Living with Extra 22nd Chromosome (Nonverbal Friendship)

[@SpecialBooksbySpecialKids]

My favorite part of meeting Emily actually came after the interview! After I packed up all my equipment I said to Emily "It was great to meet you today! You did amazing in the interview and I'm proud of you. I'm so happy we're friends!" She then ran over and hugged me. This illustrated the importance of communicating directly to a person and the potential impact of kind words. I included pictures Emily's mom took of this hug towards the end of this interview.

[@DrDestructoBlade]

I love these videos and how supportive you are. Keep doing the excellent work

[@birgit-austria]

Wow, that she gave you that hug shows that you reached her. Just wow!

[@katherineknapp6604]

😊😊

[@twilaslease5741]

😊😊

[@rurome2151]

Awesome family

[@fredishaffer1636]

She understood everything. The hug at the end says you touched her. She isn't finished. She has a lot to learn, a lot to share and friends that knows she hears you. Never a better ending.

[@kimrice4791]

Beautifully said!!

[@moooh3409]

nice words thank you ❤️🥰😘🤗

[@Olivetree80]

Exactly ❤️

[@kumaran-et8gc]

Consider that she has already got a friend from India ..Such a sweet family.

[@sascham7833]

"my little popcorn ball" sooo sweet~!

[@palomalazcano]

I don't know if you are able to understand the thousands of hearts that you touch every day. Thanks for your work. You are a beautiful human being.

[@satobatchelor1701]

It's awesome how accepting and understanding her parents are of Emily. She has some of the coolest sensory tools!

[@Gehslol]

I noticed that too. It's very very nice that she had the sensory outlets that she needs/wants/helps (esp if overstimulated) !!

[@laurensittel9592]

The love this family radiates is incredible. Emily clearly feels so safe, secure, and treasured by her parents. They've done amazing with setting her up for success and fun in her home environment. This is the kind of unconditional love and support every child deserves :)

[@itslex2005]

I love how he doesn't just post the videos with an "insane storyline" he just shows life as it is and I really respect that. hats off to you man

[@BalboaBaggins]

Yes agree. It's hard to find non-clickbaity titles nowadays. KZbin should fix their policies because it got out of hand.

[@princessonline4934]

Oh wow I thought he was her biological father! They have an awsome bond there, it’s lovely 🥰

[@strangelove0108]

Oh I missed that part. Wow

[@lotusscorpion8452]

Me too!

[@alygrand6083]

He said Emily was five when he met her. I can tell, he loves her so much.

[@raemeaa1345]

@@alygrand6083 my friends son got adopted by her husband and father and mother in law on her son's 5th birthday My friends son has down syndrome and autism and other things when he was 4 months old he got admitted to hospital they were there for 2 weeks when she decided to take him for fresh air and sit at the café she was on the lift when the a guy came with his grandfather the grandfather had been on the Ward a few floors up my friends son hadn't smiled at this point or even made sounds he made eye contact with the guy grandfather and the grandfather made eye contact with the son and smiled and started talking to the son for the first time the son made cooing sounds my friend cried happy tears took a few pics and then said thank you and explained this is the first time he's smiled and made sounds every day the grandfather the grandfather's grandson my friend and her son would meet downstairs they'd have a chat for about an hour my friend and her now hubby got to know alot about each other and my friend Also got to meet her now husband's mum and dad siblings and other family sometimes if my friend couldn't be at the hospital the grandfather and grandson or who ever was with the grandfather would come and sit with the son and she and her son would chill with the grandfather if no one could be with him everyday my friend and her husband would text each other 3 months before my friends son's birthday the grandfather got discharged from hospital my friends son was still in hospital but my friend and her husband kept texting they'd meet up sometimes on his break he'd come visit her and the son sometimes the grandfather would come to and her in law's a month before my friends son birthday he got discharged she planned a big birthday party for him and invited her husband his grandfather and grandmother and his mum and his siblings a few days after the party her husband asked her out telling her I really like you etc they started dating and didn't telling anyone after 6 months just before the son turned 3 my friend moved in with her husband and his family they got married a few months later and on my friend's son's birthday the husband and her in law's gave adpotion papers and asked if they could adopt her son as a father and grandparents she got emotional and said yes it was so sweet my friend son and her husband are so close and so her son prefers dad over mum but the son is obsessed with his great grandfather them to are literally soul Mates you can't tear them apart my friends son is now 11 his great grandfather is weaker now and can't do much but the love my son has for his great grandfather and the love the grandfather has for his grandson is even stronger my friends son will go take his great grandfather for walks they play cards together tho my friends son can't talk he and the grandfather share a special bond it's so beautiful to Dee

[@DM.123]

@@raemeaa1345 What a beautiful story 💛 Thanks for sharing.

