I don’t even have any kids but yet here I am watching every single video you create no matter the content. Love your channel keep it up and stay strong!

I'm sorry to hear the pain in your voice talking about the social things she did and doesn't longer do. I hope that time softens that feeling, and I'm sure that you will remember that time as the precious thing it was, but enjoying the new form of your relationship.

You're children are soooo blessed to have you and Loni for parents! Your commitment and love for them is amazing. Also shout out to Loni jr and Danielle for loving their siblings like they do!

You have so much strength, I work with children with autism in New Zealand and it can say its the most rewarding and amazing feeling working with them, helping them, teaching them things. They are our special sort on this earth and we're so lucky to be able to come into their world. I have so much love for you and your gorgeous family. Your doing amazing, keep being the best mumma out xxx

I'm so glad you are able to work through this by helping others. I worked in the field for 20 years. Your children are lucky to have parents so proactive. Never, ever give up!

I'm only 20 and don't have kids but i enjoy learning about autism on your channel, i think everyone should know and be educated on it for if they end up having kids that happen to be on the spectrum, lotta love from Ireland x

I don’t know how you do it, but you do. You truly are amazing. You were meant to be their mother and I’m so happy for your children that they’re growing up in such a loving and supportive home. You are unbelievably accepting, patient, kind and passionate about motherhood. You’re honestly supermom!

Penelope is a beautiful child. And u guys love her enough to get her help so she can grow into the best person she can b... And she's still very adorable. How can u not fall in love with those Big blue eyes and that beautiful smile.... Evrything is gonna b ok....

You’ve done an amazing job on both videos and Nellie is going to be her best self, because you were picked perfectly for her. You are the most amazing and raw human and mom and I don’t know a single person who can’t relate to your videos or take something out of them. Keep pushing mama you are doing such a good job.

Oh Mama. I wish I could give you the biggest hug. Being sad doesn’t detract from your love for her. We all picture a certain kind of future for our children and it’s okay to feel heartbroken as you adjust and process what your new reality and future looks like with her.

I am so glad that she can get early intervention services so she can work on the things that she is behind on. I could see little things with Penelope but she is your baby so you could see much more.

My son was diagnosed at 16 months and every single red flag she has my son had as well, but he also self harms biting and head banging. He just turned 3 and we just pray to hear i love you or mama. I feel your pain mama. Stay strong you are doing such a wonderful job it's so nice to have someone to relate you. Thanks for all the great vids❤

Very brave of you to tell Penelope’s story. She is such a beautiful child who will make her own road

This makes me so sad. Is like you are describing another child... I can see the pain you have because of this, but she’ll be great! She has all the help and a amazing family.

My niece is autistic she used to be non-verbal and now she chats up a storm

Nice to see so many positive encouraging comments for you and your family steph! There will always be some people who find the negative but there are so many of us who think you’re amazing parents to your children! Thank you for sharing

I was diagnosed with Autism, Asperger, PDDNOS and ADD. For a while my parents thought i was deaf, as i would never respond to them or anything in my environment, i wouldn’t make sounds (except for crying or screaming). Funny thing is i am now in college majoring in communication (directed on social media.)

i watched this channel for a long time but just came back and started binging everything from the last year yesterday and wow. you are amazing. these kids are lucky to have been born into your family and with you as parents.

She's a very lucky little girl to have you and Lonnie for her Mom and Dad.

You are such a strong and amazing mother Stephanie.. your children are so lucky to have you and Lonnie in their life, i couldn't even begin to imagine the struggles you deal with daily. Thankyou for being so open and honest about Penelope's story.. You are truly an inspiration.

Penelope is an angel. Keep celebrating every day!

Thank you for sharing. I have worked with autistic children, and I am seeing a lot of symptoms in my one year old, and watching this is helping me a lot. Thank you.

My son was born at 26 weeks almost 3 years ago. Last month he was diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder. I've been trying to educate myself while in quarantine because his in person appointments are delayed due to the virus. This has been the more helpful information I've come across! I'd say 80% of the same things you have noticed in your daughter... Happens to my son. I'm so glad you are sharing your family story. BTW my son has started saying mama again! The littlest things are so rewarding. Sending positivity 🙏❤️💙 thank you!

