update on Abbie 😊❤️

[@blitzen5038]

they have a KZbin channel - fatheringautism

[@jessicasevigny1206]

Follow their family vlog channel called FatheringAutism!

[@JonathanHernandez-mm3nd]

May god be with Abigail and god bless her family.

[@marleenninaka1303]

Hi everyone: It's so nice to see you all again on KZbin. I want to meet you all one day. Take care and stay safe.

[@paulinekamau9633]

Oh wow I didn’t know Abby was on here already. I love this family. She is all grown up now

[@riannabarnes826]

I love your guys’ positivity! You guys are a beautiful loving family. She has amazing support, understanding & love. I also love how great her brother is with her. God bless your beautiful family! Praying for you guys! ❤️🙏🏻

[@fidelcashflow_371]

love both of these channels

[@ellioshiem7892]

great lovely parents and brother. it's challenging for them. sometimes they get tired out. Abby is still adorable and bright. I love the way they let her choose and not force. autistic children can get very stressed.... 😘😘😘😘❤

[@alexanderwilliams1731]

God bless this beautiful child 😇🙏✝️❤️!!!!

[@sheepyhead0399]

She has such a loving family and she's got such a great personality, I'm autistic as well and it's awesome to see such a genuinely awesome support system for such an awesome person.

[@ariestarzga]

I have watched their KZbin channel. She has an amazing family who loves her

[@chantellesimms1240]

Just want to share how well weighted blankets can work. The blanket she likes on her head indicates she may benefit from one. Something to always bear in mind :)

[@sugarsore]

She likes the blanket over her head because she doesn't like bright lights.

[@samanthacole4395]

@@sugarsore that’s not the reason why she likes blankets over her head.

[@BranchDavidian-]

@@samanthacole4395 none of us know either way.

[@amandaarnet5088]

Abby makes me smile and feel happy I hope one day i can meet you guys

[@carriebowlen3785]

Great vlog as always! 💙🤍🤍💙I LOVE WATCHING FATHERING AUTISM!

[@susanmiller7935]

I watch fathering autism and Abby is now 18. She is so happy and loves her friends and family.😊

[@treerat6959]

Great parents I love when the mom says we don't want to make her do something she doesn't want to do

[@heidividegar6341]

Absolutely love this family. Wow, can't believe I'm the first to leave a comment. Such beautiful souls. Abby is a teacher for her family and they know it. It seems that she is living her absolute best life because of the love, appreciation, and care that is just oozing from them all. As someone who grew up afraid of my father watching this dad melts my heart. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

[@mahaeldeeb9322]

Me too i love how precious she is to them and how much they like to be with her and know her .. she is a wonderful and great person, so innately shy.. ❤️

[@cowperclydesdales305]

Hi, there has been a KZbin glitch where comments from this era of videos have been deleted. They are looking into it now. I'm certain there would have been so many positive comments about this lovely young lady and her family. I hope the comments are reinstated!

[@applied.precision]

What a fantastic beautiful family.

[@Angeleechie]

Hello Abby! I just want to tell you that you are beautiful and smart. I am proud to meet you. Thank you for sharing with us ❤

[@gregnorman2181]

ABGAIL IS JUST BEING SO HAPPY

[@maggiestone7982]

God bless these people

[@JagaimoNoTensai]

The level of effort matched with the ability to overcome challenges that this family has for each other is deeply beautiful. I’m so very thankful for the openness they share with their experiences to the world. As an autistic person, and as a human, the unexpected healing I have experienced through watching their videos has been revolutionary. Words do not adequately describe the profoundness of their kindness and values. Thankyou and forever blessing to the amazing things you all do! And to Chris and his Partner and whoever is part of bringing these wonderful interviews into the world, thankyou from every fibre of my being.

[@user-mx3of1ri5m]

Autisitc

[@JagaimoNoTensai]

@@user-mx3of1ri5m dyslexic

[@JagaimoNoTensai]

@@user-mx3of1ri5m Dyslexic

[@JagaimoNoTensai]

@@user-mx3of1ri5m dyslexic

[@JagaimoNoTensai]

@@user-mx3of1ri5m Dyslexic ✌

[@cindycardoza4717]

Such a Beautiful family Now this Is The kind of Family the World needs more of👍🏼🙏🏼💯❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@flickanrimsky]

what a wonderful family

[@jackielawrence7358]

Yall ate doing an amazing job

[@jennifer8684]

I watch your channel guys and i love your family and abby is absolutely changing lives for the better all the time!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@user-mx3of1ri5m]

I’m not sure

[@paristexas72]

you are the BEST parents!

[@fiddlermuncher8701]

Great parents!

[@jeffstrongman7889]

That father and son are two great men.

[@juliestiff9372]

oh my gosh guys are all so kind and nice and just uh just great freinds and are a great family

[@ayakashioni1336]

I watch them all the time

[@vanilla6989]

what a beautiful family :)

[@kirstenvc81]

Love this family ♥️

[@krystalharwood7842]

so glad Asa and abby got on!

[@courtneykirk478]

This is tough. Thank you for the video.

[@emilygwynneth1278]

what part is tough?

[@lol-ff9pl]

“This is not a stagnant thing “ 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@Butterflyleia85]

Love this!