Communication differences at home | Autistic vs Neurotypical

Though we have differences in how we communicate, we are able to understand one another through having patience. As a mother with Autism raising 3 vastly different children, I find it difficult at times to teach them individuality. I have to remind myself that that is something they find on their own. My job is to guide them, give them space and support their process.
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[@thegentlelife]

Hey, Just to update. I am aware that dyslexia is considered a neurodivergent. Makenzie had a traumatic brain injury when she was a baby, she had bleeding in her brain. As well as retinal hemorrhages. Acquired Neurodivergence, This can cause dyslexia, and this is something we’ve spoken to doctors about all of her life. So yes when I say she is neurotypical, I don’t include that because of her medical history. We’ve also covered this in a video a few months ago if anyone would like to know more. Thank You

[@VincentUmunna]

Yes I watched that

[@neurodivergentnetizen4535]

@@VincentUmunna Your daughter, along with everyone else with a head injury (and everyone with a learning disability!) can claim the neurodivergent identity.

[@astralfaeriequeen]

As soon as Matthew started talking, I started smiling so much. He reminds me so much of my brother who's on the spectrum, who will tell you every single detail needed of his special interests. All of you are so sweet!

[@thegentlelife]

😊 Yes he is like this with everything! He has been since he could talk and I had no idea it was autistic traits. How old was your brother when he was diagnosed?

[@madisonevans7950]

Bro same! Except he reminds me a little of my current boyfriend. Im neurotypical and he's somewhere on the spectrum for sure but def fairly high functioning. I just love those wordy rants about things they love, it makes me happy that he's able to tell me about every single thing he likes.

[@astralfaeriequeen]

@@thegentlelife He was diagnosed when he was 5 years old. A teacher was the one who spotted the signs, and thanks to her, he's thriving in life!

[@user-vl2ul1px5c]

Listening to Matthew makes me think of my nephew. He talks just like that. 😊

[@leelaural]

yes, he's like my grandson ....my grandson knows so much about so many things....he can tell long stories....his mind seems to be always racing.

[@302Notary-fingerprintboss]

Mom! If no one told you. I am so proud of you. You’re patient and very intuitive to how to work with various learning styles. Many teachers could use your gift. Great job. You are a natural born teacher❤

[@cynthia-iz9ew]

My hat goes off to you Precious. As a matter of fact all mothers who have 3 children who have different needs. The patience, the calmness, and the fortitude to help your children succeed in life❤❤❤❤

[@livewiiiiire]

Mikko's hair looks so cute in those braids! Its amazing to see how far her speech has progressed, you all are such great parents. Your children are beautiful and so lucky to have such loving and intellectually and emotionally intelligent folks to help guide them ❤

[@Steph_Said]

YES INDEED!

[@stefaniemccoy7377]

Beautiful children!!! You are blessed❤️🥰❤️🥰

[@emewyn]

Oh my gosh, I act just like Matthew. I also performed super well in school, but struggled to make friends or manage stress and emotions. I've only started recognizing my autism as an adult in recent years, I wish I had family like you growing up who could've understood and loved those parts of me instead of shaming and punishing me for them.

[@vond6491]

I'm so sorry 😞 you were punished for your beautiful differences ❤.... I'm glad you're learning about yourself now, and I hope your future is full of opportunities to achieve all that you want and healing ....

[@buttercxpdraws8101]

Same. 😢 Beautifully expressed.

[@nataliesmall6255]

I think you are an AMAZING mother. I am a teacher and have a 22 year old autistic son. I remember those days. My son talks perfect now (minus a few pronounciation issues. He even WORKS! One day at a time....our milestones are different from non autistic kids but we have many too. Keep up the great work - Love from Montreal, Canada xo

[@vickiecopperhead]

Hi Natalie I read your comment and I just want u to ask what kind of diagnosis your son had as a toddler..I have a 2 yo level 1/2 autism and now is non verbal. We are in treatment for 6month and Monday he will start logopedia. The diagnosis came in August and I felt totally destroyed, I tried to kill my self and now I’m in therapy (major depression)Could u give me some hope? Has your son have friends/girlfriend and something like that? Sorry in advance for my English, I’m Italian and I’m doing my best without translators ❤️

[@cinthyaluvzdeetrae4476]

Also wondering if your son was nonverbal as well

[@marianthi7034]

Echolalia is great that means she is capable of speaking. My son is autistic and 9 and still uses echolalia a lot, but is now using his owns phrases to express himself. He has issues with joint attention, but is very intelligent. Your daughter will speak she already displays the capability❤

[@taylor3950]

Yeah, and she even supplied ‘p’ by herself. Hopefully soon she’ll be able to communicate enough to make her needs known even more effectively!

