A Kid with Treacher Collins and his Autistic Sister

William is diagnosed with Treacher Collins syndrome and his sister, Mari, is autistic. They were both adopted at a young age and are now siblings and best friends. Mari translates for her brother when others struggle to understand him. William returns the favor by providing his sister with a sense of calmness and stability. The two plan to support each other throughout life.
Connect with this family at / momlife0203
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[@jaybee9552]

Mary's explanation of how and why she'll help William to express himself is so thoughtful and articulate.

[@WestinNReptar]

Seriously she's brilliant

[@InTheWoodsFPV]

It made me cry.

[@M_SC]

❤

[@ReligionOfSacrifice]

@@InTheWoodsFPV, dude, I'm in tears. I've lost my autistic friend as of late and it is so cool to see this person with autism help out their brother. I've helped lots of autistic people, but never seen one help another so well. I've known my buddy from 4 years old to 23 years old, so seeing this really helped me. I've helped lots of autistic people, but only one has been a buddy. Lost him two months ago.

[@AverageCowboysFan89]

@@ReligionOfSacrifice I'm sorry for your lose I hope everything gets better

[@nathanchung27]

"He just sometimes needs help, but he is not helpless." What a smart and articulate girl.

[@prophetseeney3076]

Mari is so smart period❤❤

[@KaiyotiHowl]

She really is.. and her brother is such a sweet heart like she is. When he reached out to hug her in the beginning… 😭❤ I couldn’t help but cry at how beautiful that was…

[@margocollins9426]

She can express herself really well, that's very impressive.

[@Dayday3777m]

Right !

[@melithegamer]

Just like many autistic people can, yes

[@callme_A_K]

@@melithegamer it's just that her autism is pretty, heavy, so to speak.

[@betha.6279]

She's amazing!

[@sherryd.3425]

So intelligent and loving.

[@waxiemoon8]

I cannot believe Mary is only 11 years old, she is more articulate than most adults. Her self awareness and emotional intelligence is so impressive. Loved her interview!

[@evaniceface]

SHE’S ELEVEN? She’s incredible

[@Evan-cv2ws]

What? She almost seems less so, am I missing something?

[@Blackbrabx]

Yes!!💗💗

[@akinolaopeyemiodunayo9871]

​@@Evan-cv2wsyou missing everything! she's very intelligent! she's way more mature than her age

[@abhirupkundu2778]

shut

[@TheHamishX]

It hurts my little soul when she said that people find her annoying or not smart... I am also autistic and I think this is a very common experience. You're not annoying. You are smart. And I think you would make a great scientist, a lot of autistic people are.

[@neckbackcripplinganxietyattack]

Autistic as well here, I agree (also thank you for saying “autistic people” as opposed to “people with autism”, so many people in the comment section are obsessed with saying special needs or such instead of simply saying the word autism. Autism isnt bad, it’s who we are!)

[@mel4340]

@@neckbackcripplinganxietyattack I’m autistic too and I 100% agree! People say like “oh no, you aren’t autistic, you are special 😊” and i’m like “no, i’m autistic” 😒

[@sarahalbers5555]

Those people are just ignorant a**holes. Stand proud!

[@Metalbabilicious]

Yes, she's obviously super intelligent!💗

[@Metalbabilicious]

@@mel4340 Jumping in here too!😊 I have Bipolar Disorder and my fiancèe is autistic, and is he brilliant. He thinks of things on a level I never even thought of. We're both high IQers, but wow. I tend to always be amazed with autistic people; yes, of course we're all different and no not everyone with autism is brilliant, but so many are. The way you guys think is incredible! Much love to all!🥰

[@Sarah.Riedel]

"What is it like having autism?" "That's a complicated question, but I can answer it." I love this girl immediately 💕

[@sarahalbers5555]

She is absolutely amazing!

[@micosstar]

i agree!

[@KaiyotiHowl]

She’s incredible … ♥️

[@--Animal--]

Mari speaks at an adult level of clarity, I have no doubt she will be a great person as she grows up.