Bless you boss momma ❤️ I’ve been here for a while and I love your channel. I have a physical disability myself and I know without a doubt that you and Lonnie are doing the best for all your children and that they’re going to be better off in the future because of your sacrifices.

You are such a great Mom. Thank you for sharing both your pain and your love. Many are being helped because of you. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.

Your kids are so Lucy to have the parents they have. You give your all, all the time!

My 5 year old daughter is on the spectrum. It is great you got a diagnosis early on. I fought so hard around her age and finally got a diagnosis at 3.5, it makes it much more difficult to get therapies when they are older so it’s a blessing she is getting it now and can continue. My girl is 5 and has had 2 months of therapy at this point. Thankfully the things I have done with her up until this point have helped her tremendously! The babies teach us more than what we teach them❤️ they are very very special 🤗💕

You seem like a great mother, Penelope will be loved and that's the most important thing.

I'm in no way a professional, but I am experienced in my own life as an autistic (of course, in my own spectrum). She might have an auditory issue. She can hear sounds, but her brain can't process language very well. She will pick up on it a little later, depending on her pace. I didn't really speak properly till I was 8 and till this day I still have auditory issues. I have to watch things in subtitles mainly, but I am living a comfortable life. I get that you're concerned for her, but your love and acceptance for her is what's going to really help. I feel like your at a good start. She's going to grow beautifully💚 P.S. You have every right to mourn. I hope you and your daughter are doing well.

Thank you for this video. My son is 18 months and nonverbal. Our 1st specialist evaluation is coming up. He suffered H.I.E. at birth due to a botched c section. He seemingly suffered no permanent damage and his neurologist said he literally had "the unicorn" out come. He's 18 months now, and has many (but not all) the things you talked about in this video. Thank you for sharing your story ❤️

Don’t feel bad for your feelings. I love how educated you are with all of this. I love you’re family you’re videos and you’re channel.

Excellent in my layman's opinion. Really appreciate your intelligence, articulate speaking, and down to earth spirit. Take care of yourself, mama... You're an incredible woman and mother.

Thank you for sharing, I miss a lot of live feeds because of poor internet but you are one of my favorites to watch. Love y'all and your family.

There's heaps of good youtube videos out there on girls with autism, there's lots of information about their trait differences to boys about how they imitate a lot better! Which may explain some of what you missed. Thanks so much for sharing your story with Penelope x

Stephanie you are an amazing mum. Also you are so patient with some comments and questions you get even rude ones I don’t know how you do it. Also don’t know how you always look so lovely and put together with 6 kids 4 with special needs!! I can barely manage with 1! 💕💕💕

Thank you so much for making this video. I'm sooo certain my son is on the spectrum to a degree but he's under two and hasn't gotten a diagnosis, and people try to gaslight me about it, saying oh every kid is different, he's 'fine'" but your descriptions of your kids are IDENTICAL in many ways to my son. This video was very helpful for me! Thank you again for being so raw and sharing so you might help others like me ❤️

As hard as I'm sure it was for you, thank you so much for making this video. You're helping so many people. My daughter is going to be two, and I honestly go back and forth between getting an autism evaluation. It's a hard thing. I'm still not sure what to do. But I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story. Bless you and your sweet family!

Thank you for always being so real and raw. I love following your family and journey

You are very brave for talking so honestly about your daughter and your experiences. Sending you and your family support and caring. Thank you for sharing.

I am at the beginning of watching your video and I just wanted to first say to you, that my wife and I very much appreciate this video you are making and that you have taken the time to do so to help everyone else.

