Bringing Up Old Stuff

We had an important conversation about what we want for Abbie and how we want to progress with her communication. That brought up some old stuff and new ideas. We love having our team that all works together for her future. We are so lucky to have all these amazing people in her life.
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[@bridgetmcdaniel4004]

I had to laugh when Asa was talking about stimming objects....My now 35-year-old son was so focused on his pillow tag that we actually had to cut it off the pillow and pin it to the inside of his pants pocket so he could go to Kindergarten. We went through many "tags" as he manipulated them to death. It can be seen peeking out of his pocket in one of his class pictures. 💗

[@elle_gazjames7600]

Loved this style as much as your usual videos. I’ve been watching for 4 years, ever since one of your videos popped up in my FB watch. My best friend has two kids with nonverbal autism, your videos have helped me understand his situation and kids on a completely new level. I’ve binge watched your videos to catch up when I’m behind and been lucky enough to see Abbie grow. Loved the old videos, I knew all of them!

[@christineballart1578]

Thank you Asa! I’m a wheelchair user and I constantly have people look at whoever I’m with rather than at me. People who have disabilities have a different way of communicating depending on their disability and Abbie communicates through her iPad

[@deassfgh7807]

Ppl are sick. I makes me mad when ppl look when someone's sick or hurt. They just stare. I have asbebergers and I stim and pace around a little bit in the store and all of the sudden the store manager is following me and its rude. Your treated like your some kind of criminal and followed in the store if they see your handicapped and its the most uncomfortable feeling. I'll tell ppl hey what cha looking at? I don't care. I'm sure you've put up with many other rude things besides being stared at in a wheel chair. Iv seen ppl in wheelchairs or on oxygen get treated very bad in public worse then being stared at.

[@blumberg1982]

Yes!! People speak to me about my perfectly capable, smart and independent boyfriend who is blind when he’s standing right next to me.

[@SuperSweetie2009]

I think it’s also about ‘atypical’ people learning to see all people with disabilities as competent and treating them with respect and curiosity. Changing people’s perspective from that ‘medical model of disability’ to a social model.

[@SuperSweetie2009]

And the biggest one I see in my job is two people talking about or around a person with a disability rather than talking to them.

[@toni3470]

"That's a $10 word," had me cracking up. Love how y'all can pick on each other and laugh it out.

[@vanessabrown9105]

I am so glad you all have these conversations! It makes EVERYTHING we struggle with our son seem okay and “normal.” I often feel like I spend my days trying to figure out his needs and wants. He communicates his needs however sometimes he doesn’t even know what he wants. The struggle. Stims change almost daily still. I wish it was less for him, so he could work through his feelings easier. The only constant stims is noises.

[@jerrenelong2337]

Thanks for taking us along on your ride, today, and for the last five years. Not only has it been nice to see Abbie grow and change over the years, but Isaiah and you two as well.

[@savyspencer8194]

Love you guys and Love this video I’m almost 22 and in a wheelchair and I’ve had so many experiences of people talking to the person I’m with or what really gets me is when they talk to me like a child it’s very frustrating. Keep advocating and tell Abbie and the fam I say hey

[@zandercrowley798]

Thank you for bringing up the wheelchair users. I am a 34 year old wheelchair user, completely capable of telling you what I need and don’t. And people often talk to the person I’m with, even when they are asking me a question.

[@mothermarie6057]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@camarojai6832]

Almost like you’re not there. I wish people would take their cue from the individual. if they are non-verbal or any other differences, practice patience

[@jackielong9927]

My son is in a chair and they do it to him. I always tell them to ask him/talk to him not me. ❤️❤️❤️

[@mothermarie6057]

Corporations that do care are training their staff and I appreciate that with all my heart ❤️ Hyatt is one of those companies 😃🥰🦋🎶🙏

[@mothermarie6057]

@@jackielong9927 I’m glad that you do that. It’s important and it makes people stop and think sometimes. 🥰🦋🦋🎶🙏

[@camarojai6832]

The curse button…took me all the way out lol. All I could think of is when she’s requested something several times and the tablet keeps repeating until it clears 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@SteelerGirl101]

I have just recently found y’all and this is the first video I’m commenting on but I’ve binge watched most of them already. I loveeeeeee this conversation and how you talk about how others look at you when they find out she is nonverbal. I personally don’t have anyone in my friend or family circle that has autism but I do want to be educated. & this is the first time I’ve ever heard someone’s opinion on who to speak to. As a server I sometimes found it awkward because you want to talk to them but you always don’t want to be rude in that regard as well. I love your point of view on it and I am going to remember to always keep that in mind. Anyway just wanted to say love y’all!

