Fixing Things and Teaching Later

[@booyarenndikki]

just wanted to let you know that my 3 year old autistic son Alistair just recognized Abbie on the screen and said "Abbie!!!" and now im crying because he has very very few words and i kinda lose it every time he makes a leap like that.....thank you

[@mandalee1980]

Denise Cameron. Aww now I’m crying after I read your sweet comment about what you son said. And your son next word will be donut after watching Abbie doing it 😂.

[@tracykemp5255]

Awwww💖

[@heatherjunker967]

Denise, that is huge! I am happy for both your son and you. 😊

[@Siankhaslam]

That's absolutely fabulous news

[@booyarenndikki]

@@Siankhaslam thank you.....he isn't non verbal but he is at the far end of speech delayed and it's so exciting when I get to see him connect things and try new stuff and he notices that he did a thing.

[@sheilavanduynfote5539]

My two grandchildren are in the Autistic spectrum, I actually started following you before their diagnosis. My grandson is 3 shows more signs than my 5 year granddaughter. Watching how you deal with Abby and watching her has helped me so much to understand my grandchildren. They go to an AB school and I see the difference as well as how happy they are there attending there. My tears of joy and sadness at times I can share watching you. Thank you for all you do for the families with autistic children ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@brodyszone157]

When u say I always wonder what is going on in her mind, that was so touching. I love how much you guys all love each other.

[@timmyangeltlc4888]

Abbie is so lucky to have such a varied group of people in her life. She has you her family, Summer, Becca, Miss Brandy, and her doctors, among others who give her not only what she needs but all the extra things she craves. Problems don't always have to be fixed. Sometimes you just adjust on the fly and it is what it is. Be blessed always and much love from Wisconsin.

[@maofautism7413]

And Us!!! Abbie has all of us too!!! Lol ❤️🧩

[@marissah3125]

Just a friendly heads up Asa... a psychiatrist is a Medical Doctor (M.D.) They can prescribe medications. A psychologist is not a medical doctor. They have a Doctorate in Psychology (Ph.D) they can not prescribe medications. If the client they counsel needs meds they refer to a psychiatrist. So the main difference psychiatrist (M.D.) =>Meds Psychologist (Ph.D) => counseling/therapy (no meds) I hope that is helpful! 😊👍

[@butasimpleidiotwizard]

I'm pretty sure they were talking to a psychiatrist, psychologists often struggle with or actively don't treat high needs autism because it's not the traditional kind of therapy. My psychiatrist specialises in autism and adhd and refers me to occupational therapists and does general check ins on my over all progress with basic functioning tasks and can suggest certain things to look into and certain professionals that might be able to help if I'm struggling or regressing. He can also tell me if I should see my GP about certain symptoms because I often struggle to tell if it's normal for me to be experiencing something or if I have an illness/other medical issue that needs attention, like for example when I was forgetting to eat all the time I was slow and tired and couldn't pay attention and I just assumed those were psychological things when in reality I was just not eating enough so I had low energy, so he helped me with a strategy that reminded me to eat regularly once he'd told me that was probably what was wrong. I have level 2 autism so not high needs but not low needs either, I imagine there are plenty more reasons a high needs person would need a psychiatrist that I don't know about.

[@butasimpleidiotwizard]

He also mentioned the doctor being booked out and unable to take new clients, which more frequently happens with psychiatrists as there are less of them

[@wandagetz966]

I know lots of psychologist who work with children with autism. It's just a different therapy,.

[@breannebouchard1790]

ASA!!! you have no idea how much you guys have helped me with my daughter. She also doesn’t really understand the concept of time and later. Also really struggles with transitions so this clock idea is absolutely AMAZING. 💕💕💕 thank you for all you do.

[@amypearsall]

0:46 "I often wonder what's going on in that little mind of hers..Her eyes are always so busy, so active." I am a special education instructor and I have wondered the same with my non-verbal students. Sometimes there is a sparkle in their eyes, and just would love to know what is behind it.

[@emmabicheno]

You've just made something click with me. I'm a "there's a solution to every problem" sort of person, which means I struggle alot when I'm confronted with emotional issues or life dilemmas etc. You saying not everything needs to be fixed or solved, suddenly made me feel more at ease about things. I'm going to start living by that rule, so thankyou. Xx

[@ellieaful1]

The clock is freaking genius. I am a fellow BCBA and this creative idea is one reason I love the field.