[@Protnomc]

SLP here-thanks so much for the green text bit talking about how she’s communicating with the drum and the explanation at the end of how that verbal input mattered to her! These are things that are so often missed by people who either don’t understand or are choosing not to look. Communication is happening all the time, even if someone isn’t speaking words to do it. What a great family!

[@amyheadstrom2455]

Thank you for being a SLP!

[@Mtz2604]

"Communication is happening all the time, even if someone isn't speaking words to do it." Those words are carrying a deep meaning and understanding towards others and ourselves. Pay attention to different ways that a person could use to communicate, even when they're not noticing how it speak a volumes. Part of being compassionate and give some love is paying attention to the way the person you're communicating with you, and "speak" in the same language, so the person can understand.

[@cauzie8281]

I have nonverbal friends and they definitely can communicate. You just got to be patient and understand there are different love languages besides words

[@itsmelive]

Yessss!!!!! I work with many SLPs who often say the same thing. Communication is communication whether its verbal, or gestures, or music. Thank you for sharing this such amazing important takeaway.

[@aurorarockman9389]

What’s SLP?

[@caleigh2114]

It is really nice to see a blended family on here. It was heartwarming to hear about how much Emily's stepfather loves and cares for her.

[@trext2277]

I married my husband because he loved my son. Hard to find great 2nd dad's.

[@Connection-Lost]

He especially enjoys giving baths

[@trext2277]

@@Connection-Lost what's wrong with you? You are a terrible person.

[@hp-vy2rr]

She is sooo pretty!!! I love her eyebrows, shes killin it

[@OhEverdeen]

When you threw the ball and said "good choice" I cracked up! Emily is so intelligent and beautiful, thank you for introducing her to us!

[@vikkybeer5442]

The way you connect with everyone without prejudice and without hesitation is so amazing and needs to be the norm!

[@sleepyote]

Absolutely

[@Laura_G]

Emily is such a beautiful child. Her eyes are captivating.

[@QaZzFilms]

Thank you Chris, Alyssa, SBSK team, Emily and Emily's family for letting the SBSK community inside your house and trying to normalize respecting and loving others. As a psychologist student, this brings me joy and hope; it shows that the best of way of treating others (doesnt matter if you are trying to help them or just have a chat) is with love and respect.

[@Fr0galicious]

Emily has the prettiest eyes and she’s kind. I also think she’s super talented with the trampoline and instruments! 💙

[@amandasonger6227]

Thank You!

[@storydates]

I love the indoor disk swing and trampoline :) she looks like she’s in her element

[@vivecogrady]

It blowsy mind that anyone would judge this family because it's so obvious how muchh love there is for this little girl. Even down to how careful they are blowing everythhing down. It's really a joy to see how she communicates in her own unique way, and she can only grow. Thank you for sharing !

[@BeverlyM52]

I agree! Emily couldn't have been more blessed with her parents! Dynamic, loving, sacrificing team...they seem to recognize that Emily is a gift rather than a burdon. (Sometimes gifts require effort to fully acquire them.)

[@Weesouplover]

Honestly what a pair these two are. They are such wonderful humans.

[@created2bless322]

She’s amazing!!!! I love how her parents have their place set up to accommodate Emily!! Chris, you have mad drumming skills too👍🏼

[@theTwilightSystem]

Oh wow. Emily looks and acts so much like my little sister that I just had flashbacks to our childhood. Especially with the "popcorn" jumping! I never figured out how to do that without hurting myself lol. The parents will find a way to communicate. It can take years, but every kid I've worked with found a way to get their thoughts out.

