Good afternoon all,

As some of you know - my son, Antonio, is autistic.  Every year we walk in our community's Walk Now for Autism Speaks - an organizaton that gives money to research and programs related to Autism and PDD. 

We will be walking again this year - October 15, 2011 - in Rockland County, NY.  But don't you want to get involved, go to the Autism Speaks website, and you'll be able to find a walk in your community too.

Autism affects nearly 1 in every 110 people now.  That's almost 1% of the population. 

Antonio was diagnosed when he was 2.  He's 5 now.  Or as he likes to correct you - he's 5 1/2. 

As part of our walk every year we create (my wife creates) a video detailing Antonio's year. 

The economy sucks.  So, instead of asking for donations this year, we decided to ask for views. 

Our goal - 1000 views of Antonio's video on YouTube.  Please take the opportunity to watch Tonio's video, and gain a little insight into our lives, and the lives of a family dealing with autism every day.

We will raise awareness! 

Here's his video.

Thank you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nffWu4B_uaY

A touching video i wish you and your family all the best i'll be sure to send word of the video to more people, good luck!

As soon as my speakers are sorted (busted just now), I'll be sure to watch again, I'll let it run so as you get your views.

My own son has ADHD and traits of autism/aspergers, he's just below the spectrum so didnt get diagnosed with autism or aspergers, he's very high functioning, but it can be extremely difficult and the support here in Scotland is pretty pathetic as is the knowledge of these conditions.

I hope you get as many hits as possible and then some.

I'll comment again after I watch the whole thing with audio!

watched it then had my wife watch it. we will raise awareness and we will not give up

Very touching video my friend.

You have a great family :)

I wish the best for your son, i will help spread the word on your video 

As a father of 2 little girls, your video was incredibly touching. You have a terrific family and I wish you well on your walk for a wonderful organization and to raise awareness for an incredibly person and inimate issue that touches the lives of so many. 

JkL 

Speakers sorted, and I have to say, I'm touched with this video of your family.

I'm a hardy bastard so emotionally it's hard to get me, but that did it for me, so many things I can relate to on there.

You guys are blessed with a beautiful family, I really do hope the walk goes well and that the awareness gets raised through the roof.

You guys so be so very proud.

"Your smart, it's the adults who do not know how to teach you", or the comment to that effect, is so true, and one we have said many,many times ourselves, although the teachings may not be there, your certainly not alone.

Good luck on the walk!

P.S. As a Celtic supporter I so want Trevors Green and yellow Adidas, :)

Watched the video, seems like you folks have alot of love. I send you the best wishes for the future and your project to raise awareness

I've watched the video more times than I can count now, and it makes me tear up each time. It's a touching tribute to the struggle, not only that your son has endured, but your other children have shared as well as you and your wife.

Having known you for as long as I have, I know the kind of fighter you are, and I know how much your children mean to you. I've shared this will my friends and family in the hopes that they'll reshare for you. I know your 1000 views will come and in that, so many people will learn that "Autism belongs to an entire family."

I couldn't imagine a more strong and loving family than the one you've shared with us.

Andrew,

I too have a son on the specturm, he is 11. diagnosed at the age of 3.

The boston walk was awsome.

This video says as much about you and your wife as parents as it does your kids. That caring attitude doesn't just happen, you've raised them that way.

I can only imagine the daily struggle that having a child with autism must be, that your family remains so strong is testement to you. My hat goes off to you, sir, and I wish you all the luck in the world dealing with the assholes at the insurance company to resolve Antonio's behavioural therapy.

Grinette works with autistic children and children with special needs and some of the stories she tells are often as genuinely heartbreaking as they are touching.

The consolation that I hope you, and anyone else can take from what I've subsequently discovered (given that I had virtually zero knowledge of anything about autism beyond what I saw portrayed on TV), is that she tells me this is an area where research and education of both those with autism/special needs and those who help children with autism and special needs is continually improving and developing.

I hope you get your 1000 views.

~C~

Like Klasky, this video really touched me. I think its wonderful how your family has grouped together as one and show Antonio so much love and give him all the support he needs.

I wish you all the best for the walk and your target of 1000 views.

a wonderful video Andrew. I've never really had an insight into how autism can affect somebodys life and the struggles that a family can go through to provide the care and therapy needed

Looks like you've got a great family and wonderful children. Thanks for sharing, i'll be sure to share your story to help you reach your goal

Nice video and beautiful family. I emailed the link to friends and family.

Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to watch our little video.  Your help in getting us to our goal is very much appreciated. 

And your kind words touch me and my family.  We feel like we are pretty strong, but there are days when it's just too much - but knowing there are caring people out there make us realize that we cannot stop in our fight. 

So, thank you for sharing your thoughts.  And for taking that time to open your hearts.

To those who share in the struggle - like Klasky and LuckyAlphonse...I look forward to sharing more stories with you.

The Hudson Valley Walk is tomorrow - and remember - if you're interested in getting involved in your community - Autism Speaks website. 

As for Chuckle - whose better half ison thefront lines helping our kids - Chuckle, I hope you'll tell her Thank You! 

A very touching video. I wish the best to your family, and I hope you get much more than just 1,000 views.