[@gracemurrayart]

These two are just amazing. It was horrible to see the shame on Mary's face when she said people think she's unintelligent. You can see she has incredible emotional (and overall) intelligence, and I think her older self will definitely be proud of her!

[@behemothsbaby]

Mary seems to be very intelligent overall. So many great minds with autism- Mary strikes me as one!

[@UFOxBAE]

Right I thought she sounded so intelligent and articulate

[@betha.6279]

Most of my clients with Autism are off the hook smart! She is well spoken, thoughtful and highly intelligent. I hope she finds a career she enjoys and has the support she deserves. ( Maybe she will end up helping other children, like she helps her brother. )

[@icy8403]

@@betha.6279your comment just warmed my heart, as a fellow autistic girl :) thank you so much!

[@Ullisen]

I completely agree. She is a really intelligent person, but I guess kids are.. kids. They probably don't get when she has any difficulties due to her autism, find her weird, and call her stupid. People can't handle "different", so they go with "stupid", because it makes them feel better about themselves, instead of admitting that they're the ones who can't understand her.

[@jijibunny198]

I have never seen a cooler, smarter, more confident kid in my life! This little girl is SPECTACULAR. The relationship between these two children is so incredibly special, they got so incredibly lucky to end up in the same family, they're so important to eachother. The future for these two is going to be amazing and wonderful.

[@mtnewt1]

It cracks me up when Mari would translate for William but add her own spin to it 😂. I know they'll go far in life 💕

[@solomoon3083]

I was thinking the same thing. I actually love it so much. She is adding subtext.

[@VOMITQUEEN]

I know right?? It’s so wholesome!!

[@batacumba]

She needed us to know there were pink birds. 😂 so adorable.

[@necromanticorn]

“We like doing things together… It makes everything better.” Wow, William and Mary clearly have a strong and unique relationship and I imagine that will serve them well their whole lives!

[@WhisperingStoryHaven]

Mary is sooo smart ❤ so well spoken, you forget that she's only 11 for a second. Mom is doing an amazing job with both kids. 👏❤🙏

[@jaylee2170]

Yes they are. God Bless them. ❤

[@lisad1655]

I was thinking the same thing. She is a good speaker. I like how she said "Furthermore". She is very smart. I see her doing well in whatever her job is in the future. Her and William are so cute together.

[@skrildrop]

yyyyeeeaaaahhhh

[@garydomaz1849]

“He needs help, not because he’s helpless”….I don’t think anyone could have explained that better. I wish I had a sister like Mary. ❤

[@randomness051]

William is soooo cute! And Mary's explanation of anxiety is probably the most accurate explanation I've ever heard

[@shellyannlewis2595]

He is,I keep looking at his cute face, lovely kids and Mom.

[@jamesgomez9151]

There is infinite wisdom to be learned from these siblings.

[@ceatonbusch]

It makes my heart happy that it was so important for this woman to adopt special needs children. I wish more people felt so passionately about it. I have two special needs kids, my daughter who is ten and my bfs son who is 7, and it's impossible some days, but so incredibly loving and rewarding 90% of the time. I get scared, I am a nurse, I am a maid, and things can be overwhelming, but knowing that my kids are growing up happy and healthy is what keeps me here. My kids are the only joy in this cruel world sometimes.

[@moriganna67ify]

This is beautifully stated! 😍

[@kira4644]

how beautiful!!

[@skiddledede8885]

Bless you dear, loving, mama!

[@CoolestRedHead]

MY GOD! Baby girl is so well spoken!

[@thinkuthink]

That expert level explanation about anxiety though! 😮❤ As a fellow black Autistic woman, I’d like to CONFIRM that your adult self will be so proud of your self confidence, Awareness, kindness and mindfulness. Your wisdom and intelligence will take you far! So grateful to Chris for creating and maintaining a platform that lets us witness your greatness 🎉 Bliss you beautiful, and your spunky, adventurous brother too 🌻

[@km7668]

Wow. The sister is so conscientious, thoughtful, smart & incredibly self-aware! What a cool person she is! I'm so happy they have each other. And, holy mackerel...the little boy & the mom's resemblance is uncanny. My cousin's adopted daughter looks just like her. Amazing how that can happen. "It's very scientific." I love her!!!!