[@terriedenna7751]

Just realized at 17:00 that Asa was driving. That's a rare occasion, especially when Priscilla is in the vehicle. 😉

[@kwaktak]

Happy 5 year anniversary. I've been watching nearly that long. I guess I need to get a life lol. Seriously though, I'm glad to see that even though Abbie may never speak she has great receptive communication skills, is beginning to have true social skills and is well on her way to self expression through other means. Just be aware that with that will come opinions and a desire to self advocate - and with emotional maturity a desire to be independent just like any teenager or young adult. I see that with my own "nonverbal" teenage son, who even though he can vocalize somewhat better than Abbie his challenges are very similar. It took me a while to realize that sometimes undesirable behaviors may not be a regression and can actually be a form of nonverbal communication borne of feelings of frustration and anxiety. I'm glad that Abbie appears to be spared most of that. It's clear to even an outsider like me that even though she expresses feelings of being uncomfortable at times she ultimately still feels loved.

[@breadman6223]

I loved this episode format. I’d love more like these with the b-roll examples.

[@tinymumZ]

Love the switch up. Seeing the old videos and how little she was is so sweet. It really helps me feel like "I'm not alone in this". My daughter has Sensory Processing Disorder. I see my daughter do alot of the same things; tolerate clothes/hate cloths, switch her preferred sensory items, eating/not eating, using PECS more/less to communicate, the list goes on. I'm so proud of all of Abbie's growth and learning. Happy 5 Years on this channel!!!!!

[@odesseyhaynes7015]

Happy 5 years on KZbin! Love you guys! 💜💚💜

[@tarasummers6353]

As a hab worker I “purposefully ignore” (community servers) and support my client by saying “tell them what you want” “do you need me to turn your ‘voice up” they can’t hear you”/ “speak up”

[@cathyorseske2564]

I enjoyed the conversation you both were having about Abbie. Very interesting. Ty

[@ariellebachrach4796]

Love all the hard work!

[@paulabaker6448]

❤they will find and explore for thier own needs...blessings always

[@samanthablaylock8912]

I understand the clothes think because I'm in my 30s and when I come home I like to be in long t-shirt and shorts and bras are a torture device 🙃 😅

[@laynielenz2k]

Same except for the bra one bras aren’t that bad for me and I’m autistic

[@orlandl.blanchard5423]

My wife is nearly totally deaf, but I've had people look to me for everything when she can think and do some things for herself (speak with a few limitations, sign her own name). She was able to get her GED before I met her. When I tell people she is deaf, they say they will talk louder (there is NO vocal range that she can hear).

[@Coffee24733]

So, does this mean that your kid has “rights” to communicate with you that she could possibly not want things? That button of “I do not like” keeps coming up.

[@deassfgh7807]

and sports bras are more comfortable then the formal braws if you have to leave the house.

[@FiorLabhair]

100%. I am also in my 30s and I shop by touch (certain fabrics are torturous!) and bras are a hard pass (even sports bras) unless I’m going somewhere outside the house.

[@tammy707]

I love learning something new, thank you. Very interesting!!

[@taralynneethier-southard4735]

I am a wheelchair user and also only 3ft 2in and you wouldn't believe the reaction I get when I show up to a new doctor or provider's office by myself. They often ask who is with me or who takes care of you? When I go to the hospital or emergency room and they just can't believe that I live independently. Sometimes the reaction is funny because they nearly fall over, but most of the time it is annoying because they of all people should understand the differences in (dis)abilities. I actually prefer to see new providers solo, even though at times it is easier when I have a helper because it forces providers to talk/listen to me, which is hard enough without a disability to be fully heard. So I totally understand why you want to take advantage of Abbie wanting to communicate. My Mom loves to tell me stories from when I was little and how flabbergasted people are when they would hear me talk. My mom and I would be in an elevator or a public place just having a normal conversation like "Tara, what do you want for dinner?" or "Do you want chicken nuggets or mac and cheese?", I would answer and the people in the elevator would be in awe asking how I talk so well, wanting to know how old I was, etc. Thankfully, my parents would always tell them to ask me. I can definitely see Abbie being able to order food for herself or being able to tell doctors stuff.

