This Isn't Autism

[@alyssalolos8524]

I binge watched like 50 old videos today. I can’t believe I’ve been watching for as long as I have. Abby has grown up so much it’s truly unbelievable. She has made so much progress. Because of your channel, I advocate for children and adults with autism now. You made me want to learn as much as possible. You and Pricilla are truly the most loving couple I’ve ever seen. If every kid could grow up with parents like you, the world would be a much better place. Love y’all so much!!

[@CrystalCat24]

Same!

[@bam5404]

Same

[@ataridc]

Its interesting to see how she processes activities and the approach he takes to teach her

[@rhondamoore9842]

I was a Special Education teacher for 14 years, and worked with many students with Autism. A couple of things you might try with Abby is to model what you want her to do several times before she tries it, and do hand over hand on new tasks (put your hands directly over hers and do the task together). This is much more effective than just words alone, although I do love how you talk her through the day and ask her questions to get response. Happy Anniversary to you and your wife!

[@lindahorner6295]

Abbie's parents,brother,respite helpers and therapists do do hand over hand and or show her what they want her to do.

[@blumberg1982]

They do all of that. 🙂 Go back and watch the many years worth of videos, especially the more recent ones to see for yourself.

[@catherinespark]

They've discussed in previous videos that modelling isn't a form of learning she can work with very well because she can't process to replicate in that way, but verbal step by steps are.

[@MARLEN446]

Simultaneously doing different things with each hand is one of the things I try to help my kiddos with as well Slicing fruits (hold & cut) Blowing bubbles (hold container & hold tool) Self feeding from yogurt / jello cups (hold & feed) Drawing with crayons (specifically crayons bc the friction moves the paper around) Hope everyone has a lovely spring weekend! 🌞

[@MommaBear87]

Awesome ideas

[@maco37ful]

Abbie is my daughter’s twin, on EVERYTHING food, car rides, music and definitely just as funny as Abbie can be 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@katiekawaii]

Here's some unsolicited advice! 😉 Re: the two-hand exercise at 6:30: It might help if you told her she was doing it right each time she put one up and one down. Otherwise, I think she might believe you're correcting her when you're telling her to switch and physically moving her hands. It makes it a little unclear when she's doing it right and when she isn't. Teaching a reciprocating action like that can seem like a constant series of corrections unless each action is praised in a similarly reciprocating way. Figuring out how to teach new stuff is super hard. It's impressive how well you guys do at it with only your ABA parent training. 👍

[@bellafriend]

i had a dream the other day that Abbie was talking and directing a youtube video for you guys. i have a gut feeling she will overtime overcome and be the best version of herself!!! LOVE YALL

[@briannarose4066]

Hey! Maybe it would help with the TV was turned off. I can see she is looking at it constantly. Just a thought. I watch your videos everyday. Love u guys ❤️❤️

[@jessicarice5512]

Watched you guys for a long time and can I just say that in my personal opinion I replicate a lot of what you guys do as far as structure and self care to my own kids (who are non autistic) and it is wonderful to see them grow from the type of structure that you have implicated towards sweet Abby ❤ you guys are great!!!

[@Ellaloveslofi]

My daughter has dyslexia and also struggled with cross body stuff. This was about 15 years ago and we found a woman that prescribed exercises that taught her brain to allow for cross body function. I'm probably not saying that clearly but I hope it makes sense! I think what you are doing is great!

[@wanda4573]

Me too and I found karkate really kick start my love for reading and memory. I cannot describe how amazing my memory is now to recall where i left something. All thanks to karkate.

[@janicexoxo9707]

Abbie’s dimples melt my heart.

[@lisamiller4943]

She has come soooooo far! She understands so much more than I realized.

[@DasGoodASMR]

She always understood, that hasn’t changed. Many non-verbal autists are very intelligent but not given the tools they need to communicate (AAC device for example). A lot of people assume they don’t understand much of what’s going on, but with work and the right device and encouragement, can fluidly talk in sentences on their preferred device.

[@TheMoonlightMage]

They all do, people just assume non speaking people don't know anything for some reason

[@mariebarrett8774]

Look how well Abbie uses both hands to open/ close the hot sauce bottle....well done ❤️

[@CWengrovius1420]

Happy Anniversary to you both. Praying you have a fun time together. I’m glad to see Abbie is happy most of the time and enjoys her homeschool too.