[@olabisiogunnaike5157]

​@taylor3950 Well said! I believe so, too, by God's grace. Smile!

[@azambresonia5056]

Boy you're our champion ! Keep going, you do excellent. Mom is the best educator for her kids. Much respect for this Mom.

[@mcoutrier]

I simply LOVE all these positive comments, it warms my heart to know the world isn’t as horrible as it can sometimes seem. I hope the comments warm the families hearts as well.

[@dw4959]

These kids are SUPER bright!! I can see it in their eyes!

[@patriciamora2915]

That is how my granddaughter started learning to speak and now at 5 she says just about everything she wants and sentences. I also have a grandson on the spectrum in the same family and he turned 16 today and is in High school and they have 5 kids 3 neurotypical.

[@taramckay2000able]

Wow, the twins have really grown and watching Mikko's progress is so enlightening. Great job mom and dad!

[@SRobinson-hr6me]

I am so proud of Mikko!!! She was participating and everything ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@karenjamerson5973]

This was so thoughtfully demonstrated. 🙏🏽

[@monaarmstrong3831]

Mikko is doing so good from the last time that I seen her and she’s progressing very well and I’m very proud of her for trying and for Precious the mom having the patience to do so and kudos for her and her husband too

[@lvlzhealinghub]

This is a phenomenal resource to help us observe the differences in communication style for various neurodivergence, you’re everything we appreciate you ❤ also it’s Mikkos world, we just livin in it 😂

[@brendag2891]

Agreed!

[@debrarobinson7377]

My daughter is on the spectrum as well. She communicates just as your son does. I knew when she was smaller some things were different then other children's behavior. It can be frustrating for socializing at school with other kids. She's always had a challenge making and keeping friends.

[@robinjackson8554]

I am so proud of Mikko, "she definitely did it." You are doing an excellent job Precious.!!!

[@Godsgirl1958]

Your Matthew reminds me of my former stepson who has aspergersand was diagnosed when he was in his mid-teens. He would not look directly at you for very long, and when he did talk to you, he would use very few words and seemingly he would be talking mostly to himself. He was also quite socially unaware and even often personally unaware but was extremely intelligent. Autism, neurodivergent, or the spectrum were never words that were ever used for my stepson back then in 2004 through 2006. You are blessed to have so much more information now to help you understand and cope with you and your children's differences. You have a beautiful family, Precious❤

[@Joys2cool4u]

I’m also on the spectrum and seeing that Matthew has the liking for the sonic franchise makes me really happy

[@thegentlelife]

I’m so glad he resonates with you! He is such a fan and of Mario as well! 💛😊

[@radionicaglinenihproizvoda1989]

She said "I know who he is!" Great job! She shows a lot of progress!

[@leahmason824]

Omg you're doing a great job parenting 3 kids with different needs and different abilities. I'm glad that Mikko is becoming more and more vocal and responds to you even if she doesn't cognitively understand things. Prayers for you and your family ❤

[@merediththomas2329]

Just know Mom and Dad, I am praying for your continued strength, you're doing a wonderful job.

[@audreywilliams7007]

I cannot stop applauding you mom. In all my post l will continue to say how fantastic of a mom you are. Absolutely beautiful to watch. Your children are not only growing they are thriving💯 ❤

[@thegentlelife]

Thank you for such kind words. I really appreciate your support always ❤

[@JulioCesarMejiaReinoso]

Juliocesarelausuarioqoesahiñaebikikiebikihiesahiñaqokemekutahoqataloebikihiyokeroeskulobriyosoqolahiñaeqahtallaqolahaeqahtallatuamigoelausuaricesarhiñabikihieqahtalla

[@petalblossom96]

Thank you for the video ❤. Just to add that echolalia is not always meaningless. My daughter was echolaic when she was little and she would use phrases she learned from me to make requests. For example, if she wanted juice she say, 'Do you want juice?' This a question she repeatedly heard me ask her which she used appropriately when she wanted juice. 🤗

[@navodahiltonportley2346]

You are an incredible mother! The love, patience and time you give your family is inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story.

[@SuperflySister]

All of them are actually very expressive.