[@americanhoney4974]

I absolutely love how REAL you are and the so true comment you made that " not everything has to be "fixed".

[@katiebrown7829]

1. I LOVE that you guys emphasize not having to “fix” everything. Abbie is Abbie and that’s why we love her. 2. Anyone think of the Christmas Story when Asa was waiting for the pool pump to work (when the father goes down stairs and fixes the heater) 3. The clock is GENIUS! I will be investing in one and doing it for my kiddos

[@sofiasousapires]

Congrats Becca! So cool she got to be part of Abbie’s ABA consultation!

[@jodiupchurch2564]

I Agree

[@SP-zw3om]

“Wrong foot, nerd” LOL love you guys

[@raefryou7264]

YOU SAID IT, SOME PEOPLE NEED FIXING MORE THAN OUR SPECIAL KIDS!

[@Timothy-NH]

Just imaging Abbey waking up in the middle of the night, somehow, getting out of her room, and seeing the arrow pointing to the donut and thinking it's donut time even though it's 3am, not 3pm.

[@floridagirl7700]

I love how you treat Abbie so sweet. You guys are amazing.

[@laurenleon7275]

I just want to say how happy I was seeing her correct herself with her shoes then grabbing her backpack, then walking in putting it away shoes and all it made me smile 💙

[@elleck3542]

The hard work that you put in to opening Abbies' world is truly beautiful

[@heidihokes7789]

The clock idea is brilliant!!! It'll be nice to see how she takes to it❣

[@nicholeboynton1262]

I can’t wait to see how she does with the clock! I hope you keep us updated and let us see you use it

[@michellepletta3040]

My daughter when she was younger was sick for a few days and literally didnt sleep much at all...so i went to work for like 3 days with little to no sleep...then there was another time my fiance was out of town for work and she was having belly issues and would not sleep and had to sit with me i had to hold her couldnt lay her down alonr nothing...then finally early in the morning she ended up throwing up in my mouth and talk about breaking down...called my parents and so blessed for them because they came to give me some relief...that week was a rough week....

[@hanwirtz4305]

You know what just struck me, the way she grabs her tablett and tucks it under her arm...so cute

[@autismfambam771]

i appreciate all your beginning videos because as a mom that has a high risk autistic son your info is very helpfull thank you

[@rebekahearly1144]

Thank you for your comments on “not everything needs to be fixed” - such an important idea, especially for people with disabilities and those who interact with us. All the best with teaching time, too - hopefully it’ll help Abbie be more at ease when she’s waiting for things to happen 🙂

[@LeslieTaylorCitizenSojack]

I fought that pool pump battle this summer too. I evaluated taking it apart and replacing the bearings. I had installed the pump myself, with guidance from KZbin. In the end I resorted to buying a new motor and letting it go. But I'm with you. The dang pool is expensive but I wouldn't trade it unless it became financially unfeasible. The kiddos enjoy it so much and they give me so much joy.

[@amypants6047]

“I wish I could bend like that and put shoes on” - I was literally thinking the same thing when you said it. Ah, to be you long again! 😜

[@xcarolynx2002]

My brother is 31 and he can’t do that.

[@tigrashadow74]

LOL so was i

[@honeybunch70]

You’re right Asa, We use a lot of laminating sheets and Velcro in our special Ed classroom.

[@badeds100]

The visual concept of "later" is excellent Asa!

[@cherryvon8754]

Abbie was in my dream the other night😄 I think I must have watched the vlog just before bed lol There was a beginning bit of my dream, but then it went on... And we were at a restaurant, I cant quite remember who was there, there was about 8 or 9 of us. I was chatting to Abbie, as you do, and I asked her something and she said " yes" .. I was confused and looked at Summer, then looked back at Abbie. I then asked her "did you just say yes??" ... and she said "yeah , I did , hahah" .. and I was like whuuuuuuut, I turn to Summer and "ohohhhohh, can you hear this, are you listening to your sister??" (I know she's not her sister, but obv was in my dream" ... I said, "Abbie.. wth..?!" ... and she said" it's funny isnt it hahaa" I was like, "when did this all happen??? ... i turned to summer "Summer,listen listen!" .. and Abbie said " around June" . Summer and my face DroPPed Lol. Then I woke up,and it made me have a weird grin ha . "around june" . She was just so nonchalant about it with an Abbie Grin on her face 😂😂 So yeah, that's my random dream I had with Abbie in it

[@heatherfaulkner2485]

I think you got Cilla and Asa’s dream on evident. LOL

[@techmantra4521]

