Vaughn, I became a subscriber years ago for natural hair content and I am still riding with you. Your transparency is the reason why. Thank you for continuing to be honest and inspirational as you educate us on autism through your personal experiences.

Very informative! Anne is such a sweetheart!

I would love for you to talk about your husband adapting to Anne's diagnosis. I always feel as women our motherly instinct helps us deal with stuff because by nature we are built for this. I have heard of couples breaking up trying to get through the highs and lows of autism or any child diagnosis/illness. Maybe that could be a topic; has this stressed your relationship in any way? Thanks for sharing!!!!

Autism is a spectrum and no two people are the same. I am an Autism mom who is also Autistic. My child's symptoms are so different from mine and sometimes I find myself not knowing what to do. But I think that's normal. I love these blogs very much and I hope you continue to make them.

You are so informative , articulate and simply amazing. I am a grandmother who identified signs in my first grand child and when I attempted to educate my daughter and son and law . It was not taken very well and I felt like I overstepped my boundaries. I took him to all pediatric appointments but as soon as I brought it to his parents attention I was advised they would be taking him on his next visit. My 15 month old grandchild could possibly be a delayed talker but he does not clap, point, respond to his name and I can be talking to him and he is oblivious to my presence. He is an amazing , smart liitle guy and when I start counting he instantly gives me all his attention. I have been counting with him and singing the ABC song since he was born.. He loves to open and close cabinets and doors repeatedly . He's a great sleeper, eater and will sometimes just come lay his head on my leg. Of course I was ready for the dr . Because I know the earlier the intervention the better chances for treatment . I also know Dr can prolong treatment while they inform patents with little knowledge to just wait a little longer to see if his speech develops. I already knew that would be the outcome. I don't want to stress my daughter because she's pregnant with her second child . I will love my little grandson 💙 no matter what. I just want my grandson to get the therapy he needs sooner than later. Even if it's not Autism I feel he will be delayed and still needs professional support. Now I'm just sitting back waiting not wanting to offend anyone and teaching him anything I can . I try to get parents to reinforce what little teaching I'm trying to implement. Please advise me what other steps you would pursue.

Hi Vaughn. I am big sister of a young man with autism. He was diagnosed when I was in college so I decided to study speech therapy and later also got a degree in special education. From the first time you opened up about your daughter's diagnosis, I wanted so much to reach out to you and swap stories and offer advise. I hesitated because I didn't want to be offensive in any way. I know this can be a sensitive topic. My brothet is 26 now and from what I can observe, in a similar area of the spectrum as Ann. I must say that things definitely get better over time. If I may just offer one piece of advise that made all the difference. For things like food, and items she really wants, always encourage her to request what she wants with at least one word before give it to her and when she is ready, increase to 2-3 word sentences and so on. Forgive me for overstepping if you are already doing this but I started when my brother was 3 and it helped sooo very much. God bless you and your little angel. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

WOW......great video ! Visiting your channel from Toni’s recommendation.......

Thank you so much for this❤️

Great to hear her speech! My son said “I want mama” the other day. It was so awesome to hear him create a little sentence for the first time

As a dual health care provider, I have not seen a parent so eloquently articulate boundaries in words in a manner that is to educate other but yet so compassionately honest. Kudos to you for your approach.💜

I just found your channel. My first child is also on the spectrum. He is 6 now. I completely understand. It has truly been the most difficult thing. In the beginning a lot of ppl didn’t understand and didn’t “see” the signs as I saw. And some of the ppl closest made some insensitive comments maybe from a place of not knowing...I’m not sure. The toddler years were by far the most exhausting and once I noticed the reactions from others. I chose not to share anymore. It took some time to truly get to a place where I was more comfortable to share and possibly inform those who don’t understand the diagnosis. Thanks for the information and education. As an autism mom myself. I get it. Blessings to your family unit.

Thank you for sharing! I have been asked all those questions as well. People constantly telling me what a warrior I am and God new what he was doing to give me my son. What I really need is a nap. Some days I don’t want to be “warrior” What I really want/need is Someone to come over so I can sleep for an hour. I don’t want random advice that they heard from someone that they know that has a kid on the spectrum that has never met my son. Not add more on my plate by telling me to try random things that they heard from a friend of a friend...One thing may work for one child but not another. Such a true saying is “ if you met/know one child with autism then you met/know only one child with autism. My son has other learning disabilities as well. So far he doesn’t have a “special gift” that many people on the spectrum have. That is a common question. One other tip to Family and friend is they should not talk about the child like they are not there. My son has verbal delay, but he hears everything. He doesn’t like making eye contact so just because he is not looking at the adult he hears them. I try to remind myself they are coming from a good place.