[@nevaehhardy8961]

your son is so sweet spoken and precious. good for you momma I have 2 younger siblings that are non-verbal. I hope I’m a couple years she’ll show real growth🥰

[@leviisdead]

When my younger brother was really young, he was completely nonverbal. At some point he started echoing, and boy, he echos a LOT. It's usually stuff from his video games or videos he watches. Sometimes, he's just doing his own thing, but sometimes he uses that to communicate. If he's tired, sometimes he will express that by saying "oh no! our energy is draining! we have to refill it!" which is definitely something he picked up from a game. I just wanted to share this with you because you mentioned echolalia is meaningless repetition of words, and while it can be, it's not always!

[@sianmilne4879]

I think in that case, when they are repeating a phrase later on, that is just a result of gestalt learning (learning the whole rather than parts, so some autistic kids learn entire phrases instead of learning what individual words mean so that they can make their own phrases)

[@dicephil8578]

Just recently found your vlogs and was immediately taken in my Mikko. Ive taken the time to binge watch and am now up to date. I commend you on your patience, gentleness, and the strength it takes to face each new challenge. . I know from what you share it is not easy. Keeping you and your family in my prayers. Please don't let any negative comments impact your parenting. God Bless all of you.

[@anitaford4138]

I love you guys more with each new video. The patience, love and understanding you all have touches me so much it makes my heart want to burst!! You're the definition of unconditional love. Thank you for sharing!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@misslovely9586]

You are doing an amazing job. You should be so proud of yourself Beautiful family.

[@user-vm9hs5qm8e]

Precious as a retired severe sped educator...I was always part of a team..i.e.pt ot sltherapy...dx's...ets...point being I would be sooo proud to have you on my team...I am much like you I think...just so impressed and so very proud of you...hope you are,as well.........also...Wednesdays were "home visit"days...(if the parents weren't keeping up sometimes we would have to intervene or dismiss...God bless you for all you are and all you do🎉😊❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@feralart22]

I love the way you parent...and I just wanna say that all three of your children are absolutely bright as a new copper penny! They all have such expressive ways about them, and they all seem like overall happy human beings. I know that some days it has to be overwhelming, but you and your hubs are raising three lovely kids. I haven't been subscribed for very long, but I'm really enjoying watching old and newer videos.

[@msmacine]

Good job mommy with your babies showing them love and patience and giving them space to communicate comfortably…

[@user-ex2zt1pd2d]

she’s so cute! she doing so well! Never give up momma your such an amazing mother to her xx

[@MUMDUKEY]

These 3 beautiful souls are amazing❤!

[@elidajimenez7412]

I have a 4 yr old that is non verbal and was diagnosed with ASD. Watching your videos helps me a lot to learn more about ways to communicate with her.

[@James-kq2xc]

Thank God you have the patience to teach this child of God God bless you and your family amen 😇😊🦃❤️

[@thegentlelife]

Thank you so much for such kind words 💛

[@gayelisanewsome2541]

Love the new content style for this new year. Thank you again for sharing your family experiences with us.

[@funkyfunnybone]

You have a lovely family. ❤ Ma'kenzie is neurodivergent too! I'm pretty sure my whole family is. My mom is dyslexic so I remember finding this when I looked it up: "Neurodivergence includes Attention Deficit Disorders, Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia."

[@rizbathmackenzie2856]

I'm glad someone mentioned this

[@thegentlelife]

Hey. I am aware that dyslexia is considered a neurodivergent. Makenzie had a traumatic brain injury when she was a baby, she had bleeding in her brain. As well as retinal hemorrhages. Acquired Neurodivergence, This can cause dyslexia, and this is something we’ve spoken to doctors about all of her life. So yes when I say she is neurotypical, I don’t include that because of her medical history. We’ve also covered this in a video a few months ago if you would like to know more. Thank You

[@DonnaDunlap]

Beautiful children. How precious. ❤

[@vond6491]

This is very educational....much appreciated. Love the vulnerability and transparency that you share. I have several folks in my family on the autism spectrum and I'm always wanting to learn how to better communicate with them. ❤

[@saigemflower]

As someone with asd I love how you handled the second qestion with mathew and I could tell by how his focus was mostly on one point instead of everywhere like the first question he was really trying

[@user-vk7bm2eo4i]

STAY BLESSED MIKKI. I KNEW U COULD DO IT. STAY BLESSED AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE U HELP. THANKS FOR HELPING ME. I AM SO THANKFUL I COULD HELP YALL. GO FAM. GO FAM.