I've said it before but I think your family is amazing. Happy Holidays. :)

[@hannahxx17]

I have severe anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. I also deal with panic attacks and have had periods of time dealing with depression. What I've learned in all that time is there is nothing anyone else can do. It does come from the person dealing with it and for someone with autism dealing with it would be totally different than maybe a typical person. What I know for sure though, the biggest and best thing anyone can do for people that deal with mental health issues: just understand. Sometimes trying to 'fix it' can make it worse. It can make it feel even more out of control and anxiety inducing. Just understanding, being there, letting things be the way they will be, not judging or forcing anything, then continuing on with the day is genuinely the biggest help I ever got from anyone. It's almost like a 'safe space'. If I know the people around me understand and don't try to take control I feel safe and know that the moments of severe anxiety will pass and I will get back to a space of 'normalcy'.

[@Chamomile9498]

I am a teacher at special needs kindergarten. I am working with kids like Abby. Their language is so hard to understand and you videos help me to understand kids like Abby. Thank you!

[@laniasmith9315]

Congratulations Becca and Summer on graduation! Love the photos!

[@danajaym1]

This family is so great. Great job and she is just absolutely amazing and beautiful. Much love!

[@sarabarentine8310]

What a cool idea with the clock!

[@sharonlawler3330]

Oh my goodness todays vlog was like looking into a mirror of my life. Doctors, time concepts and pool maintenance/repairs, not to mention find open boxes of command hooks. I so agree that so often people think you have to fix what THEY see as a problem, but as special need parents we manage rather then fix. Love you guys.💕💕💕💕💕

[@Hannah-nw7el]

I learned that same concept Asa in one of my education classes. It’s a skill that anyone can learn at any age.

[@maxandmichellehultberg6849]

Love your channel. Came across it this week while sick from strep.

[@TheoriginalANGEK439]

The virtual waiting room. I actually prefer it to actually sitting in with the doctor. Even telephone conversation with the doctor. I feel less anxious. Shame you can’t design an app, that does the same thing as that clock, and put it on her iPad. And sell the app and make a few bucks. 👍💜👍

[@kellytimson283]

Great idea for the clock and using the hands as arrows and Velcro on activities. In my work we use ‘now/next’ boards and visual schedules to introduce the concept of time/later. And I often wonder with the children I work with, what goes on in their heads. I’d love to spend even a few minutes experiencing their world so I could get a better understanding of them ❤️

[@Clairee94]

I love the idea of the clock, can't wait to see how it goes

[@Jadyn_Sage]

I've been paying more attention to Abbie's receptive language, especially after your video about it (but also before). It's amazing to me how much she understands and is able to respond to in her own way. Like you said Asa, I wonder what's going on in that mind of hers They also have those clocks with colour block backgrounds. They're meant as "when can I get out of bed" type clocks, but you can get them with colours at any time (or customizable times)

[@ygw.bullwrom2707]

All kids r is different. Our Jasmine is 5 can read, write, add, subtract....and so much more. We r so blessed to have her. We both have learned so much 🙂

[@robincranford8360]

You can also print a clock with squares for activities on board maker. Of course that may not even exist anymore. It was at the top of the want list for a while by sped teachers..[of which I am]. Yall are rocking awesome parents!

[@maryk6384]

"Where are the extensions cords? Oh the Command hooks are "holding them up"😁"

[@sriyaniwijekoon9714]

I am proud of the parents doing everything benefit to her loving daughter Abbie.

[@62roxana]

You are both awesome parents. I know it gets tough when you don't get enough sleep. The clock idea is a great idea Asa.. I see your a jack of all trades as usual Asa.. ❤️

[@MG384]

Trying to teach an abstract concept is hard so a similar clock style helps kiddos from autistic to ADHD to neurotypical learn the "later" concept.

[@bellasonlydonotuse6816]

I’ve been in the emergency room, then surgery since 1AM last night. A 9mm kidney stone and a raging kidney infection left me with a stent in my ureter and about 4 different prescriptions to take for the 2 weeks. I was STRUGGLING with the bright lights and the beeps by the time I left. I’m decompressing in my bed with my dog and my favorite family on KZbin 🥰🥰🥰

[@heatherjunker967]

I hope you feel better soon.

[@andreabennerakaandi9256]

That clock idea is amazing! I’m going to do it with my son!! Thank you for the idea. We are still waiting for Children’s to call to do his first behavioral analysis.