My daughter has two Autism kids she is great it is a lot to see my daughter get the education her and husband and us our granddaughters are a blessing to the world

Girl, when you discussed the last question, I felt that!! 💪🏾 Personally, I'm 20 years in and no questions phase me anymore. What irks me is this one thing specifically; when people post on social media that they are an autism aunt or grandma insinuating that they do so much, when they have no idea what the parents or guardians go through. Your one day or couple of hours does not equate to what we do. You have no idea!!

Bless you!!!!

THANK YOU for using your platform as an avenue to educate others. I was getting choked up by the questions, but when you got to the part about what to ask an autism mom/parent, I broke into tears. I have received a few of those questions, especially the ones about vaccines. I also get ones about processed foods and diets for my children. I can recall someone telling me to stop giving my children cheese and that person knew two of my children enjoy macaroni and cheese. I had to share this video because I hope it helps others who may think about asking these questions. All I can say is your channel is a God send and I am truly thankful I found it today.

My son was just diagnosed with autism on Friday but I’ve been watching your videos recently and your such an inspiration and love you and your beautiful family stay blessed!

One of the doctors at my job has autism. He’s world renowned in his specialty, basically built our clinic, and have patients travel from all over the world to have him care for them....soooo people with autism are pretty awesome and brilliant in my opinion. Thanks for sharing your journey with us

There should be an infinity "thumbs up" click. I needed someone like you 24yrs ago. Just about everything you said I've experienced. I use to be asked is he in an institution? Is he on medication and if not, why? Even now people are giving their two cents on what I should be doing with my adult son. People have no idea what my husband and I are doing. The research is constant and it's a learning process everyday. It upsets me for people to assume we may not be doing enough. They haven't a clue. They don't know about the sleepless nights we're having trying to plan what is best for him when we're are no longer here.Plus all the red tape we have to deal with to get "good services" for him. And so much more. Thank you for doing this video. It also reminds me to keep myself in check as well.

Love these videos

My 3 year old son is autistic and some days are better than others. We just take things day by day and he’s getting a lot better since he’s going to school now 💙

Being an Autism mom, I def understand and I get asked those specific question all the time, mostly from family when my son was diagnosed. You just get frustrated with people and certain questions because ur mind is already going a mile a min and feeling like it’s ur fault so it’s def hard to smile through those questions and be polite as possible.

This was awesome

16:10 that smirk funny asl. I guess they got the picture.... nice job keeping it cute...

Hi Vaughn I'm new you have me feeling good to know it will be ok for me and my family. 💜👏🥰🙏👍 my grandson has autism and it is beautiful to have found your page I did subscribe and your daughter is soooooooo beautiful

it breaks me when I have had people say I shouldn't have more kids. OR look forward to higher education or hope for it.

I am a preschool teacher. Thank you for your contribution to educating us. Thank you for your truth. I just subscribed to your channel. I have watched and love your videos. Did your husband work with LAPD? I remember the name. If so, we have a mutual friend, last name Cade. I'm looking forward to more awesome videos. I am so proud of you and what you do with and for your family.

I am a previous special educator at Kennedy Krieger Institute with children/adults with Austim. Also my oldest brother has Austim. It's a huge a job but thank you Vaughn for educating people with this information.

Vaughn, thank you for sharing information about autism. I have a nephew who is autistic. This information is helping me understand his mother's feelings and how she as a mother is dealing with her autistic child. I love my nephew.

This is great information because I usually take care of children with autism. I previously had a young man that was in high school and I had to walk with him to classes and to lunch, because they thought he would act out snd he never did. Autistic children are so extremely smart.

Great video! My son has sickle cell disease and I’m asked ALOT of the same questions!

The “I knew it” was said to me and irritated me but I brushed it off because like you said it was from someone who usually just says what’s on their mind and doesn’t think about how it would affect the person. But it’s very annoying to have heard all of these questions even if they don’t know about his diagnosis. I’m glad I found you though because like you said there isn’t a lot of KZfaqrs or community in support of and for autism

i have one word Powerful!!!! Thank you

Very informative video!