[@tallouse2146]

I wish all kids had a dad like you

[@catloverKD]

Random idea that might help. Like you did with the weights in the bathroom, get 2 the same size, but different colors and have her use one at a time by color, then when you try to teach tasks, maybe use stickers to differentiate the objects (like blue is one hand and the red is the other), then worry about right and left later.

[@kaija-liisalaakso8266]

If you put red nail polish on one finger in the left hand and blue nail polish on one finger in the right hand , then you have a red hand and a blue hand.

[@susanmiller7935]

You should turn the tv off so she’s not distracted. I know you know this already. It’s not just Abby its all of us that get easily get distracted when we’re trying to do two things at once.😊

[@Self_love70]

Right on time to see my favorite family KZbinr ❤

[@jtl-en4yx]

I have been having a hard time recently and seeing Abbie genuinely loving on her dad really makes me feel better! She truly is awesome!

[@amanda2979]

Abbie is doing so well with home school and she seems to be really happy a lot of the time 😊 could you try using a small worktop pan and brush when Abbie cleans up the work surfaces? This might help with catching the cheese crumbs and engaging both hands in a task.

[@fondasharkey-wyatt9944]

Interesting to watch you both trying to figure these things out. I work in nursing homes in physical therapy. Abby is working so hard.

[@angelcameron1602]

I've learned so much from Cilla and Asa. I love there calmness and control and hard work and dedication. They love her so much. I love watching this channel more than any other channel.

[@leysterpeters7776]

Thank you great video as always and happy anniversary. My little brother in law does the head rubbing also with me when he’s tired. I’m wondering with trying to get the two hands working with spray bottle and paper towel, if you had something on the counter as a visual aid to wipe up. Just wondering as visual aids are a big help in the exercise. I look forward to the videos as gives me ideas on helping my little bro. Much appreciated.

[@ShelliBelliWF]

Are you familiar with the corpus callosum (in the brain)? It's how the 2 lobes communicate with each other. There are people who have it surgically split to stop or decrease seizures. Afterwards, they have trouble with actions requiring one hand or the other because one side of the brain can't tell the other side which hand is picking up an item. For example, they may intend to pick up a green shirt with their left hand but also pick up a yellow shirt with their right hand and then have a hard time putting the yellow shirt back. There is also a condition called Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC), complete or partial, where the CC is affected during fetal development. In some of Abbie's 2 handed activities, it looks like a similar struggle is happening. Not just in this video, I've seen it a number of times cuz I've been following y'all for a while now! Like the spraying with one hand and wiping with the other. It's not impossible for her to do but it's hard to work out! Not trying to suggest a diagnosis or anything, just throwing the thought out there.

[@kstizz2686]

I am extremely appreciative of this channel. My Zay is on a waiting list and we are almost done but it’s gonna probably be lots of appointments before the actual diagnosis . But his doctor explained it as when a tech sees a clear broken bone in an X-ray but can’t tell you until the doctor does . So we know . I took Zay out for lunch today . 2 people that work there I used to work with for years. They know Zay and are great with him. I heard another table today comment on Zay , but I didn’t hear what they said . I wish I knew what they said . But that’s why I take him out every Friday . I refuse to be embarrassed just because he is different . I also don’t like that this is taking soooo long for help

[@wendybarton4828]

With getting Abby to use both hands, trace her hands on two pieces of colored cloth. Put an L on the left hand and R on the right hand and make flags out of them. That way she can learn her hands, letters, and have fun waving them.

[@builtontherockhomestead9390]

I am dyslexic and had trouble learning right from left. I figured out I eat with my right hand. So I would stop and figure out which hand I hold the fork with and them I knew which is my right hand/side.

[@rondalooney7244]

Y'all have such patients with Abbie. I love watching your videos.