[@melissaz1471]

After working in healthcare for years I learned to speak directly to the person and the caregiver would step in if the person wasn't able to communicate with me. Best practice is to to assume they can communicate with you first and go from there.

[@marciafallon7653]

Thank you for bringing us along for Car Chat. It was really important information very well explained.

[@paulagill555]

Thank you for today's thoughts ,lots to think about and many ideas ,always moving and changing really enjoyed it thanks again.👍😀

[@seathat733]

I like this video a lot. It is about making Abby more independent. Making the community understand. It means so much for her and how much she will learn do on her own. How the community recognizes Abby, and teaching them. And teaching Abby what those interactions get her. Everything in between.

[@Callieistappingin801]

I have been watching you since Abbie was 11 or 12! I truly love your family! :)

[@ashley_0412]

So I have CP. This happens a lot in my experience. It annoys everyone around me but I’m used to it

[@sarahstorr]

Loved the car chat. Thank you ❤️

[@MOTHCAT3o4]

Loved the talk!

[@jbhinson1]

I’m an associate level mental health therapist. Love learning from you all

[@naturalhabitatvideoseries255]

Asa I think you “got it”.:…. You said that she was going with Summer and Becca and that she wanted Chick-fil-A/ waffle fries because she’s telling you she’s going with them. A while ago people suggested that she is telling you that she went to the swing etc not always just asking o we and over. I really think you did a great job by listening to that because clearly she’s doing that maybe not all the time but it’s fantastic!

[@jennybridger]

When the children (and adults) arrive where I volunteer at riding for the Disabled I always make sure I say hello to them first before the parent, even if I know that child well and know they are not going to respond to me, that's not the point.

[@catloverKD]

The only thing I can think of that could work to motivate her is music. But, if you delay it to use as a reward for things, she might just get frustrated that she's asking and not getting it. Or, maybe there's a breakdown between what she's capable of and what she's able to demonstrate? Like, she gets bored with things because they're too easy, but has no way to tell you that?

[@junegroves7295]

Great vlog as always!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@jamiersher5131]

It's crazy how much Abby reminds me of my oldest! He is not motivated by anything either! Glad I'm not the only one. 🙂

[@carriebowlen3785]

Hello Maass family!! Sorry I am so late watching your vlog!!! Thanks for sharing love expantace and awareness for Autism!!

[@ElizabethHernandez-hw6zu]

Loved this !!!

[@verlindaallen6299]

I say tell the workers to please look and listen to Abby. Than a nice thank you for your help!

[@leahpalacios4724]

I understand where you're coming from and where Abbie goes through and new changes happening I have autism to

[@YariiReyes]

Our daughters are sooo similar! I hear y'all talking and it's like you're describing my daughter lol Totally feel you on motivating tools to use as rewards 🤦🏽 there's absolutely nothing that would get my daughter to do anything! 😆

[@cindysemblante4411]

Congratulations on your 5 years on KZbin

[@stephanienealy7786]

Happy to hear the Professional and personal people in Abbie's life are on the same page regarding communication.

[@lizmorris260]

I recognized three clips. Shopping for her new room and the fluffy stool. Asa and Isaiah made the “cushioned wall” for Abbie’s sensory room. Taking her the the store for practice in purchasing.

[@YariiReyes]

Loooved this kinda video! 👍🏽❤

[@lanettedavidson1202]

Thank you for chatting with us. Very informative. I appreciate hearing how you problem solve & think about your daughter (your younger offspring/human). 💕💕👍🏼👍🏼🤗🤗🤔🤔🤔🧐🧐

[@heatherobrien7648]

Yes

[@beatrizmiorbe]

Hugs from Spain 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@alyssapowers1724]

Honestly you guys brining up the topic of people looking to the caregiver or the parents or whoever the person is with instead of the person with special needs is so important. It’s not something I ever thought about and I know that I am guilty of doing it. It’s not a bad thing at all but it is a great learning experience to make sure that everyone in this world is treated like a human.