[@jessicaconley2212]

The "w" was precious!❤

[@tecon2]

You are a great woman. God is with you and will make a way when it seams no way . Amazing family keep going

[@oyasita8310]

Omg the joy and smile I have!!!! Miko is pronouncing words omg !!!!! I’m so happy! ❤❤❤

[@ybtshepherd]

Awwww so nice to hear baby girl saying her abc. Well done, mummy

[@mfpJ4ever]

I relate a lot to you on how you feel during heated arguments and frustration with not being able to articulate what you need in the moment. Definitely makes me want to reflect more on myself and how my brain really works. ❤

[@claudettedavis9842]

I have soooooo much love for you and immensely proud of you. Thank you so much for being authentic, transparent, informative and gentle in your approach with this information. 💐✨😊👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 God bless you. This is a ministry of the heart. ❤️ ❤❤❤❤🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾👏🏾

[@celi9133]

I love this video with the other children! Such a beautiful family!

[@TRICE2481]

You're such an AMAZING woman!!! Your children are ADORABLE!!! god bless your family!! 🙏

[@BelleJ8]

Such a beautiful family and the cats and love you have to do whatever it takes is very inspiring! You inspire me to become a mom bc as you show as challenging as it may be the love is the best reward!!

[@beatsbyjdh2407]

Ma'am I'm absolutely amazed at your patience and caring for your children, as autistic person myself your son Matthew reminds me so much of myself and I almost teared up😢 Most people barely have the patience to not only listen but effectively teach and learn about their kids so much that it negatively effects their mental state but you. You are absolutely amazing with how you handle it, and my heart goes out to you and your babies

[@angelahall7147]

Amen ❤

[@madisonevans7950]

Wait what the heck, why does mikko look so big in this one!? I swear she legit be in a growth spout. My lil heart

[@thegentlelife]

Omg yes!!! She is growing so much. She went from a size 7 shoe to a 9 in 2 months!

[@mimseyrenee2217]

Mom! You are doing such a great job! I’m so happy to see your babies have such a kind and gentle mom to help them navigate their way. #Blessed

[@maryroberson7682]

YOUR CHILDREN ARE SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL AND I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW FAR MIKKO HAS COME. GOD IS GOOD ❤

[@dianabonabana8125]

Mikko, I am so proud of you. Mum ,will done. Iam so proud of you too. You are really doing a great job with Mikko.

[@annettewilliams8330]

I appreciate you sharing your family life... I'm sure you have enlightened many. Thank you

[@PotooBurd]

This is so important! Thank you for sharing 🌻

[@jamiewilliams8683]

Awwww look at that baby go!!! Praise Him 😍😍😍💛🙌💛🙌

[@MsAchampion]

I Love how you teach your children! They are all beautiful and smart. ❤ You go Boss Momma! 😊

[@shawnstepney5551]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing. You help so many.

[@sandrabowman8935]

Yaaay great job Mikko❤they are such smart adorable kids🙏🏽❤️ you guys are such great parents ❤

[@ThePrincess-vb8ql]

❤ it's W for me,so heartwarming. Good job Princess

[@cynthiadean19]

Yayyyyy🎉🎉 My Curly Top did a great job.

[@joanblake5727]

Awww love hearing mikko saying her abc ❤

[@annettecarter6044]

YOU DID IT!!! Yeah Mikko!!!

[@deborahblount8571]

Yeah I got it!!❤🎉🙌🏽🙏🏽 Beautiful family mom you are a blessing to each of them. If you need a break walk away for sure. Chris has adjustment from military to civilian. His experience now with the children he needs help to understand them each child I feel. He has to be willing to learn go to programs to gain better attentiveness patience care communicate. Love your wanting to know more about your children to Pause and assist them the way each of them need 🙏🏽

[@snarkishark]

The background music is a little bit loud, I had some difficulty hearing Matthew over it

[@thegentlelife]

We will be sure not to have it on next time. Apologies, on our end it doesn’t seem that loud but maybe it’s like that for different devices. 💛

[@Sonworshipper]

Okay, I don’t have a ton of experience with ASD but your children are thriving with such amazing parents. I’ve seen “nonverbal” children but Mikko is not❤ she is able to interact with the world around her and it’s a beautiful thing. Enough to move me to tears 😭

[@jaiyabyrd4177]

Precious You and your husband are doing a wonderful job. Good Bless you and your Family 💗💗💗💗

[@thegentlelife]

Thank you so much and we wish you and your family well 💛

[@rosawilliams1728]

This makes me so happy. For her.

