God Bless you all.. i bet your all wonderful parents,
well i have anaphalaxtis which is one of the most life threatning things.
put me into hospital on many occasions. then i took to many drugs for it which has made me liver and kidneys not mune to it anymore.

I read your story with great interest. I realize it has been a year since this story was published, but felt compelled to submit a comment. I admire your determination to find a way to live with a difficult situation. My 19y.o. daughter has mild Autism (Asperger's) now, but she was much more severe when she was younger. Dealing with Autism can be exhausting on so many levels. I hope by now your community has stepped in to help. If not, here are a few suggestions: Ask your local college for medical, psychology or child-care students needing 'in-feild credits' to come work with your kids . Usually, they will do this free. If Utah has few services to help you, I know that North Carolina has a system in place for helping kids with Autism. They call it TEACCH (www.teacch.com) It is worth checking out. Here are a few of the credible medical interventions that I know can help with the hyperactivity, hyperacute hearing and light sensitivity: www.danconference.com (a nation-wide network of Drs that specialize in working with the autistic) and www.autism.com (The Autism Research Institute). You may conact me via email if you wish. God Bless!

I have had been major difficulty of being more sociable and verbal with others since childhood. Constantly I bahave bizare and I am unable to be honest enough to tell the entire Difficulty with overall oraganization and planning I ramble from one activities and tasks to another especially in conversations. My mother still has be with my case at all times to be corrected with reminders I am more competent enough to handle them for myself, it is indicate signal as being immature.

Im the single mother of 3...my youngest 14 is diagnosed pdd nos back in 97...I wished there was as much info then as there is now...HES non verbal...non listening...<< all kids r that ..but John takes that to the extreme...GOD bless you..and Also the UK had found out the autism gene comes from the father...Chromosone 16 IS the AUTISM GENE..so LADIES please have your HUSBANDS CHECKED....THEY carry the AUTISM GENE...my ex made me beleive it was my fault our son was born autistic..BUT now thanks to the UK its the mans fault..FOR Once i can feel confident as his mother i had nothing to do with him being this way...

I just watched the show on Discovery Health and I APPLAUD both of you! My daughter was Dx'd at age 7 with Asperger's. She is now 13. She is High Functioning and has social issues (which, are getting BETTER) and has NO organizational skills and has a problem keeping her room/things tidy (typical teenager too!). We just MOVED from Utah and I wish I would have read this story beforehand as I'd love to have met/help you. Unfortunately, INSURANCE companies will NOT pay for Speech Therapy (cognitive and speech therapy) UNLESS needed due to an illness or injury. I worked at a hospital in the Speech & Hearing department and I was heartbroken when I called insurance companies to seek "therapy" for children with Autism and they were DENIED constantly. They wouldn't even cover the initial evaluation! I would love to have my daughter get in touch with your sweet girl as she also loves to draw and read! My daughter was so excited when she heard this on the show! I'll continue to watch the show and keep up the FANTASTIC work and I, too love your wit and compassion you have!

I saw the special on Discovery Health. I have a son with Asperger's and worked several years with behavior modification in non verbal children. I had a problem with labeling the cognitive skills of a the non verbal children as that of infants. It seeamed so hopeless. Of course they score so low on those cognitive test, they are non vebal. Don't short change those kids and write them off as never being able to do anything, ie potty training. Have the Kirtons tried sign language or other gestures for comunication. Also, the special showed they were at an autism school. How much time do these kids spend with children who are typically developing. The special seemed very depressing and I wanted to fly to Utah and help that poor mother.

I have 4 kids, 2 with autism. Caleb is 9 and Gabe is 7. I've read your blog for quite a while, and followed your story. Good Luck and Good Job!

I just saw your program. I am the mother of one, and grandmother of 3 , healthy all. You are amazing people, an example for society to follow. The world is a better place because you people are in it!(and all those that help) I found myself crying with relief, the B'party was a sucess! You and your children have a really important mission. Thank you so much, for your courage, and tremendous love!

i work with autisic
clinets at work and thay amaze me so much to see that thay can do so good in a work setting I work with one clinet who lives on his own so John your doing a good job keep it up and always look to the lord for help


your friend in christ jeff

I think how much I struggle with two autistic brothers and then I think... they have 6! I think your approach to it is magnificent!

after seeing your programme i think myself lucky i live in england.the system here is far from perfect & what you get depends on where you live & sometimes how loud you shout.
i have 3 asd kids,1 typical, 1 aspie & 1 hfa. my kids get specialised education. 2 are on aba programmes. special needs dentist & good healthcare. my severe son also gets respite care via social services.i don't have to worry about health insurance etc.its still hard dealing with all their problems.
you live in the world's most wealthy country, yet seem to get so little help. there must be usa charities that will help sort out your house, give some respite etc.taking kids into care should be a last resort. helping you should come first.
i agree with your outlook that you have asd kids & have to get on with life. make the most of it. we are probably happier than many families with normal kids.
i don't actually believe in god, so don't hold him responsible. one day the government might tell the truth about why there are now so many asd kids.

I am a mother of a six year old autistic child. I am having a really hard time right now with him. I will pray for you guys cause I do not know how you guys do it with 6 autistic children.