[@RealLifeWithMichelleRob]

I am not sure if you will read this comment or not. This video is a few days old. I want to praise you both for sharing your world. I used to work with adults similar to your daughter. Every single person is different that is on the sprectrum. What you are doing is giving people hope. Maybe a parent just had a child that was diagnosed on the spectrum. Here they are with a young child now wondering what their life will be like. I can't imagine how many feeling is going through that new parents head. With you showing your life and Abbey, this parent may feel relief. That man up in Canada doesn't have a clue what he is talking about! I wish a parent with a child that has downs syndrome would start a channel like this. Edit...I may do a video reaction to one of your videos telling people what you are doing and why you are doing it. I bet any money if Abbey could give consent...she would. She is helping so many people!

[@verlindaallen6299]

Abby is a doll!!!

[@domidarling945]

Regarding your struggle with finding her reinforcements I immediately thought of food. Although I feel conflicted about this reinforcer type too because sometimes therapists use them without the kid be actually motivated by them or giving them a choice between which snack items to have. I also get the health and logistical concerns of this, but idk- what are your guy's opinion on this? As an ABA master's student I'm very curious...

[@abbeypollan9540]

My two year son was recenly diagnosed with Autism Sensory Disorder, Level 2 on August 11th and his OT just gave us his sensory diet. He has so many things since he is still a baby. I am thankful for your videos because I have a feeling since he turned one that he had something going on. He is non-verbal so I'm trying to figure out what he wants. Having to wait on ABA therapy due to staffing shortages. I wish my city had a JSA like yours. We have so many that would benefit from that environment.

[@meganhill5844]

My daughter has her days where she has a hard time telling us what she wants. The struggle is real and hard sometimes.

[@rachelokeeffe]

Hi love ur vlogs watch them everyday

[@TRACY1982]

Love this video

[@sarahhart3666]

I totally agree with talking to the person directly. I am a full time wheelchair user in my late 20s and people still look to whoever is with me to communicate. I love watching Abbie communicate! She is super smart and capable of so much. Nonverbal or not people shouldn’t underestimate people with disabilities.

[@laynielenz2k]

Yeah. A word to the public from a high functioning autistic…PLEASE TALK DIRECTLY TO US AND DONT TREAT US DISABLED ADULTS/ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES LIKE CHILDREN!!!

[@karmen181]

I loved this !! I would listen to you guys all day. This was sooo cool

[@jaytotheell]

love these vlogs of yours! going back to old vids, younger abbie. short hair suits her.

[@Twiztidprincess]

When said what you did about how wheelchair users get treated i felt that to my core. I have spina bifida and am in a wheelchair and people do that all the time

[@rmjames83]

I thought I had been watching longer, but it’s been 2 years! It’s probably cause I’ve gone back & watched vids from the beginning LOL!!😂 the first vid was “she broke her communication device”-back in the old house!!

[@mariefritz1]

I really don't understand why this video got any thumbs down. It was very informative and I learned from this video And seriously who actually really likes to be in clothes lol. I'm totally with Abby on that

[@Corey215]

What u said about wheelchair 🦼 is so on point. I am wheelchair bound and when I’m out people will look to my sister or friend that is what me instead I’d looking at me to see if I need help with anything. That is soooooooo true !

[@MsMishaMoo]

Love the car talk!

[@howardcutshall5836]

We're raising our 16yr old non verbal, autistic granddaughter Lizzy. She has a lot of the same traits Abby does. She understands a lot more than people think but she just doesn't always get why she should use her device when pointing to what she wants is easier.

[@Martzee]

My son is a wheelchair user and he’d totally agree with you. People will talk to whoever is with him, about him! Thankfully our personal attendants will correct them and direct them back to our son!

[@ashley9598]

My mom is blind. Has been my whole life. When we go out somewhere someone will ask me if she has something like her ID, her credit card or whatever. It’s extremely rude and I answer back every time with I don’t know ask her. Drives me crazy. I recognize many of those clips. Abbie has come a long way since I started watching. Love from Canada.