[@Areyousayingidontknowmyname]

Being an adoptee in Australia one of the things they used to do was match the looks of a child to the parents. So funnily enough if you look too much like your family members you just might be adopted :)

[@jeneinstein]

Holy moly, I'm obsessed with them. They are SOOOOOO adorable. Mari is very well spoken and I love that she doesn't hold back in what she says... an aspect of those with autism that I wish we all had.

[@JesgateOnDown]

Lol. Speaking from experience it's both a gift & a curse.

[@myishenhaines1706]

@@JesgateOnDownTotally. People usually hate how direct I am.

[@genesises]

@@myishenhaines1706 relatable, but the times it works out it is imo incredibly refreshing!

[@spiderpickle3255]

@@genesises there may be a reason for that 😉

[@myishenhaines1706]

@@genesises Yeah. I have had people tell me they feel that they can trust me because how honest I am. 🙂

[@michelleneal6860]

What a mature, insightful, intelligent young lady! They are lucky to have each other, mom did a GREAT job!

[@ehimareadedoyin3683]

I'm 27 and I'm learning so much from this girl. I'm so proud of her. Her tone, her confidence. Wow

[@skrildrop]

same

[@karywalker9617]

I love how articulate and straight forward and honest that little girl is and I love thr siblings relationship:)

[@lindasnyder6879]

Mary is veryyyyyyyyyyyyy articulate and uses more adult choices of words. She copes so well during the interview. Mary will be whatever chooses to be in life as a grownup. Her past taught her great empathy for others. William is speaking amazingly for only having hearing for two years . Sweet kids and mom is working great things in them .

[@livianeves13327]

Mary is so SMART! She communicates so well and I really believe she's gonna be scientist in the future She might even create that iron man suit for her brother 😁

[@brisumoonah]

"That was a long complicated speech" I love Mari she's an old soul..Perfect in her way

[@kimmixerxs]

That girl is lovely, thanks for explaining what social anxiety feels like 🙂👍🏾

[@MissBdmay]

Mary is incredibly intelligent. These two babies were meant to be together ❤️❤️❤️

[@68BUTRFLYdanzr]

This is one of my favorite interviews ever! I love hearing their thoughts and seeing their beautiful relationship as brother and sister! What a blessing! Mary has given such a wonderful example of the care and empathy so many autistic individuals possess but, unfortunately, are presumed to not have. I love William’s zest for life! How awesome it is that their parents brought their family together! Great job, Chris, in making them feel heard and at ease so the interview could show us so much!❤

[@JTinAZ79]

As the mother of an individual with special needs, I'd just like to express my gratitude for those willing and able to open their hearts and homes to children with unique needs and challenges. William and Mary are so very impressive, and I thank you for providing them the opportunity to thrive! 💓💞

[@fetusbabe]

how could anyone think this sweet girl is unintelligent??? shes immensely wise beyond her years, shes going places for sure

[@nightyew2160]

They may be judging her based on how she does in an area where she struggles. A lot of people on the spectrum can hide their weaknesses with their abundant intelligence in other areas. For example, my nephew on the spectrum struggles with reading but had his favorite childhood books all memorized to make up for it. That just proves how smart they are, though!

[@nancykahn4125]

One day maybe they’ll write a book together…they both are so articulate and sweet…perfect match!

[@rose_ugh]

Mary is aware of parts of her brain working the way they do that I, as a fellow ND woman couldn't piece together until I was an adult. She's gonna do great things in this world. Also, great timing with this post as I was playing the new Pokemon Violet while I watched :)

[@lisawhereisthecultjam]

I don’t understand why she thinks she’s so abnormal. She seems like a beautiful, intelligent, creative human.