[@bethroesch2156]

Words are highly overrated sometimes. They are doing an amazing job and Dad, it's obvious that you were born to be Emily's dad. Fate brought you together and love has made you a beautiful family ♥️

[@amandasonger6227]

Awww thank you so much! You are so right, Dann was meant to be her Dad❤️

[@suzannemenuet947]

It's awesome to see such loving parents! Especially that he accepted her as his own and spoils her so.

[@amandasonger6227]

Oh yeah there is lots of spoiling going on!

[@torithibs]

Her parents gave her the best set up omg they are awesome

[@michaelfleming8490]

The work that this channel is doing needs so much more recognition. In a social media world full of trite garbage, Chris is out there putting out content that is so important and desperately needed in a world that is unnecessarily in a state of tremendous and perpetual divide.

[@joannekerr3]

I love the advice Dad gave on how to communicate with his daughter and people like her. Thank you so much for sharing your story!

[@sua8638]

Emily is such an energetic and joyful kid, and she brings alot of joy to the people around her

[@xavierfaust9417]

Amazing parents, it shows that they really care about their daughter.

[@bridgetfields3673]

oh wow, that hug at the end was everything. I really loved how Chris flourished her with kind words directly. He radiates kindness to these babies

[@claireingram612]

I love that the commenting is back!

[@kathysenn7664]

This interview is very moving! That hug at the end demonstrates how a little bit of time spent with someone can be impactful. Everyone is unique in their differences..verbal, nonverbal, sighted, non-sighted, hearing, non hearing- God has made each of us special! I worked in a day care a little over 20 years.. years before I was a lunch lady at a school where I was introduced to autistic children as well as ones who had fetal alcohol syndrome. There was one autistic child we were specifically told not to try and engage because he had violent tendencies.. I tried, thinking perhaps he could be reached. Looking back I wish we would have been given training, other than the mandt training, to foster trust and communication skills. At the day care, my first employer encouraged us to learn sign language-in fact, she required we take sign language courses as part of the licensing requirements. It's amazing how the kiddos over the years responded. Perhaps Emily and her parents could benefit from some asl training. Thank you, Mr Chris for what you do and give!

[@amandasonger6227]

Thank you. Due to her developmental delay asl is not an option for us, appreciate the suggestion though.

[@marianneakoto6603]

T

[@ratbones620]

I really hope they find an alternate way of communicating for Emily! It would open up her world so much more (:

[@daniburke9452]

Yes, like one of those pads that other kids use. I wonder if she'd be able to use one

[@m.n.7086]

@@daniburke9452 at the end of the video her mom says that they are going to move forward with the PECS or an iPad

[@daniburke9452]

@@m.n.7086 yes I ended up seeing that. Sorry I spoke before I watched the whole thing

[@mikealalee2889]

It's really amazing. We are all just normal people on the inside and lack the outward ability to Express it more often than not. But we have our own way.

[@tristantheoofer2]

tbh i see autism as a 2nd neurotypical yee. im level 1 autistic btw

[@Thecattheratsandthegliders]

She hears her dad deeply. When he speaks about her she looks so happy and content.

[@katiefullmer9180]

I loved this video, but I really loved this part: 8:25. I'm going to college to become a music therapist, and seeing Emily's face light up as the drum was being played was amazing! All of her instruments were cool! It's a tool used for communication and self-expression. So cool!! Go Emily!!!

[@jmk1962]

Fantastic parents to a fantastic kid. Love this channel. And giving Chris such a beautiful hug at the end shows she appeciated him talking to her and being her friend. Magic.

[@SeyaDiakite7]

What you do to our kids is incredible. I have autism and I really adore your content. Thanks for existing :)

[@sleepyote]

I'm autistic too :)

[@breeze-bites]

Autistic gang ❤️

[@unamejames]

Man that is a sick djembe. The djembe drum was originally used for communicating long distances, but can apparently be used over shorter distances when played quietly. :)

[@brielleanyez7113]

Cool!! I was wondering if that drum had a specific name😊

[@starlegends3092]

Dood thanks for spreading awareness about people who don't talk the same. Watching these has me even more wanting to be freinds with people like this and make them feel accepted.