[@maryannjefferson2234]

WELL DONE MOM!.......HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!

[@pourituptv4503]

I must say you are doing an excellent job your level of patience 💪💪 💯 I need that in my life 💕

[@missbinky01-ph6vr]

Mom, You are amazing!.....Your children are just as amazing...GREAT JOB!!!

[@roseoliver9464]

CONGRATS babygirl!!!❤ We're so proud of you😇😍🤩🤗 @Mom: you are doing a great job!!!💯

[@Rachel-ni2do]

❤❤❤. She did so good!

[@jayjaychappo]

I thank you for sharing so much. I learn a lot from you and add it to my own experience of neurodiversity, and I add it to my tool kit for early intervention with the children that I work with.

[@VincentUmunna]

Such a lovely mom❤👍🏾🥰🫶🏾, God Bless🙏🏾

[@annettecarter6044]

He reminds me so much of my cousin’s grandson!!!! Very intelligent individuals!!!

[@silverdoe9477]

You are absolutely amazing with your kids.

[@elisabethrana8199]

I think mikko and your son are soulmate. Both of them are Genius

[@davidprotheroe4432]

YOU GUYS ARE THE COOOOOOLLLLLEST

[@mcoutrier]

Thank you for this video….this was a truly educational learning experience for those of us who know nothing but know that knowledge is everything

[@keleae6478]

OMG. Let me first say i love your content. I love that you show your family, and I pray that God will continue to make a way where, at times, there seems to be no way. This episode made me think of my own life. I have 2 boys. They are 17 and 22 now. My youngest communications style seems to be a cross between that of your son(more) and your elder daughter(less). He has never been tested, but I've often wondered, especially of late. As for myself, I was watching and thinking that I share similar traits with your elder daughter until you spoke of yourself and realized that you described me. As for little Mikko, her saying "yes" for everything made me think of someone support. He is 58 and has autism. He says yes to everything. I work with him to express himself more. One day, I asked him a question about going to Canada's Wonderland(we live in toronto), and he belted out a firm NO... I knew it was a definite no. Cobtinute doing the work God has ordained you to do. Through your content, I'm reminded to have patience with everything. May the Lord bless and keep you and let His light shine upon you.

[@S0.3]

She understood she was at the end of the song and didnt want to do the extra I truly feel she has more understanding than given credit for She was making pancakes and said eat, when you asked if she knew what a dog is She may not have full vocabulary but she will be able to form small sentences Hold that faith queen ❤

[@LLL-vb4ho]

This is so beautiful 🤩 What a wonderful family ❤

[@kenyettalee671]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Good job Mikko

[@stefanithomas523]

I'm so proud of mikko ❤❤she's doing so well nd the way she says r nd we is so cute

[@GETYOBAGMONIQUE]

Great job Mikko 👏🏼 you are a true blessing 🙌🏼 🙏🏼 from God.

[@rihrih2013]

I love how Mikko says W and O. She was so proud of herself for repeating her ABCs

[@pedward323]

She said the next letter P on her own without mom,she did so great as the last videos I saw on her she was very nonverbal,now here she is interacting,aware of her surroundings acting like any 3 year old who does nit have special challenges. 😊😊😊

[@n4musica]

My cousin is autistic and is non-verbal, but over the years (he’s 20 now) he’s learned phrases to communicate his needs and can respond to simple questions with phrases and names of peoples he knows how to use to get what he needs. It’s almost like canned phrases, he says them the same way every time, but it’s effective!

[@922Virgo]

It’s incredible to hear our children’s voices for the first time. And when it took forever to hear it, it really resonates with us even when they say anything ❤ a lot of people don’t understand if their kids talked early and often. But it is truly a blessing that makes me want to cry and Thank God over and over again for my son ❤🎉

[@angelahall7147]

❤❤❤

[@domajoh]

God Bless You and Your Family! ❤🙏🏾❤

[@NewWalkk]

Yay congratulations!!!

[@fitnesswithyou]

Well said....I have 5 individuals with different communication styles.....know you are not alone.❤

[@Michelle-gw4db]

Mikko is going to talk one day. She is going to talk just like everyone else 😅 I know she is still a toddler now. But Mark my words baby girl will talk. I'm so proud of Mikko. I love watching your videos thank you for sharing your life with the world 🌎