Autistic & Visually Impaired || 2 YEAR OLD UPDATE

[@Yellowlabratory]

I love how you present your information and how you word things. You are a very smart person and a really great mom.

[@jo-bredfunnygirl2166]

I can't even believe she is 2! I remember you being pregnant with her just like it was yesterday! Hope you are doing well mamma. You have had so much going on. Love ya!

[@skyemckee5014]

Penelope is adorable. Continue your road on getting that giant gold play button along with interviewing with Chris Ulmer of SBSK.

[@haleywhitney6424]

Is she going to be on SBSK?

[@Keziah2447178]

That interview would be dope

[@prettyfar33]

Thank God...she was born to you two...and not someone else who would not treat as well and understand her as well!!! GOOD JOB!!!

[@rachelruiz5637]

Awww music therapy! She’s going to love it so much.

[@shaunalea823]

James is 8 now and he used to do the same exact thing w tensing up he grew out of it and never does it anymore. I actually think it sounds very sensory.

[@SnowBunni78]

My son is 2y2m and I just got this exact list for my son recently too. He was diagnosed as level 3 back in November and he has his re-evaluation next week so I’m excited to see what they’ll say now- he’s a totally different kid now than he was back then. He does almost everything on the list, minus not using 2 word phrases, not using utensils consistently, and although he does a lot of parallel play and enjoys being around other kids, he hasn’t actually done any team work games with his peers. I love watching your videos because, like you said, all children with autism can be SO different from one another. I wanted to tell you you’re amazing and you’re breaking the stigma around autism ❤️

[@lorriemangum4005]

You and your husband do such a wonderful job with your children. They are beautiful and sweet.

[@ashaburtell9910]

Stahp!!! How can she already be 2 years old?! I started following you just before you found out you were pregnant with Nellie so she holds a special space in my heart. ☺️ I love you mamma and your whole wonderful family!

[@carolmilligan5653]

Bless her. Penelope is such a wee darling.

[@catandvolleylvr721]

My son does the tensing up thing that Penelope does after she stims. He’s been doing it since he was an infant when he’s really excited. I’ve never seen any other child do it, so it’s so interesting to see Penelope do the same thing! Lots of love to you and your family ❤️

[@Wasjigcrmso35]

Gosh this blog brings back memories of when my daughter was their ages

[@pianobooks42]

Has she been evaluated for ONH/SOD? It’s a neuro-optic condition that has most of her symptoms. I have a mild form of it. The symptoms that she has that are caused by or associated with ONH are: - strabismus - low acuity (blurry vision) - lack of depth perception - stimming (very common for VI kiddos which might be why he’s is more intense) - slow or lack of growth (growth hormone deficiency happens in 80% of ONH cases) - low tone (associated) - autism (associated not proven) - communication issues (associated not proven, very common in all VI kiddos tho) - the “wrecking ball” behavior, which ofc could be nothing at all but may be a sign of executive dysfunction. Common in ONH. - drawn to music, very common in VI kiddos. Especially those with autism and/or ONH. - sensory issues in general it is common for ONH kiddos to have seizures, so if the squeeze stil is diagnosed as seizures, that’s another symptom. Stimming is also a possibility tho. I squeeze a lot. The eye doctor would test for this by looking at the back of her eye. If the optic disk is small, she has ONH. You can sometimes diagnose through an MRI as well. It’s common for only one of these tests to show up positive for ONH. ONH is not usually genetic, so it wouldn’t conflict with the genetic issues you’ve been testing for. The cause is not known. It’s most common with the oldest child and/or when the mother is young. But it can happen to any child. (Similar to how autism is most often diagnosed in boys but is very possible in girls). It doesn’t get worse but does need to be monitored for certain complications.

[@dnv1225]

I actually have ONH too.

[@pianobooks42]

@@dnv1225 cool! 1 in 10,000 club!!

[@justjamie17-15]

My autistic son has perfect pitch. He can identify any note when played and can tune instruments without any type of device. Super interesting

[@joybowling51178]

OmGosh Saaaaame!! My Daughter is now "Obviously distance learning" but, right b4 this lock down/covid shit...she was in Concert Choirs! And man, did she have "the voice"...that could "match any pitch"....sad!😢 Regardless.....We Need To 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼For them!!! THIS IS AS HARD ON THEM, AS IT IS US! GOD BLESS YOU! OUR LANDING CREW!!!!!!!!!!!💖🤟🏻💖🤟🏻💖😍💖😍😍😍😍🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻😍😍💯🔥🔥🔥💯💯🥰😍🥰🔥🔥🤘🏼💖💖🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@melissafernandez5877]

Obviously you know what’s best for her, but ABA helped my 2 year old tremendously, in-fact he graduated from ABA in one year and no longer requires therapy. It was super helpful for him.