Hi Vaughn, great video! I know this channel is titled autism mom however I’d like to hear from an Autism Dad! In working with children on the spectrum for the past 15 years, I’ve experienced lots of Dads that are in denial! Can your husband speak about his experience as a Dad loving a child with Autism. Ty again for the information and education! All children are special in their own unique way! Be blessed 😊

Awesome video!

I adore how you balance your life and communicate it to others. It’s beyond respectable!

I am the parent of 12 year old child with autism and I'm here to tell you when your daughter gets to puberty the questions get worse. I appreciate you showing your journey. I have had very little information given from medical professionals in my area because my kid is in the mid range of the spectrum. I have to research and try things on my own.

I am an autism aunt to a 21 years old nephew. I have always been protective of him day 1 of the diagnosis. Establishing respectful and informative boundaries is the greatest tip towards fostering pleasant interactions with people. You are helping so many people by sharing your family’s experiences. Thank you.

Very insightful and educational! Thank you for helping me become more aware of my actions and words around children and parents with children with special needs

Well Done! My daughter is 18 and on the spectrum. I can so relate to everything you have shared with your viewers today! Thank you for your honesty!

Vaughn, you are a force!!! And I respect you, Anthony and Anne! 🖤🖤🖤

Ms. Vaughn, You did, as always an amazing job at educating us, and you did it gracefully. I am a mental health professional and you are absolutely 100% correct not enough people are talking about it not enough people are informed about it not enough people care about it. You would be an excellent educator. Bravo! You really are the “whole” package. You probably always thinking “this person is always singing my praises”, well the Bible talks about giving honor where honor is due and I only say it because I feel like this honor is due you. Keep up the good work.

I'm an autism grandmother known as Nene, my grandson is 8yrs old now. He's my purpose and heartbeat. I love seeing your family especially your mom with Ann because I see myself when i'm with my Mari. I appreciate y'all because during my research over 8 years ago there wasn't much. We only had Holly Robinson Pete's son and Toni Braxton's son, and not to take away from their struggles,passion or advocacy...it helps to see someone who has a platform that we all can relate to. I'm thankful you don't pretend to know all the answers and created an environment that we can all learn together. Thank you!

Great video, I think often people just don't think before they open their mouths. Its good to talk about it.

How Can I Help....yessss I wish someone would ask that from time to time...I don’t even get that from family...signed a struggling #AutismMom of two boys diagnosed

My daughter is gorgeous and she does get a lot of attention when we’re out in public but I often encounter a lot of people who make comments like”She’s in her own little world” that comment annoys me to my core I think it’s very rude and inconsiderate but I also understand that a lot of people don’t get why that’s a very inappropriate thing to say to a parent of a child with Autism

My Husband was just assigned as a full time to Pastor of a small church. This is a new beginning for us and having this information is not just helpful in interacting with others in general, but very helpful for us as we interact with our congregants. Thank you so much for sharing this information on your platform.

I'm an autism mom and those were facts you spoke about! You looked so much like Meechy!!

Vaughn, I was just talking with my friends about how invasive people are today!! So many damn questions! Shut up! I like how you handle the questions with such class. That's hard to do. Way to be a lady even when you don't want to. That's why God has and keeps blessing you. Keep your head up, babe!

I am not a autism mom but and autism auntie. The one things I hear a lot is “ so is there something wrong with his mom or dad too?” 🙄 or one side of nephew’s family blaming the other side for him having it. If that’s had to come from that side because no one on this side has it. Ignorance at its finest. 😒

Im here bestie!!! Lol love yall❤️❤️❤️ HEYYYYYYYY MY ANNE!!! I'm here for it!!! Nothing like having somebody LIKE you to ENLIGHTEN these folks! I GIVE A DAMN FOR SURE!!!!

Very helpful!! I’ve been asked a few questions. Extremely irritating!

Great vid. I know someone who has a daughter who I think has it and I wouldn’t dare say any of these things.

Just found your channel. I'm a Mom ASD too my son is 18 years old.

God bless you and your family! My prayer is that you allow us to share in Anne's growth! She is AU-Some!! 💖💖💖

“A person who asks a question (or makes a foolish comment) is ignorant for a minute, however, the person who DO NOT ask a question (nor makes a foolish comment) is ignorant for a life time.” These moments are teaching moments. A time to educate and have that person you just corrected re-educate others. “Each one teach one.”