[@leowidows]

abby's little honks at 12:16 have quickly become one of my go-to stims 😅 thanks ab

[@jacqueb1441]

Maybe some heavier lifting or pushing for Abby. It might help her with using two hands. I think rolling a large ball across the floor with both hands would work too. She is so used to doing everything with one hand. ❤

[@carolynmullinax3212]

Great parents! Abby has really progressed since I started watch y’all! 😊

[@kimarsenault9918]

That was so cute whenever Gail took her brother's t-shirt and Dad's pants I started to laugh LOL Beautiful video I love it when she rubbed up against Dad's face it was so cute, happy weekend love from Canada 👍👍🤗🤗❤️❤️🇨🇦

[@MiracleMadness17]

Try balloon taps alternating arms. It is a great exercise and promotes bilateral coordination.

[@brandyardoin1725]

Just an idea but what if you put a piece of cardboard inside of the shirts as she's folding them just so she keeps the idea to keep her hands apart because the cardboard won't let her hands go together?

[@phyllisheintschel1437]

Abbie, folding clothes is my least fun activity, too. Keep hanging in there, girl!

[@ForeverLacquered]

Love the stolen shirt and pj pants! Love the short folding idea. I’m going to try that with my kiddo. Thank you!

[@Stackz401]

It is very common for individuals with ASD to struggle to use both hands to do tasks. I myself struggle with it and lots of kids that I work with also do. Keep practicing and doing actvities that use both hands and both hands at the same time. Also, try getting to reach for items across her body (crossing the mid-line). So putting an item on the left side and having to reach for it with her right hand.

[@seangaston7887]

I'm on the spectrum, and it is a lot easier when I'm taught visually. You should try to have her copy what you're doing, because autistic people are great at mimicking, like parrots. It's not the same as copying, and it helps us figure things out, in a way we understand.

[@seangaston7887]

@@PrincessPoohs oh, thanks for letting me know. I probably got distracted when he said that.

[@bandakae]

I have hydrocephalus as a result of Spina Bifida. I also have agenesis of the corpus collosum. So, I have mirror image. When one hand is coloring, the other one will move. I have a hard time using a curling iron with a mirror, and other weird stuff. My brain just automatically assigns one side or the other for each task.

[@vcandrewsfan12]

I find less words especially when learning a new task improves the outcome of the new task. Personally I find extra words unnecessarily confuse the task. For example, I accidentally bid on a shift at work that I had no training on and one of the tasks was the clean end of the dishwasher. I have done this task before but the person complicated the task with too many words and abbreviations so much that I had to ask for clarification 3 times before they asked 'have you done this before?' I said yes, on the morning shift, so they replied back with 'just how you would do it on the morning shift.'

[@junegroves7295]

One with the couch!! 🤣🤣 My husband has been out of town on my birthday and our anniversary multiple times! I love that Ab will eat anything for the most part!🥰🥰 Have a great Friday everyone!!🧡🧡

[@loralee1484]

I think Abby is so adorable. You all do such a wonderful work with her.

[@nicoleraco636]

I still wonder what sort of magic she uses to open that bag of cheese lol

[@lunamia__09ram]

ABBY I AM WITH U GURL*** I do not live folding laundry at all

[@cazb7806]

Lovely video. Not too proud to ask for help, which makes you such a great dad Asa. Blessings to you all.

[@debiogle3798]

I also have my whole supply of lipsticks in my purse and Abbie opens the cheese bag easier than I do!

[@mariac.aversa2475]

Also folding towels might be easier than a shirt, and you can teach it in steps first just matching the edges.

[@christine-666]

What about buying abbie and yourself a pair of pompoms and putting on 60s music where they throw there arms in the air.

[@MemawSue]

I bet it won't be long before Abbie catches on to the 2 hand thing 😃🥰 Her throwing the paper towels on the counter like ok I'm done 😂 Definitely a teenager wearing others comfy clothes 😂🥰 Awesome video 🤩🥰

[@kimferguson831]

Happy Anniversary!! To the sweetest couple 💜 heres to many more to come.

[@MrMjs34]

Cutting with scissors in one hand and the paper (play dough, pipe cleaner, etc.) in the other working on using both hands doing different tasks. Even if your helping her hold the item

[@auzzieartist]

another great two hand exercise is carrying a tray first with nothing on it then progress to a empty cup then as she gets better add water to the cup till, she can carry it with a full cup after that then progress to a cup and plate etc. progressing till, she can carry more on the tray. maybe a drink and plate with food on it for a snack....