[@shinu1923]

Please do speech and OT instead of ABA. As someone who went through ABA 2 years ago, it was horribly traumatic, despite nothing looking bad on the surface. Sure, some kids do fine with it, but 86% suffer trauma from it, and it is not worth the risk when there are zero risk therapies out there that work much better.

[@autismfambam771]

we love watching you abbie and your family💕

[@mayaalexis6904]

Abbie seems to really love your truck! She loves daddy daughter time! ❤️

[@lifeonlowbatteries8153]

I love the clock idea. You’re so crafty Asa.

[@365daze5]

Let’s normalize nap time for adults. It would make for a happier life 😂

[@lisajean-marie8997]

Definitely!!

[@summer1rose]

An awesome idea for the clock! Also, I recently purchased a laminator and it's CHANGED MY LIFE.

[@lanettedavidson1202]

Maybe the extension chord eating monster is related to the single sock eating dryer monster.....you should talk them. 😂

[@tracythorsen6112]

The command hooks are with the extention cords and nail clippers at our house. I can never find any of them.

[@mindorato1394]

Your editing in the beginning of this video is solid. Nice work man.

[@katlynmorford1231]

My brother is flying home to surprise my mom; he graduated boot camp in October but they didn’t let him have leave because of coronavirus. I think they are going to let him come though and my mom has absolutely no clue. I’m so excited

[@katlynmorford1231]

Random I know I just can’t tell her so I had to get it out lol

[@SunshineValley121]

That clock concept is genius!!! Wow Very impressive.

[@123stubby1]

I love watching your videos. Even though I do not know any children with Autism I still learn so much from you guys. Abbie could not possibly get better parents, caregivers, and a brother that she has. Abbie is such a beautiful teenager. All of you are wonderful people.

[@jp911]

The command hooks are with the missing sock from the dryer:)

[@jellowoman]

Every blog I learn something new, today was the term neuro typical. I can’t wait to use that

[@CCBear-jc6lz]

Heck, no one can predict the day of anyone....that is why we are always learning... new obstacles, choices to make, mood changes...it’s endless possibilities!!

[@sunflower7045]

If Abbie understands “wait,” could that word be used as an extension and introduction to “later?” (eg Patient hands with slow repetition of “wait.”) I am Aspie and I had to teach my first born all his communication/language skills over and over. Best to you. Abbie’s learning so fast as it is. We’ve all witnessed it. ✨

[@shinu1923]

Patient hands...? Please don't tell me that's just a polite way of saying Stim Suppression, aka forceful removal of a helpful coping mechanism simply so others around them don't have to see it. That's bad.

[@Marandimom]

Abby has a beautiful mind and soul! ❤️

[@paulabaker6448]

I've missed yall...I get to see Isiah some...blessings always

[@Timothy-NH]

Those cards look awesome, Becca, glad you got a quality photographer!

[@mallorygibbons4975]

The clock idea with pictures us such a neat idea. That sounds like something my daughter's OT or ABA would come up with/suggest. My daughter is a visual/picture kid also.

[@ashleylogan8002]

I'm sure you guys will not see this, but I want to tell you guys are awesome! I learn so much from ya'll and I do not have a child on the spectrum.

[@fatheringautism]

Thank you Ashley!

[@mandyhartsoe2146]

I love watching Abbie stim with paper or packages. She is so cute!!!

[@maureenmcleod924]

Abbie said I knew they were going to put me to work.🥰😂🤣 She was like nope no chair for me. Asa said so they will know you are still Abbie.🤣😂🤣

[@maureengee364]

Great video guys. Loved it. Appreciated. Thank you so very much for sharing.🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@KeepingItHopeful]

Great idea to teach the concept of later. I hope Abbie takes to it well!

[@haileyballard1413]

We're now at the stage with our 3 year old son who has asd teaching him about time and our OT suggested a visual timer which has a coloured face that disappears as the clock ticks so when we say you have 5 mins left in your tablet he can see the 5 mins visually.

[@ironmanarts4536]

Amazing clock idea !!

[@lisaireland9073]

I think Abbie is so amazing and you are such wonderful parents.

[@autismfambam771]

Soon we will have his final appointments for his diagnoses

[@jessgrn]

Isaiah is a great photographer

[@kwaktak]

We always struggle with this as well. Our kids are constantly in “the now.” We and our son’s treatment team have been using visual schedules but concepts like duration and delayed gratification. I like the idea of the clock as a visual prompt but not all by itself.