I was shocked to hear you say some pediatricians do not know enough about autism. That's unnerving. Thank God there are doctors office that make accommodations for children with autism like the dentist you took her too on one of your vlogs. Thanks for sharing you story

The last question would be appropriate for us to ask ourselves in regards to future decisions with subsequent children.

Anne is learning so much. Between you and the school, you guys are doing such an amazing job

“Abandoned by family members”... (sigh) hits home for me. Video was super helpful. I can relate on so many levels. Thanks for also bringing awareness to what autism parents go through.

Ms Vaughn.. your vocabulary and jus the way you express yourself is admirable

I’ve had a doctor ask me if I drank while I was pregnant or didn’t take prenatals 🙄 I agree I’ve already blamed myself to have those ridiculous, rude, and confrontational questions asked as a parent hurt 😔

This was a good video

I’ve watched this entire video with my mouth wide open. I had no idea that people felt that this line of questioning is ok. Unbelievable. We all have a responsibility to educate ourselves and understand and respect boundaries. Thanks for sharing your journey with us! And I loved Anne’s instrumental.

This video was awesome / you were awesome and VERY WELL SPOKEN!!! Always stay encouraged 🤗

I just love being educated by u !

Thanks as always for sharing - this is helpful on so many levels.

Thank you .... I just wanted to say thank you as a mother of an autistic toddler who was also diagnosed at 18 months thank you , thank you , thank you for this video .

Amen.

Great video!!!

Hey Vaughn. Thank you for this video and for explaining why some of these questions and statements are inappropriate to ask a parent of a child who has autism. When u mentioned the question "have you tried this or that?" I was kind of taken back since i ask this question to a family nember of mine who has 2 children on the spectrum. I am a clinical social worker and i work at a mental health hospital where i have experienced working with children of all ages who have autism and i sit in treatment team meetings weekly to adjust and tailor treatment plans for children with speacial needs and behavioral concerns. My question to you is, how would you suggest addressing a parent who has children with autism, but does not want to seek any outside help and who isolates herself and her children from the rest of the world? It is very clear that the parent, who is a family member of mine, struggles with mental health issues that mimic what you would see in a person who is diagnosed with bipolar dissorder and depression. She does not clean her house regularly, she does not work, and she claims to homeschool the children, but they are not on a consistent schedule that provideds the vital structure that they need in order to thrive. There will be times where she will still be asleep at 10am while the boys are awake roaming around the house and still the "homeschooling" process has not started. If your level of organization with ann and her development is a 10, her level of organization is literally a -10, completly night and day. I dont mean to be critical but i wanted to paint the picture clearly for you so that you understand why i feel the need to be invasive and ask her if she has tried certain methods. I guess i am just worried about the children and i see her behavior becoming more and more destructive. I am beginning to think i wont be able to help the kids unless i help her first but she is so unwilling to get help or to take advice from anyone, even myself. As a social worker, my first instinct is to report her for neglect but this is my family we are talking about so of course that is the very last thing i want to do. Advice please Vaughn or anyone who may have read this post!!

Thank you, for this video Vaughn! All of the questions were spot on!!!

Thank you for informing us, you are appreciated.

Thank you for enlightenment and clarity. God blessed Anne with a wonderful Mom and Dad!! 💞

You hit the nail on the head with your list. Thank you!!! I’m so tired of people asking me these questions or making comments,the last two on your list especially. I’m sharing this video with friends and family. I love that your therapy place does the parent sessions. I’m definitely going to ask if my place will do something similar. I’d also love to see the daily routine sheets you shared earlier in your video. Thank you again for your transparency and information sharing. As an autism mom, your videos and advocacy has helped me more than you know. ❤️

We are on different time zones. The way i waited for this video! I am not even a mum but i love your content so much. Anne is a blessed girl to have an amazing mum like you.

Thank you for sharing. So informative.

Thank you for sharing these questions of what not too ask. I wish people would just ask how are you doing and keep it moving.