[@laurensparrer1050]

There is a screen lock on apple devices go through settings and turn off just her volume button access and then Tripple click your home button to start it or turn it off.

[@bethanyhilden1463]

You all are such an inspiration, i love watching your videos

[@willkraus4233]

Made progress, alot,been watching from the start.

[@tracyfinch918]

I just got my FatheringAutism Be Kind hoodie from your Spring store the other day. I got the light pink one which is my favorite color. I'll be wearing it this weekend to my niece's play Newsies on Sunday afternoon. 🤩😍💯 I'm autistic, but high functioning and I can be a chatter box sometimes like Chatty Cathy, lol! 😂

[@joy1ess]

all these activities are very very very hard for my kid as well.. just try make it like a game. make it fun.. and less like a chore. Great video!

[@janaleonard4702]

Happy Anniversary !!!! 🎉 I learn so much from your family.

[@jadesdisaster9522]

Hi y'all! I have an idea about when Abbie grabs the shirts. I wonder if it would work better for her to grab the shirt like a sandwich (one hand on top and the other on the bottom)?. She might be less likely to to bundle the shirt up. Love y'all's spirits and content!

[@Adrianna76331]

Sometimes when I use the spray bottle I have to use both hands to spray because I don’t have enough hand strength to use just one hand. I have learned to do stuff like that it used to drive me nuts because I couldn’t do it normally. I have cerebral palsy. It’s has to do with the brain. Maybe that’s why it’s hard for Abby too.

[@theresehastings9030]

Abbie is becoming such a beautiful young woman

[@kandymich4861]

Would doing something where carrying a tray with both hands with something light on it help? It’s amazing to she her trying to figure out why you have her moving her arms up and down. She lights up when she’s learning. Abby you are amazing

[@jennyjermeland3195]

Just a suggestion for Abby if she likes two of the same foods like chili and maybe some french fries you could teach her to dip the fries in the chili and hold the spoon in the other hand.

[@odesseyhaynes7015]

I have to say when I visit my dad I am taking atleast 1 of his t-shirts and bringing it back with me 900 miles away 🤣🤣🤣 In me and Abbies defense you guys clothes are more comfortable! Love you guys 💜💚💜

[@omirasantillanes5150]

Can't wait to see the new vlog and hope you guys have a great Friday night with Abbie and have a great weekend.

[@pattyolson3842]

I understand working on 2 handed OT type tasks. I also see Abbie work with weights at times. She's fairly gentle when wiping the counter and in other things. Does she have hypotonia?? My son did when he was evaluated at age 3. He had OT through 2nd grade and is doing fine now.

[@mz_keishamiller5081]

Happy Anniversary y’all and another great video.

[@lindadash2198]

You are an amazing family. Love watching you. I love Abby🥰💕

[@mondaytuesday1202]

Theres some research that many autistic people have a slightly wider visual field - it may be that even when she's not looking directly at the item she can still see it, it might even be easier to process (might be worth testing if she can still see even when she appears not to be).

[@Nan-59]

I’d love a shirt folder! I must look into that!🎉

[@nuwon8154]

Asa, there Is a volume control app. I put it on my kid's tablets. It works

[@elevatedtolorance]

Don't worry Abby, we ALL dislike folding clothes. Proud of you!

[@KBcollision]

I feel like there are Nintendo switch games that make it fun to raise your right versus your left hand. The joy cons are held individually.

[@britnaynelson2374]

I'm with you Abbie. Folding laundry is my least favorite chore. (Worst time of the month... 😄😉)

[@brookes4148]

Lol very interesting watching her school day. When they got to spraying I was thinking of how I myself do it. I am right handed. I spray with my right hand then set the bottle aside and wipe with the right hand. BUT that being said I understand what he is trying to teach her about using two hands at once.

[@deniseg229]

Happy Anniversary y’all 🥂💕 Love you guys

[@amybates4263]

Either last week or the week before you'd had a meeting with all Abbys therapist, speech therapy as to what's going to happen with Abbies home schooling going forward but you had to change the vlog for a different one and you said that you'd release the home schooling update and I wondered if I'd missed the vlog or you've not released it yet. X

[@charlottezipkey9217]

I think that Telegraph message is a scam!! I got a message like that last week and downloaded the app and never got a response! Be careful friend!!!