[@lisalastnamesmith]

We cut sugar and dairy completely from our diets and have seen a HUGE difference in our boy's. Night and day experience.

[@shinu1923]

I wouldn't completely cut out sugar, just make sure you aren't eating excessive sugar. Sugar is necessary to our diets, issues only arise when you eat excessive amounts of it.

[@rmjames83]

U can never have too many extension cords & command hooks!!! Never enough!!!

[@McLarenMan075HT]

I really enjoyed this video I often wonder what goes on in my daughter's brain sometimes I wish I could live a day in her shoes . Anyway since it's the season Merry Christmas to you and your family and my 2021 be kind .

[@nancygrigsby5202]

I have to agree with the extension cord statement. Every Christmas I have to purchase a whole new set for outside decor

[@samanthablaylock8912]

Favorite thing this vlog "I'm not a big fan of electricity. Let's try not to die."😰😂

[@meme-ug1lq]

I have weeks off gd sleep n then some bad nights, Abbie is amazing, thanks for sharing and helps me understand my childhood more x

[@s.goodrich3605]

Oh my gosh COMMAND HOOKS! you said it Asa! That's so funny because just about an hour ago I was looking, searching high and low for two command hooks and of course I can't find them anywhere. That's what always happens,I buy a bunch , use one... Few months later go back and try to find them and they're nowhere to be found! So of course I buy more ... Just to to end up finding all of them. It's a never ending cycle...I mean I will never run out of the dang hooks I guess, but I will probably end up buying more when I have my next project or something to hang! I just really think they need to be produced in bright neon packaging so that when we need them we can find them much easier in our household! Ugh the struggle is real. LOVE Y'ALL

[@cheyennehalliger1164]

I just got Abbie’s ornament today!!

[@heidihokes7789]

💞

[@DeannaMarina]

Mannn where’s sugar plum?? I miss that elf!! That’s what i live for during Christmas time!!

[@Kelly-jn4cp]

Asa!!!! Design and copyright that later/clock idea. It's brilliant and many, many kids could benefit!!!!!

[@jemo4320]

We splurged this year and got the actual command hooks to hold up our garland/lights. I'm talking the actual brand name ones not dollar store LOL My husband hung everything up, along the entire top of our living room and dining room. One by one they randomly start falling! Like we're eating dinner and boom.. we have garland coming at us. After a couple days of fighting with it, my husband literally walked upstairs holding his drill and a cup of screws. 😳 I know have approximately 15 screws drilled into my walls 😂 I love the clock idea. We do something similar with our children. I'm also going to the first videos and getting meal ideas, we have a huge grocery haul to do, so why not try new things. Thank you P

[@susanharris1285]

We have a light up deer for our front yard and the head moves back and forth

[@crystalllllll]

Is there any chance you could talk about how you set up her trust fund? I think it would help a lot of people on how you set up her future.

[@sweetgirlana27]

The clock is such a great idea!

[@mariebarrett8774]

Awesome idea with the ⏰ clock....

[@spitfirespilie7931]

I can understand why parents with autistic children or of a child with special needs can be sad about their child not getting to live life as normal. I find myself instead being grateful and amazed every time I see my daughter reach a new height. I didn’t know a name for her conditions for years but since it started at 4 months old with her not being able to swallow correctly I think back to that and see how far she has come. She was at the point of almost needing to get feeding tubes so she wouldn’t die. By God’s Grace we found a solution in one session of feeding therapy. Then I it took her so long to crawl and walk I wondered if she ever would. Then she did those things and it creates more joy to see. But I think it’s my faith that gives me hope for her future and that she has a big family to fall back on.

[@SammiBones88]

I'm looking forward to seeing how the clock works out ☺️

[@jenniferlyijnen4841]

There can never have too many command hooks or extension cords.. I can never find the style I want in the moment.,

[@jamiefoley2668]

Abi i love your outfit! And your shoes you had on today! You go girl!

[@bertiehardison2689]

Funny, you’re working on pool motors and boats pumps and we’re scrambling to stay warm. North Carolina is freezing right now, but as they say, give it a few days and we will be in shorts and t-shirts again. The way Abbie looks around all the time is her taking time to see her surroundings. Us on the other hand, lets the world pass us by without even a thought. Was riding to my son’s house as the hubs drove. I noticed a house I had never seen before. Asked him how long it’s been there and his response was forever or as long as he could remember. I ride that road 4 days a week and I guess I never take the time to look.