[@nightyew2160]

Yes, she is very intelligent. Highly intelligent people with autism can sometimes use their intelligence to seem normal to others. I think this is what she meant when she said she has two different brains. The autistic brain does work differently, but girls especially can do what is often called masking where they can seem very normal. Like translating everything you say into a foreign language, it can get very tiring, though, even when you're smart enough to make it seem effortless.

[@tararogic7299]

Mary is incredible and so is William. I loved this interview so much. Mary is so intelligent and mature. I'm incredibly impressed with her. She is going to do amazing things. I really hope she can build William that suit!

[@GiantPetRat]

As somebody who has attempted to interpret from English to Spanish and vice-versa, I was really impressed with Mary's short-term memory. Since William uses some ASL, she might well consider becoming an ASL interpreter one day.

[@kayh301]

This interview is by far one of my favorite ! What sweet children

[@Texas_Made_]

She speaks so well and mannered! He loves his big sister!

[@erinburch4685]

Wow!!! What an intelligent and eloquent girl!! They were meant to be siblings!!! This gives me hope for the future!! ♡♡♡

[@TheKyoung213]

It’s like they were always meant to be raised together and support eachother ❤️

[@missingandunsolved]

I love that Mari said she and William may live together when they're adults, so she can take care of him and he can keep her company. I love them and their relationship. They're both great kids. Thanks for sharing their story, Chris.

[@Puppylove10012-g]

These are two of the sweetest kids I've seen, so incredibly adorable. When she said she wanted to be a scientist and why my heart melted ! I loved when William hugged his sister and mom, such happy children. That jumping up and saying he wants to be Iron Man it was so dang cute. I have no doubt whatsoever if a Iron Man suit can be made...Mary will be the one to do it. This is one of my favorite segments on this channel, all of you are in my prayers, God bless all of you !

[@Just_Jadaa]

She seems like the sweetest girl ever and helps her brother sm. When she explained about helping him get his word across, it was so mature and so kind hearted

[@SusanRogersMakingItWork4Me]

The part where Mary said people don't think she's smart, really hurts her. She is very smart and it shows! Both children are loveable💞💞💞💞

[@cholehart5811]

I haven't made it through the whole interview and I need more of these two. They are great together as they are individually for their unique differences and special abilities.

[@TaylorJohnson-ur8ek]

Mary's ability to translate is incredibly refined!

[@yesterdaydream]

Having a sibling to translate is so cool! And I bet it's cool being able to translate, as well!

[@evaniceface]

7:34 she’s extremely smart. She articulates everything perfectly. She understands how her condition makes her neurodivergent, while her physicality is that of a regular person. And how as opposite to her, she explains how her brother’s physicality is not of a regular person, yet the way his brain works is that of a neurotypical person. I myself am considered neurodivergent, and I’m (for lack of better words) very slow to understand people. And she explained everything perfectly to where even I could understand exactly what she means. Mari and William are a perfect duo.

[@nes420]

I love Mari's energy. she exudes something thats hard to find in many people once they grow up, which is being understanding and down to earth (not just because of circumstances, though). Not only is she adorable, so well spoken, and energetic as a kid but I can see a very good future for both of them. Their lives seem full of love 🥰

[@booberry1623]

I'm an AFAB autistic and my special interest is Pokémon too, has been for 25 years (since I was 5). It's very comforting to see this girl who was so much like me as a kid doing well and having her family and brother. They're all so sweet

[@Esflyaway]

Mari is a profound young lady, wishing her all the best

[@pennylane6185]

When my brother was learning to talk as a baby, I was the only one who could understand his baby sounds and translate them to the adults around us. Biological or not, these two have a true sibling bond!!!!!🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@monikat164]

I am simply amazed by Mari's depth of self observation and her ability to explain what goes on in her mind and how it's affected by her emotions and environment such as other people. Also love her occasional witty twists on her translations for William!

[@other7128]

I'm only 30 seconds in and I'm smiling ear to ear. "what's it like to be brother and sister?" *hugs her* Aww!

[@riverrhodes7394]

Beautiful kids. The little girl is so expressive and well spoken beyond her years. Autistic children often have a high IQ so wouldn't be surprised if she did.