[@OurLANDingCrew8]

I have 3 kids in ABA so I am aware what it can and cannot do. She doesn’t have any issues I feel need to be “fixed”. I am not against it by any means but it’s ok to choose to joy use it

[@melissafernandez5877]

Our LANDing Crew didn’t say she needs to be fixed, but early intervention is key (as I’m sure you know), and it can teach her many tools to communicate, play more functionally, etc.

[@hayleymarse2853]

As with anything, what works for some people might not work for another. Children are very different 😉

[@laurac8659]

I’m glad you’re stepping back, good for you and your family!

[@ReineDeLaSeine14]

I’m autistic and visually impaired. My autism signs were brushed off because of my VI, so I’m thankful her autism was recognized early.

[@MamaJuru]

My son who is 5 now, made that excitement thing too. He still does it. That's how he stims

[@Blake1720]

Thank you so much for the update on her. I was wondering how she was doing. 💖

[@BethanyMeyerWebDeveloper]

Nellie always seems so happy 🥰

[@carriebowlen3785]

I love being a member of your LANDing Crew! Wow 2 years old already!

[@ashleyaucoin4036]

Great video Steph! Love all your videos because you guys always seem very informational & helpful in so many ways. Thank you for sharing with us... Y'all are amazing!!! 🧩💛

[@tinacayford7549]

I definitely agree that there is a lot of use in doing the annual signs video with each of the littles. Like you said every child presents differently and I have noticed significant differences between the three boys I raised and my now trans son in addition to my grandniece and all of them juxtaposed to my other niece who is probably going to be diagnosed ADHD-C but is otherwise developmentally nt. So even now I find it helpful watching Nellie especially but all three of them to sort of refresh my feel for how things are going. As always, I thank you so much for putting yourself and your family out there to help promote awareness and acceptance as well as to help educate your viewers in everything from milestones to therapies. Your perspective and dedication is valued and valuable. So thank you very much. Hugs and kisses to all the babies.

[@supahspyrosonicfan98]

I was not diagnosed but can tell you from first hand experiences. I did the body tens stim throughout my life and still, at 28 years old. I remember being little, and my carer thinking it was cute that I tensed up when I got excited (tho thinking back, it was strange that they even said this, then having no idea I had autism at that time). I also had physical disabilities, hearing and visually impaired. Because of my other issues, I fell through the cracks, never to be noticed as an autistic individual. I want you to know that Nellie is likely ok. Get her checked to make sure, tho. Also, it doesn't hurt, it just releases tension or helps give needed sensory input, that I'm internally feeling or needing. High excitement triggers it for me. I hope this helps.

[@meaghanslattery4524]

My son Jacob is just few months younger then Liam and my daughter Zoey is one month younger then Nelly. My son is autistic but my daughter isn't. You've helped me sooooo much , I love your family! You've given me so much information and just support if that doesn't sound weird lol. Laim and Jacob are sooo similar as well! Lately Jacob has just progressed so much just in the last month or two. He plays with his sister constantly when before he just kind of ignored her. And so much more ☺️ I hope Nelly has a great birthday!

[@torisetzer1938]

I have an eye condition called diplopia and exotropia and I see double vision (up and down) and have severe depth perception issues. I never pointed as a kid because I couldn’t see and definitely couldn’t tell what I was pointing at.

[@robylove9190]

Nellie is the cutest little angel ever!

[@amsnp20]

You’re such a great mom 🤗🤗

[@maritoh.6710]

She is the cutest!

[@PossumWrangler]

Soooo as an adult w/sensory issues that also does “the squeezy thing” and has to complete it/can’t be snapped out of it.....for me, specifically, I am not aware when I start the squeeze(like I’m completely unaware & it is something my body does versus something I do, if that makes sense) I don’t realize I’ve been squeezing until the end when I “snap out of it”.....sometimes it happens 4 or 5 times a day and sometimes 50, with no specific triggers one way or the other. I also chose to get a full neuro check when I realized what was happening and thankfully it’s just a me quirk versus a health issue....I know that everyone is different & experiences things differently but I wanted to share what it feels like as someone that can verbally express it!