[@tandysaysyoucandoanything6758]

I love hearing her dad talk about how she’s spoiled. She has him wrapped around her finger 😍❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jacquicoder7160]

Oh, that last moment, that hug, that says it all. Thanks for sharing Emily with us, Chris. She's a beautiful little girl and I wish her the best life possible.

[@kristinialyons5230]

Dad...you are killing it!! The honesty is seen and appreciated! You. Are. Awesome.

[@HollyKnows1212]

This message is for Emily. You have a fun necklace too. If I had a swing like yours to fly! I’m glad you have a new friend Chris. He is so very kind. Im happy that he brought his camera for you. I’m glad he kept making videos with all his new friends when there were no comments. The comments are so fun now!

[@southernoregoncatmom6519]

That hug is pure gold!🥰

[@Liberaltrash447]

A beautiful family...thanks for introducing them to us, Chris!

[@stephenmcgraw8871]

These kids are the strongest of the strong,they`re here to teach all of us how important each life really is......Emily`s such a beautiful girl,and to all the doubters,she`s teaching all of us so much more than you ever will.....GOD BLESS this child...

[@cindysemblante4411]

These parents radiate love for Emily with words and deeds. I think it’s awesome that they have found things like the swing and trampoline to help keep her calm and happy. And that they value her safety so much everything is bolted down to keep Emily safe It breaks my heart they get judged harshly. Keep hugging that beautiful girl

[@beek.4860]

Emily seems like a lovely person (and a future drummer!), and I hope she continues to get what she needs to thrive. Thank you so much for what you do in educating the world about all the different types of wonderful people in it. ❤️

[@Aicha___]

What a lovely family. I cried, smiled and laughed ❤️ Just watched it a second time. These SBSK videos always fill me with some kind of warmth that I can’t really explain. I just feel like it’s a warmth that everyone deserves to experience. 💝

[@christopherhubbard256]

I agree. It's interesting putting the diagnosis to the person. You can read what they have, but have no idea what is being said. Putting the diagnosis to the person.

[@emilyperkins9947]

Family isn't defined by the blood we share, it's the bond... And communication doesn't have to be verbal! We all communicate in our own ways and even those of us that have the ability to speak don't always use words! Sometimes a smile says more than any amount of words!

[@jeannav]

I heavily agree. We feel such a connection with the dogs and pets we bring into our homes without a single word exchange and we love them so deeply

[@gloriaziwaofficialtv9444]

To the person reading this, even though I don't know you, I wish you all the best of what life has to offer you. Stay blessed and stay healthy 🙏

[@MicahBalls69]

You too :)

[@spider224]

Thanks, You too!🤗

[@junelatte]

You too beautiful♥️

[@sleepyote]

Same to you, friend. 💜

[@powderstone8187]

Right back at you. :)

[@SAOS451316]

i'm glad they made the effort to make their home safe and welcoming for Emily. i'm a nonverbal Autistic adult and talking to us rather than to people around us is so important. with any disability you should presume competence, and even if we don't understand your words we understand your tone. also there's no "Severe Autism". Autism is a multi-dimensional spectrum of asymmetrical developmental disability. Emily's development happens to be skewed in a way that it's harder for her to interact with a neurotypical world. she seems like a good kiddo. :)

[@normajeane507]

I think they meant 'severe autism' as in low-functioning. She'll never be able to have a regular job, or live alone etc.

[@Pixietoria]

@@normajeane507 I’d say that “low functioning” is also a tad problematic. We all know what’s meant by it, but it might be better to say something like that she has a certain amount of support needs due to her conditions. High or low functioning only really says how close someone appears outwardly to a preconceived notion of “normal”. It says little about the experience of or relation to the world that the person has inside. (No intention to judge or criticise btw. I’m just going by the research and personal experience I have with autism. I’m sure plenty have no huge issues with those descriptors.)

[@mariagi97]

An autistic person’s hug is much more important than a neurotypical one’s. Actually, it’s priceless. Love you, guys. You made my day ❤️

[@kalebdog2016]

This channel gives me so much hope and makes me so happy. Thank you for doing gods work.

[@newchapterasmr]

Clearly a loving family. Her hugging you at the end is so sweet, ❤️

[@Andyjoseph8]

Emily giving hugs to chris at the end of the video made me tear up 😢 she's ssoooo sweet 💕

[@amandasonger6227]

Thank-You!