[@codirennke1109]

Mary has really touched my heart. I am a 32 year old woman who is almost certain I am autistic. What Mary said about some people having a hard time living in this world made me cry. Thank you for being you Mary. You are a beautiful, articulate, kind, smart young lady and I am so glad that you and William have each other. 💜

[@ticimeliani]

Wow Mary! You are one of the most intelligent kids out there! It is amazing to hear you talk. William you are so kind and smart, I bet is life changing to be around you two. I’m so glad I came across your interview! God is perfect, He knew you two would be perfect together and He brought you to one another ❤️

[@skoootles9129]

Mari, you are SO incredibly intelligent and it was an absolute honor to hear you speak about yourself and your brother. You both are amazing, wonderful people and I truly feel honored to have been introduced to you both

[@slantos2668]

ah these two are such a dynamic duo, nothing they can't do together. Love them both.

[@MrCockatiel2007]

I can understand William very well! But his sister Mary is also helpful if someone needs to understand what William says!

[@renroxhrd]

Mari is very articulate and well spoken for a kid on the spectrum, she's definitely higher functioning. Her relationship with her brother is genuine

[@fynntasticmovienight]

my fav episide in a while. Mari touched my heart so deeply. I relate to her on so many things.. It was amazing to hear her describe all those things

[@chelseataylor5244]

The way she described her brother’s personality, what he is like to be around, that he is kind, calming, will show excitement to be around you, show interest in the things you like. I would imagine that’s how most people wish others saw them. Such love, very cool to see.

[@kristintaylor4908]

I am so impressed by Mary. She is WAY beyond her years in insight, communication, and compassion. What an amazing little girl.

[@shelbyrehahn6778]

I love Mari, She is so smart and speaks so well about things and has an amazing perspective about herself, her brother, and the world we live in.

[@toddburgess5056]

I love how in touch and accommodating his sister is. You can tell she really looks out for him and wants the best for him. What a lucky boy in that respect.

[@Chiggianya]

These two siblings have the most loving beautiful bond 🫶🫶🫶

[@NoitisOpposition]

He wants to be Ironman and she wants to be his scientist. "It's very scientific" they are wonderful ❤️ 😊

[@coolbonerdad]

these two have such a clear and loving sibling relationship. it's a pure and precious bond, and its honestly so refreshing to witness

[@balaam_7087]

You guys are too cool. It’s so great that you have each other, and it sounds like you’ve got a great family-something to definitely be proud of.

[@barbaracohen9944]

What a beautiful family. Mary is so wise and well spoken.

[@staynalive660]

This young lady is more thoughtful and articulate than a lot of adults. She’s amazing!

[@ThatShyGuyMatt]

If you read this Mari, you are a wonderful big sister! :)

[@beyedoc]

I see a lot of my younger self in Mary. My friend's mom described me as "Very quiet until you get to know her. Then she never shuts up." And Mary, if you see this, I'm 35 and I have a doctorate and do medical research. Keep going with your passions and your wonderful mind. 👩‍🔬💜

[@dowaqueen]

I love their relationship. It seems like a soul bond. This absolutely made my day to see the love and understanding these siblings have for each other. What amazing individuals.

[@fumblebunny1993]

Mari is so bright and articulate! I can see the cogs turning behing William's eyes! These are absolutely wonderful children! They are in the right home for them and I can tell, they love having each other. Such an uplifting family :)

[@breakingdown2110]

There is a beautiful synergy between these two. I am happy life brought them together. All due to their mom's loving heart ❤️

[@darkacadpresenceinblood]

woah, Mary is eleven and has already reached levels of emotional intelligence i'm only starting to see in myself as an 18 year old. and William is definitely one of those kiddos that make me smile even through a screen! what a sweet family

[@nat_halie4511]

Hey Mari, I also have Anxiety and I never heard someone describe it that well. I was a little surprised that someone much younger than me (I‘m 22) describes it much better than I can. But that’s just once again a sign that we should never underestimate children. You are so articulate and precise with your words. It’s incredible. I‘m so proud of you! Hey William, When I look at you I see happiness, joy and a big heart full of love. The world needs more people like you. Keep on spreading happiness and love. Making others feel good just by being there, is such an amazing ability. Never focus on what you can’t do. Focus on what you can: fulfill people’s hearts with love and happiness. I‘m so proud of you too!