[@Natalie.D]

Music therapy will be so exciting for her!

[@catloverKD]

I was a preemie, a lot of this is familiar to me. I have NLD (similar to autism, but not the same), optic nerve atrophy, strabismus, mild astigmatism, which sometimes it's there, sometimes it's not, and glaucoma diagnosed at 20. My best corrected vision is 20/40-20/60. No double vision, but the rest is accurate. I had the same surgery when I was 17. Some of it could definitely be autism, and therapy can help. Once I got the NLD diagnosis, it's hard to tell what's vision and what's neurology. I've been in glasses since I was 18 months old and I do the tensing thing. It's likely sensory-seeking, but best to get it checked out to be sure. As I got older, I did it when I was anxious. Kind of like making my outsides feel how my insides felt, maybe to balance them out and get some of the anxiety out of me.

[@alookinsideablindlife5143]

She is such a SWEET little girl !

[@melodiephoenix]

I agree having more than on autistic child is a special challenge, we struggled to get my son diagnosed because the doctor decided it was all imitating his sister. He has since been diagnosed by another doctor. My other son Chandler seemed a lot more severe at 2 he is still delayed but he is developing well. All of my kids were 3 when they really started communicating this was with intensive speech therapy. My older two are now chatterboxes my daughter has a good command of pragmatics but my sons are still struggling. It was not easy. I agree I hate the question when they are going to talk. Your children are lucky to have suck an involved mom.

[@Wasjigcrmso35]

Teeth grinding I know about that my daughter now 19 does have jaw pain from time to time due to her grinding from roughly 1yrs old.

[@minhchaunguyen2853]

I see Nelly, I click 😄

[@MissLady-pq4hc]

Thank you for sharing miss Nellie she is so adorable. Very glad to hear you are healthy. By all means when you can have those lungs checked. Take care.🙂🙂🙂🙂🌟💙💙

[@rosieellis4748]

I shake after I stim but am in control of it but is part of my ocd instead of my autism stims as I have to finish it and u count in my head to 20, 4x snd the 1-4 4x and 4444 and have to finish but makes me tired as I get very repetitive with it. My sertraline is the reason I know it is my ocd not autism as on days I forgot to take my sertraline I do the tensing of the whole body after stims and when taking it it became a lot less regular but still daily even on meds x I am 19 and because I am medium to high functionin autism, bipolar, Eds, and many other diagnosis but taken a long fight to get diagnosis too so thankfully I am able to voice my brain to an extent.

[@graysonnoelle929]

It’s actually quite common for someone who is legally blind visually impaired or blind to also be on the Autism Spectrum. I’m legally blind and on the Autism Spectrum. Recently diagnosed with ASD almost two months ago now.

[@carriebowlen3785]

I love being am member of your LANDing Crew!

[@christinetroop2737]

She’s sooo sweet!!!🥰

[@josim4250]

My 8 years old autistic son just start to stemp... When i give him stuff he have to finish his stemming... It s nice that i ear you talk about steamming before he start... I feel that help me with it....

[@seriousblond007]

I absolutely LOVE Penelope's little happy hand flaps! :) Happy flaps are the best flaps!

[@Yellowlabratory]

I bet Nelly will present some awesome savant skill that will blow everyone’s socks off

[@ivyedan7183]

Oh my God no way! I can't believe that's Nellie..She such a big girl

[@fayegaritta4090]

Penelope is a cutie, you are doing a great job, mom! My son just turned 3, he stims. His BCBA told me whenever he stims, I should try to block or redirect because the more I am letting him the more he would think it is acceptable and the more he will do it. So I have been telling him stop starring at his hands if he takes his hands out looking at them. Every now and then he would say to himself “put your hands away” and give me an awkward smile. Now he knows not to do it.

[@OurLANDingCrew8]

😳 no thank you

[@lilblacklamb222]

I really enjoy your videos and seeing all your super cute kiddos! I must say I'm pretty jealous that there is so much help where you live! I have to fight for every tiny bit of help with my kiddo and help at home isn't even a option here(unless its a nurse for medical stuff). My kiddo is 4 and functioning around 2 and half for the most part. She doesn't really talk ether but she's signing! I hear "no little monkeys" 101 times a day 😅🥰

[@lilblacklamb222]

Also music therapy sounds awesome! I'm hoping to get my daughter in to riding therapy soon. Sadly she can't ride unless she's 6 months seizure free but we can go brush them and interact. She loves animals so I think it would be a good way to connect and relax❤

[@Kiddly3000]

I have a tic that looks a lot like that it happens after a stim but I also have transient tic disorder on top of my autism and a few other things but it good to get it checked out because my tic makes my heart rate go up with it so it good to get checked out

[@OurLANDingCrew8]

Yeah, it kind of looks like a tic or something, it is like after a stim so it's not a stim.