[@ASMRbyMrsTristania]

I cried a little, too. Sweetest, most touching moment ever!

[@marryjayne]

she’s so pretty🥺!!!

[@laurenk1766]

Chris, I relish hearing your Philadelphia accent! Love what you’re doing with these videos. You’re a good egg.

[@aerozaxton3541]

I love her shirt! Also, non-verbal people need love, too.

[@biankita8245]

The end, here crying

[@patleslie6878]

I’m encouraged by Emily’s behavior during the interview. She never once became irritated or disinterested, well not that you showed us and that’s okay. The drum communication is interesting . You just may have helped someone else in a new way of communication. I enjoy your interviews. And, I appreciate how devoted you are.

[@fangussteef8587]

Hello, i've been following you for a while now, before the "yt comment problem" and i think it's the first time im commenting on your channel, i just want to say that you're a fantastic guy, idk how you do what you do not just talkung to yotally stranger and making friends all around the globe with a smile.. You really reunite ppl together and this is something trully unique, im not disable i can't say im depressed or anything like that but you put a smile on my face whenever i see you upload, you are a trully inspirational person, i hope to realise one day my dream and find the freedom to make a living from my art or do what i love.. Just like you did thank you for beeing you.

[@alwaysyouramanda]

I died at “she’s my little popcorn ball” 😭❤️

[@poo66151]

My favorite part was Emily hugging you at the end Chris.

[@globalwarmhugs7741]

Another wonderful friend!! Thank you for spreading knowledge about things that people are uncomfortable asking. I met the young man with whom I work and develop because I was friendly toward him directly in a grocery shop. It was a complete coincidence, but I entered the room for my interview with him and his family a year later and he got up and gave me a hug! His Dad said "hired!!" The social worker didn't even know what was happening, and I was honoured to be remembered by this perfect, beautiful young soul and his lovely family. 😁🧡💙 Every bit of your work makes a difference, Chris and team!! Stay the course.

[@anname09]

What a sweet story! There are no coincidences, only setups ;)

[@globalwarmhugs7741]

@@anname09 I agree. I'll be forever grateful for it. 😊

[@BeautyMonster1000]

Emily's lovely! I can tell she's such a happy kid! :D

[@user-rb8lt3sb8j]

you are an angel for creating this channel

[@robertntaylor10]

I loved your question about talking to people who may not communicate verbally. My best friend has Wolf Hirschhorns, and can communicate through an iPad and basic phrases, but not full conversations. Still, we have been able to have that connection and friendship. Kindness needs no words💜

[@lizziej72]

Oh my gosh I started crying when I read that she ran up and gave you a hug at the end!! She definitely appreciated the kind way you treated her. Another beautiful friendship made!

[@alexis-dellarhanson107]

fan letter. Thanks for the education. I met up with an old neighbor from 50 years ago who had her special needs daughter with her. She texted me later to say "i really so appreciate people who can see my daughter for who she is." I told my social worker sister about the comment, she cried, it touched her so. She's a fan of your work. Thank you for the gift of grace!

[@batzzz2044]

As someone who loves trolling. This channell is sacred. Love what you do and your compassion.

[@jadeecarroll]

Awesome parents! You can tell that there’s so much love in that household. ♥️💕

[@guilhermepegler6604]

I'm very inspired by your humanity and the way you respect this kids proving that a little bit of patience, kindness and comprehension could move away tons of incomprehension and misunderstanding. SBSK has been a great surprise... lovely!! Give me five SBSK!!

[@strisselstudios3932]

You always make me smile. Keep making the world a better, more understanding place. ❤

[@Boyhead1973]

Chris - you were born for this... it really is your calling! You are able to connect with your friends so effortlessly - it does reinforce the mission of your non-profit... and I thank you for sharing these stories!

[@hornaceka]

Emily's action at the end. If that didn't bring a tear to your eye, I don't know what will. Like we always say about my Brother with downs. He's in there! And he knows EVERYTHING what's going on. As severe as he is, or like Emily, Angels like them sense and take in the type of person you are. Based on your actions. And when you least expect it, they will surprise you! Emily knew, and that was just a wonderful thing to see! ❤

[@Kai-eb1fv]

Love this so much! Chris, you really are great at paying attention to each persons needs and portraying the individuality of neurodiversity :)

[@llyngibson4160]

People don't have a problem communicating with their pets, talking to them, answering how you think they would answer but people have a problem communicating with disabled, non verbal humans because they are not used to humans who are different.