This sounds like etiquette 101. Applies to many diagnoses , disorders , situations. People do too much and lack tact and common sense nowadays but when you know better you do better. Hopefully. However as an enlightened childless woman who has helped to raise over twenty nieces and nephews I feel like I can tactfully, selectively, and out of love offer my help on how to raise kids. Usually when asked of course and depending on the situation. When I do I don’t in any way try to take away from the parents’ roles. Anyway, you are awesome and seem to be doing an extraordinary job raising little Anne. She’s so blessed to have you and Anthony as parents and the rest of your loving family.

Thanks for sharing! Some of those questions are ridiculous but I get it. I don't have an autistic child but I am a 42 year old woman who has been married for 18 yrs with no children. Imagine the kind of questions I get 😕. People can be so insensitive and ignorant. I have also found a way to redirect inappropriate questions about my family planning. Videos like this are needed to educate people! Thanks for the transparency ❤️

And I thought the first "what not to say" was the WORST until you went down the list. Thank you for educating all of us with so much class and understanding. Hopefully, the people that crosses your paths will be more kind and respect some boundaries.

I’m so in love with this series. 😍

LOVE this!!! So right on. Thank you.

I just watched this video and was baffled.... I am so baffled that people could have the audacity to ask these questions. Who raised them? I guess I have such a high tolerance for diversity that I would never ask or say some of those things. I am so sorry you had to go through this but also so happy you made this video to educate. Thank you. Love ya!

Love your videos.....I am a special needs teacher and have taught many students diagnosed with Autism and I learn new things with each one

Thanks for the information Vaughn. Aside: I love your makeup, do a tutorial, its so subtle and simple

I love the response you give regarding questions about more children. 😆 Brilliant! I used to get, "You're not going to have any more are you?" More of a warning than a question. Another informative and insightful video. Once again thank you for sharing. 💗💗💗💗💗

21:48 = positive, productive communication lesson of the century!!! To summarize, consider the recipient of your words FIRST. 💗👍🏽🤗

This is so informative. Thank you.

After the lady in your comments said her son is highly autistic and he was NEVER vaccinated she blew everyone’s mind

Thank you for sharing this. I have watched a few videos on this topic "what not to ask" and I have found yours to be quite fair and understanding the ignorance we have as people not in the situation. It shows you are very self aware and empathic. I appreciate it and I will certainly use your suggestions.

I truly love your outlook and professionalism. You keep it real and sooo informative

💙

WOW, this topic is eye opening. I like you saying, what you can say is... how are you and that mom will share. Love your channel 💖 Thx for educating and sharing awareness 👏

Awesome topic I have had where my grandson feeding specialist while we was doing online school last year tell me to try this food and try that food and I let her talk and I listen and some days my grandson can b having a very bad melt down but she still wants to talk on trying to get my grandson to eat different things which a lot of the things I have already tried, I am not one that knows everything so I try not to be rude I would just end the session it's like my opinion doesn't matter but I still try things that she ask of me

This is your best one yet 🙌🏾 Being an autism mom of twins, I chuckled through the whole vid 🙊 totally get it 🤗

Vaughn thank you for this wonderful informative video. I love all your videos and I just started viewing your videos a few months ago! I love how you share your family, friends, and your transparency. God is so good and He blessed your very smart and beautiful daughter with wonderful parents. Thanks again!

Thank! Thank !Thank! you Vaughn we love you out here in Los Angeles.

I'm so glad you mentioned these!!!! You hit everything so perfectly!!! I can't tell you how many times I hear all of these!!! Even in my immediate family, I STILL continue to hear the, "are you sure", and the "did you get a second opinion?" I've gotten diagnosis from TWO independent Autism Centers that both found the same things. I have my two grandchildren, one is biologically mine and the other isn't. My daughter-in-law had a son already when she married my son and they have a daughter together. So I can't tell you how many times I hear, it must be on the mother's side since both kids have it. 🤦‍♀️😡 Could people be more ignorant and anymore insensitive??? And I can't stand that they question my granddaughter's Autism based on her looks or the fact that she can do things that her brother can't. Or they even go as far as to say, she'll be fine because she's so cute, people will always give her whatever she wants or needs. 🤦‍♀️ It's just awful that they compare her and her brother. Their symptoms are completely different. They are to be looked at differently even though they both are on the spectrum. They have different needs, strengths and weaknesses. They shouldn't be compared. And don't get me started on vaccinations. People seem to always want to blame something. Thank you again Vaughn for this!!!! Kisses to Anne!!!!😍💖😘