[@derekhamburg9398]

great vlog

[@amykoch7805]

Scenic B roll!! 🤣

[@jessicas2379]

I did sensory intergration therapy like 22-23 years ago. My mom who is very crafty made a swing and hung it in our basement. I have a weighted blanket which I highly recommend I do sleep with it it keeps me nice and warm and it calms your body as well because of the pressure it provides.

[@bencaldecott6583]

Looking at old stuff is cool.

[@Whtever5evr]

I’ve never seen the faces clip! Love that.

[@kellystanley5892]

Loved the video.The throw back videos melted my heart.Five years wow so I have been watching for four years and loving every minute of it.Thank you

[@ashleereed7902]

I enjoy watching your video's

[@SuperSweetie2009]

I get what your saying about her communication in the community you want her to have function communication in her community so she can be independent, but it’s about other people being open to learning

[@schylergalart9564]

I probably should know this by now but is stiming the same as figiting?

[@rebeccahanesack9183]

thats amazing

[@emilyjones5062]

Omgoodness, what a precious B roll deer 🥲😍 lol

[@kathrynthorne819]

What app do you guys use for Abbie's communication

[@pedigocaitlin]

Yall are getting soooooo close to 1 MILLON SUBSCRIBERS!!! Killing it!!! Love this family so much. ❤

[@nameinuse22]

Unfortunately not all parents are as understanding, both ways, as you all are. Parents/caretakers who immediately rip your head off, for not realizing the disability and the “correct” way to interact, what to say it not to say, using too long of sentences, wrong words etc etc ETC has taught a lot of people to avoid those potential mess ups and go straight to the person that appears to be in charge.😖 Thanks for all you do❤️

[@laynielenz2k]

0:01 wow asa the hair! We never see it! Also…nice trip down memory lane!

[@mandydeboard7077]

Love it

[@annaleerayborn287]

The random scenic b-roll 😂

[@paulabaker6448]

Ella's is super so is abbie and kdell...so spectacular 😊

[@paulabaker6448]

Ella

[@craftmom5302]

Yes that makes me nuts when people act like disabled people can't communicate!!! And people do look at them as almost not human! I'm so grateful the kids at my son's school treat him like a celebrity!!! The entire school knows who he is and talks with him and not at him!!! High 5's him and it's a public school.

[@mothermarie6057]

🥰🦋🥰🎶🥰🦋

[@happyplacehomesteaddannac9120]

Oh my, is there a video for the sensory diet? Or ideas for sensory room/“tool box”?

[@traceegreen2403]

Abbie is motivated by food and music, could you use treats and time for music?

[@HaveHopeWithHope]

I am in a wheelchair and when you brought up being a wheelchair user I couldn’t relate more

[@marlareid883]

The clunk clunk on the road is putting me to sleep. Lol

[@a.n8255]

Aww

[@jessicarice5512]

May I ask a question to you guys bc I feel like y’all would have maybe not the “right” answer but the appropriate answer, I have young children that don’t understand Autism and we have run into kids with this and my oldest asks what’s wrong and I try to explain as gently as I can and that these kids are just like her and she needs to treat them the same but also there are situations where it can’t be treated the same 🤷🏼‍♀️😓 how do I explain

[@jaytotheell]

LOL that deer!!!

[@sherrychurch1199]

Pricilla...love your shirt 💘

[@medicalinthusiest2180]

I have a physical disability and slight mental disability but I can communicate just fine and I walk with needing a Kane sometimes and I need transporation and some help in stores and even I have had people talk to the person I'm with as if I can't talk either at all or in the conversation for myself but the person I'm with luckily tells the person I don't know why don't you ask her yourself or motions for me to answer even though they weren't talking directly to me like they should have from the start and it doesn't help that I look so much like a child but I'm well into adulthood so that also makes people want to automatically only go through the person I'm with instead of directly to me.

[@lithottamera6089]

Great video. This was a refreshing type of video. I think y'all doing these once or twice a month

[@chinabluemccabe3276]

I think it was that cookie from the new cookie place that she didn't like. 🤭

[@2500robin]

I think Abbie would do anything for donuts… lol

[@myramcnutt639]

Lov3 your Chanel, I hate when people don’t talk to me only to my caregiver

[@joyloner198]

You can really see her growth through the 5 years worth of videos.