[@RolandSchlosser]

This guy I swear he's an angel...

[@dapeck04]

Chris or the dad?

[@goodboix3528]

UR MOM'S AN ANGEL, but this guy is a close second! /s

[@adrianeballard]

The intro melts my heart. Especially ruby & every

[@TzadikTheManic]

I always think exactly the same thing :) Ruby and Avery were my introduction to this radiant channel a couple years ago

[@clairew1987]

I found myself welling up at the end- a beautiful family, a special little girl with bags of love, personality and happiness! Thank you Chris for all you do- you show that everyone is special.

[@3as1]

I'm so happy you got that wonderful response from her. That is a reinforcement, probably needed. She is stunningly beautiful, I hope she finds more people like you, ready to communicate with her without expecting much of a response. On a side note, her dad has a pretty cool voice.

[@lillybradford2220]

That’s a child with ADHD and sometimes selective mutism this really speaks to me I get very fidgety and I have severe anxiety and get panic attacks a lot to me this is so sweet watching you learn about other kids with disabilities my name is Lillian 15

[@LeftOfToday]

That hug at the end

[@grote__julia]

I'm so proud of mom and dad for raising Emily with so much love and care. Wishing your family all the best

[@ThAtWeIrDcHiCkMaRiE]

Aww I cried when I saw the pictures at the end 😢 that's so beautiful that you touched her in that way ❤️

[@Spider-Pops]

This is so awesome to see! I work at a Trampoline Park and it is so awesome to see kids who are non verbal come in doing incredible stuff and having fun on the Trampolines! She does back bounces better than even most adults that come in! It requires a lot of core strength to get yourself bouncing like that! This is probably my favorite Channel on all of KZbin! Thank you so much for doing what you do! ❤

[@capodo]

They're amazing parents to begin with. The fact he had no issues with adopting Emily... WOW.

[@andyb4071]

I believe Amanda is in fact her biological mother.

[@capodo]

@@andyb4071 Right you ae! I realized this after I'd posted my comment. 🤣🤣 Thank you!

[@bev_ovchic76]

This is one of my most favorite families. I love this interview and those parents. Great job Chris and Emily and family ❤️❤️❤️

[@amandasonger6227]

Thank -You!

[@jazzalmenasmusic]

I am so impressed of the gargantuan work you do, Chris, as a parent of an Asperger kiddo, I am so identified with what you do. Keep it up!

[@mariaalejandramorenovergel603]

The Love is Love, no matter the way it is, thx Chris for sharing this to the world

[@Sogonrei]

Chris, you and your wife really are an angel doing the work you do lighting up all these peoples lives, and bringing cheerful acceptance to them and attention so they feel heard that have illnesses/and conditions. Emily heard you and was taking you in the whole time and that hug at the end confirmed it. You made her feel important and valued and and special. Her parents are doing a phenomenal job too. 💗

[@kentuckylady2990]

That hug says it all.

[@cosmemi]

Man seeing her parents light up at the first question was so sweet, its nice to see so much obvious love in a family, just another thing your videos highlight (: ❤️

[@CwL-1984]

This world needs more acceptance with each other. Chris needs to be awarded a Noble prise

[@Echoetic]

These videos are so important. You are creating a better world for special people like Emily.

[@southernoregoncatmom6519]

What a lovely girl and family.

[@InvasionAnimation]

It is so nice seeing the comments are back, and they are all so positive still!

[@MicahBalls69]

Another great video from a great person!

[@veronicadistancia583]

Wow the fact that she hugged you means she enjoyed your company

[@k.4057]

Chris, your compassion for others has changed my world view. Not only that, it has helped me accept myself as I am. I've had ADHD my whole life, chronic inflammatory conditions as well as major depressive disorder and anxiety to boot. Regardless of the story you share with us, it shows me hope and acceptance. Thank you so much for sharing and I loved meeting Emily today ❤