[@CrystalCat24]

​@@charlottezipkey9217 I block and report those then I never see them!

[@sylviazeidner5178]

I can remember when Abby couldn’t raise her arms very high. Look how far she has come!❤

[@scottpenney8440]

Maybe abby could practice carrying a casserole dish (with two hands) to the oven, and then hold it with one hand while opening the oven with the other hand? Or is that too taxing on the grip strenth of the lone casserole hand?

[@scenemime]

As an autistic person myself I often bring my hands too close together when doing things. For me it's because I find it really difficult to understand where my arms are in relation to the rest of my body so I keep them close, otherwise I feel really uncomfortable - like it has thrown me off balance, and is almost disorientating, to keep my arms out. This may not be what Abbie's experiencing but may be contributing to the resistance when doing those tasks.

[@fabiolarojas2328]

Ella es una niña muy bonita toca enseñarle con paciencia y mucho amor ya que ella no puede entender con la enfermedad es bueno lo que hacen los padres le enseñan a ella a comprender el mundo que la rodea es muy bueno

[@kimberlyclayton4985]

Have her look at a big letter X before doing left and right. It help the brain turn on both sides. Just a thought

[@Jonsweets]

that black thing for shirts is the coolest thing where can i buy that?

[@biddiemutter3481]

Asa, we find things in our purses like the game where you put your hand in a bag and guess! I like compartments but I don't keep them tidy!

[@sylviazeidner5178]

I burst out laughing when Abby folded that first shirt and started to put it away with 2 hands and ended up using one hand and sort of flopped it into its place! Oh, Abby, you can be so funny!!

[@maryc530]

The piano…video games…drums..volleyball…basketball…or ask her to clean counter as you clean another counter no instructions

[@monsterboss243]

Abby is really cute 😊 I love watching your videos and I'm autistic myself

[@pinky-xt1mc]

My dear, thank you for sharing I enjoy this video very much. I love you Abby! 😘💜🙏👍👋

[@mariac.aversa2475]

I watch the OT Closet on KZbin where she uses hand putty activities to strengthen the hands wrist and fingers. Check it out might be useful. She can follow on her own as well eventually.

[@deniseodaniels7356]

aw Happy Anniversary u two. Pricilla u look so lovely always. sweet family.

[@apriljackson4435]

Not sure if you thought of it but a tray that has two handles with something on the tray ,you don't want it to fall off.

[@kimp1466]

Abby’s guilty grin when Asa accused her of stealing her brother’s shirt and his PJ pants, priceless! 😏

[@bwkeve3876]

One question one comment question how heavy was that kettlebell? Thank you for giving me the idea of the bright tape on the shirt folder. I have very poor eyesight. I am I was putting in a wrong place and having to start over

[@sickboisadventures]

Never clicked on a video so quick! Appreciate your videos guys, has taught me so much about Autism. Amazing family!

[@loraoflahrity130]

What if you gave her three bowls, two with her favorite snacks, one empty - she has to use both hand's to put her snack to eat in her empty bowl.

[@rebekahearly1144]

That handbag inventory made me laugh - one time, I had three hairbrushes in my handbag… but no pen. I have since invested in an insert with various compartments.

[@taralovell5055]

She folds shirts like I do lol

[@Kathyc87]

Happy Anniversary

[@roshondabowens9809]

Hi abbie and family,are y'all ready for spring break whatever y'all doing on spring break have fun, hope y'all are having a wonderful friday and stay safe out there 🤗❤️🤗❤️🤗❤️🤗❤️🤗❤️

[@sweariefaerie9621]

Abbie is part cat, isn't she? 🤣 Edit: I keep my keys on a caribiner on my purse strap. Cilla might like the idea. Or she might hate it. But it's an idea. 😅

[@kimberlyclayton4985]

You’re just amazing Abbie

[@wendyroberts2236]

If you did the activity with her so she could copy you, would this increase her comprehension instead of just telling her? I am a visual learner and maybe she is, too.

[@escott696]

She doesn't always Mimic and learns best hand over hand or repeating tasks (motor memory)