[@Kiddly3000]

@@OurLANDingCrew8 I had tic that have come and gone but one that has stuck with me all my life and it is that one

[@evannefield2028]

I've been doing that same clenching stim since I was young, It went from being obvious, (I would do it in public) to now me being able to hide it by putting pressure on my hands, it comes out when I look at a countdown clock or when I'm waiting for time to pass. But I've never really outgrown it, (I'm 25) but I always thought that I was the only one who did that, but looking at the comments, it makes me feel good knowing that I'm not the only one who does it.

[@extraordinarymama5272]

My son does the stiff thing. The doctor says its a different stim. My son just got diagnosed with ASD. He also has down syndrome. Low vision and hearing loss.

[@sam04172007]

When my son was little he did that shake thing... but his body would turn red different parks at a time and it would be like shaking starts head red then trunk red then arms then legs then feet and then shaking stopped

[@melissathomas611]

My (almost) 4 year old son is neuotypical and he does a thing where he tightens up and rubs his hands up and down his nose fast at the same time. He does it about a million times a day. His is 100% his way of dealing with happiness/ excitement and that nervous energy feeling. My sister did something similar until she was a much older kid. Could hers be something like that?

[@OurLANDingCrew8]

That sounds like a stim which she does too. This is where she tightens up her entire body and is shaking.

[@BrookeKatherine.]

Have you had him tested? :)

[@melissathomas611]

@@BrookeKatherine. nope. He's extremely nuerotypical lol. Just has alot of excitement in that body that needs to get out.

[@NeuroSeasoned]

Interesting about the hand/body clenching after stimming or excitement. My almost-3yo was doing that since around 2, they'd last around 3-5 seconds, and once he scared his daycare teachers with one that was almost 45 seconds long. He's on an 8 month wait list for a neuro evaluation bc he's not an emergency case

[@michelleevans2814]

My son does the freeze shake thing when hes excited or mad as well hes 3

[@hopper98528]

I think imaginative usually comes at 2 1/2 that what I noticed with my niece she had a speech delay

[@christinebett4677]

My son also does the tense body stimulation

[@joybowling51178]

First I gotta say TYSM! I LOVE YOUR FAMILY/ CHANNEL NO MATTER WHAT! 🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻😍😍 I also wanna add that my daughter (boutta be 19 in may) was diagnosed @ 4 with "Asperger's High Functioning Autism" (yes I am aware THINGS HAVE CHANGED! LOL) but, when she was younger she did what we called "the huggies" almost exactly like Penelope! Man I soo wish back in 2006 I had more knowledge about Autism than I do now! Man teenagers 🤦‍♀️Teenagers 😅😅😅😅(help me) hahaha

[@annfraser6655]

Do you use objects of reference? They were good for my autistic son

[@sarahb6629]

There was a video after Lex's birrthday where Nellie seemed to answer "yes" to you after you asked her a question.. Was it a one time thing or does she sometimes respond?

[@OurLANDingCrew8]

It’s a coincidence. She never functionally responds unless we are singing to her then she will try to sing what we are singing

[@mayonnaise7983]

Penelopes stim tense up thing could be a tic, i get tics that are kinda like all my muscles tensr up and tremor and often sensory stimuli and stimming triggers tics too

[@dancedivaforchrist]

Can you link the milestones you used in this video?

[@Claires2003]

It’s the same with cerebral palsy. We can’t tell which is vision or cerebral palsy

[@tiffanybanks1358]

Is vision a problem with CP? I’m 37 and have CP and my vision is still 20/20. I guess it depends on what part of the brain is damaged.

[@Claires2003]

@@tiffanybanks1358 yes it is it’s very common

[@Claires2003]

It depends

[@amandaroselalagos5429]

Your hair looks more brown here!!!! 🥰

[@amandabeach9995]

My 17 year old girl does the EXACT same body tensing.... Hers increases especially when she has to focus (like brushing her teeth).

[@emmaanderson1326]

When will videos be back on landing lifestyle?