[@carrieanncancino5118]

Mary put a smile on my face this whole interview she is so brilliant and such a beautiful girl. Her brother and parents are blessed to have her in they're lives. I hope this little girl feels loved and appreciated for just being her. And she will surely go far in life. She is very intelligent and I wish I could give her a huge hug and tell her how great she is. Thank you for this interview Kris. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Dayday3777m]

This family is BEAUTIFUL 😢they all work wonderfully as a team ! The love between a little brother an big sister is so beautiful ❤I smiled the whole video

[@tinycomedian]

I love these two. “He’s there he is THAT” I could watch these siblings all day. NICKELODEON OR DISNEY get these kids their own show about anything they want.

[@PrettyUnique90]

These kids are like butter and string beans. They go to together. Cute family😊

[@karenmurphy5050]

Mary is so intelligent and receptive, clearly very caring. Her description of why and how she translates for her brother was so thoughtful and sweet. That string of thought she had was super relatable, I feel like I would also be self conscious about trying to translate for someone and what others might think of what or how I'm doing it.

[@karenmurphy5050]

I also really like how she embellishes a little bit sometimes when translating 😅

[@RnRnR]

She's very mature for her age what a sweet little girl 🥺 Amazing that she can translate for him

[@horusreed6058]

She is so incredibly well articulated and smart, more so than a lot of "normal" kids her age. I love their sibling bond.

[@Tillybird]

“Im told I’m not as smart”… girl you are smarter than most kids your age! ❤ beautiful person and brilliant mind!

[@brookelynn7276]

when mary called him cute i sobbed its just too wholesome

[@TheCarlScharnberg]

They're so cute together. Glad they have each other.

[@kristaj428]

She understands him so well and she is so articulate. There is nothing wrong with being uniquely you.

[@frogganna]

Mary, my first impression of you was how smart you are. That was before you said that other people say you aren't smart. Never listen to them! This family makes me smile!

[@alzg3984]

Omg these two have such an amazing bond. It's soo refreshing. I cannot wait to see the levitation suit you make your brother. Also there Mother comes across as such a beautiful human being 💕

[@solomoon3083]

Her wisdom. Is everything. Her intelligence is profound. Loving pika. Loving William. And the whole family.

[@palmtrees2420]

Whoever told Mary that she isn't smart needs a good slap in the face, she is highly emotionally and mentally intelligent for her age. She is an amazing person and sister.

[@38JamieLee38]

Wow….. So many levels of Awe with this family….. God is good

[@windsongshf]

They make a great team! So sweet how much they love each other!

[@TheOneTwitchingDeadGirl]

I love that Mary is a pokefan. I wonder if she got scarlet or violet? What a couple sweet kids, & Will is doing a great job communicating I think more folks just need to take more time to listen but it's nice to have a big sister to look out for ya when others aren'tas patient.

[@suzybrewer1107]

Violet is what she said when I asked her

[@estheralpuin6693]

Mary es tan especial, inteligente, comprensiva, ¡Muchas cosas! De solo verlos se nota la ternura y el gran amor que hay en ellos mutuamente. William tiene una personalidad única y aunque no hablo muy bien el inglés, pude entender algunas cosas, me imagino que es cuestión de tiempo adaptarse a su forma de hablar. Dios bendiga a esta hermosa familia y a Chris también, una labor impresionante la que hace.

[@farapipsqueek636]

The hug when Mari asks him what it is like being brother and sister. They are amazing together

[@sarahschrak8364]

Mary description of anxiety made me cry because yes exactly. She is so wise and I hope my little girl has anywhere near the heart she has ❤️

[@AprilsPlace]

Mary's articulation of her thoughts and way of speaking is so mature and thoughtful. I'm almost 30yrs old and I can't make sentences like that. 😂