[@OurLANDingCrew8]

Sunday will be an upload then after that it was be Saturday and Sunday.

[@abbyizaguirre6192]

I love this video of Neli's update. But I do have a question. If Neli were to get PECS cards to help her communicate, would she need the print enlarged? Also, will Neli receive support from a TVI (teacher of students with visual impairments) when she starts school? I know it might be hard to answer these questions now, but I was just curious. As always, I enjoy your videos and I love that you're trying to spread acceptance and awareness!

[@Autismlife941]

Love you channel. 😍

[@andreanairvin7724]

Is she holding her breath when she does the tensing thing?

[@OurLANDingCrew8]

Yes

[@andreanairvin7724]

@@OurLANDingCrew8 I wonder if they are Breath holding spells related to stimuli and tensing is just a part of that. If you have noticed and regression of skill with Nellie or issues with hand use, and you guys have amazing doctors so I'm sure they have already ruled it out with Nellie, but if not talk to them about Rett Syndrome. Breath holding can be related with that syndrome which is an autism related syndrome. I love your family and I appreciate how real you are. Thank you for talking about your journey recently it has inspired to to start seeking out answers in my own journey with struggles I have faced with my mental health and other related issues.

[@louiseleonard1992]

What is Penelope’s favourite song or nursery rhyme

[@katelynsteen1563]

My daughter sang before she spoke. She only sang from 2-4. Also how is SHE 2!

[@KrissyRoseAnimallover]

I’ve a,so been wearing wearing glasss since 2 I’m 20 now I’m blind without them I have autism and other needs can’t drive can’t have kids and can’t get a proper JoB i cousins walk until 3 couldn’t talk till 5 but she is so cute I also grind my teeth it’s a stim

[@mamabear3442]

My child runs into things as well shes 19 months old but her eyes don't drift should I get her vision checked

[@hayleymarse2853]

Yes! There are lots of vision issues a child can have besides just having drifting eyes. It isn’t going to hurt anything to have it checked and many eye problems can be fixed in young children because their brains are developing so much! Edit: you can always bring up your concerns to your pediatrician. They will be able to do a basic eye test and refer to an eye doctor if she needs it! ❤️

[@dodiblumstein7559]

Do they have vision therapy where you live

[@vikivictoria7343]

She is so cute

[@dominiquepilon5764]

Hey Landing crew you may remember me as Pinkybunny 2222 or Dominique I have a visual impairment called congenital severe myopia I was slow to do thing like walking and talking and fine motor skill doesn’t mean Nelly had a ID she may be having delay due to her visual impairment like I did as child . A delay doesn’t mean having a ID

[@OurLANDingCrew8]

I don't think being delayed is ID. ID is an intellectual impairment, not a developmental delay.

[@scartwright9350]

Can I ask what makes you think liam as ID?

[@gracielomax3166]

Hi.

[@augustusgreen7881]

hi

[@progressongs4346]

Penelope is such a happy, beautiful girl! You're doing an amazing job raising your blended family, and we want to celebrate that. Check out our diverse, inclusive children's songs that represent families just like yours. #progressongs

[@stillersgirl]

She’s TWO?!??! When the heck did that happen???

[@stephiiiless]

She's so stinkin cute! They grow so fast 😭

[@Intothelight94]

The clenching shaking might be shuddering attacks. If so they are benign. My son had them and he grew out of them by 4 or 5. A neurologist diagnosed his. I took videos and he had an eeg. I think overstimulation triggers them for some kids. Btw my son has an adhd diagnosis and I think he has some indications that he might be on the spectrum somewhere, but at his age he does not wish to be diagnosed.

[@kathyerb3134]

Does she toe walk?

[@OurLANDingCrew8]

No, she doesn't have the muscle strength for that. She still can't walk in shoes appropriately. Liam just recently started toe walking :)

[@alawdifamily3419]

It would have been better if only you add videos while talking

[@MusiicRoolz]

americans calling the opticians the "eye doctor" always surprises me

[@amtrakhiawathafan3609]

Here comes terrible twos

[@OurLANDingCrew8]

I guess that’s one good thing about her being developmentally behind, we won’t get terrible twos for a long time. And in my experience, 3s are way worse 😜

[@datpsychobytch]

Please keep us posted on what numerology says about Penelope! My son does the same thing after stiming and holds his breath while doing it! They said it could be a “winding down” that some autistic kids do.

[@OurLANDingCrew8]

That’s interesting!