I wish you the best! My daughter was just like that. Unfortunately I knew nothing about autism at the time and she didn’t get diagnosed. She’s going through the process for diagnoses now at age 21 but there’s no doubt in our minds. Anyway, my point is she had started saying a couple words at around 14 months then completely quit speaking until she was almost 4. But then it was like someone flipped a switch and just started talking again. Looking back there were soo many issues that could have been greatly improved had I known but ultimately we made it through! Now she’s a beautiful woman and she’s happily married to a man she started dating at age 16. She still deals with things in a very different way but, as you know, different isn’t wrong! Figuring out we are autistic was such a blessing. You are such an amazing mom and your kids will do so much better because you’ve identified this so early. Hopefully you will find some comfort in this. My daughter and I really struggled for many years but now she’s my best friend! Much love little sister. You’re gonna rock this and she’s gonna be awesome!!

You are such a great mother and I’m glad that you’re doing the best for your kids.

You are helping a lot of Parents and caregivers with these informative videos. Thanks for your transparency. The good Lord knows that Noah, Lex, Liam and Penelope will thrive so well because they’ll be nurtured in a home with LOVE and acceptance. As Parents, my husband and I realized that Parenting taught us a lot of things more than what we were expecting- patience and Understanding are on Top( especially now that we have a teen). Hugs to u! You and Lonnie are doing great!

Wow, again so raw and honest! I think you are helping a lot of people with your videos!

It’s ok to feel however u are feeling. I will say that all those babies are sooo lucky to have such amazing parents that I know will give them the best life possible ❤️❤️ You got this mama 💪💪

Thank you for this ! It Gives me the strength to get my baby the help he needs ! You rock mama ! God Bless 💙💙💙

Thank you for taking the time to do this. I suspect my grandchild may have mild autism although she’s only 13 months old. She tippy toes but doesn’t walk yet. She yells a LOT. Not crying but yelling…like a hundred times a day. She would never eat baby food. She arches her back n fights sleep unlike any child I have ever seen. She face stems at times. She does reply to her name by looking at you. She bangs on toys but doesn’t play with them. Her separation anxiety is INTENSE. She has never been cuddly.

Sending you big hugs and lots of love Stephanie! ❤️ Your videos are amazing, your family is amazing and I Thank You for sharing things that are so deep. It truly helps others more then you know!

You are a very patient and kind mother, it’s very hard on you. Take good care of yourself, your kids need you.❤️

Your videos helped me a lot, more than you can imagine. My baby is 22 months old but 19 months corrected. As she's turning two in a couple of months and younger babies beat her at some areas I wonder a lot. You gave me tons of information and cues to look upon while I wait for the neuropediatrician appointments to restart. Thank you for sharing your whole experience.

I don’t have kids on the spectrum. But I still love to watch all your videos. ❤️

Late-diagnosed autistic (25yo) here who REALLY appreciates the clarity and specificity of your work!! This video is super informative and helpful for me and my family. I think it really highlights the original meaning of "auto-ism", that Penelope is so much more fascinated with internal than external experiences. Thank you so much for sharing your story and the obvious love/care that you have for your kiddos.

A beautiful , strong woman ♀️ I can see her shattered and sad from inside , but look how tall she stands. more power to you mommy. nephew is autistic and I know how it feels.

You're a strong mama!! All your children are so blessed to have you and Lonnie as parents. Very informative information 💗💕💗💕

Your amazing for sharing this with the world! I appreciate it all! I'm concerned about my son and found your videos very informational and helpful. Thank you! Your doing amazing! Your kiddos are lucky to have a mama like you!

Aww, you did great!!! She's super lucky to have you as her mom. 💓

Its been a while since i watched... penelope is so adorable and clearly the image of momma. Saddened to see these updates, she has the best family to help her, i just wished for a simpler life coming with a new daughter joining your family. Makes me so sad, seriously in tears watching and listening. Wi see your sadness, its gonna be a different life, i know you, lonnie and the rest of your family will embrace that and nuture her to the very best of her ability. Wishing you happiness and joy for always. Huge hugs for you all!

Hi Stephanie, My students with complex needs are so fussy with eating certain types of food and even fruit. You are a fantastic mum and doing such a great job of looking after your beautiful children. Keep it up! Blessings from Aotearoa.

I'm not a big commenter but I'm really glad you posted all of this. My son is about 2 weeks younger than Penelope, that's actually how I found you because we were pregnant at the same time. We just got referred to a specialist for an evaluation for possible ASD. He has so many similarities in behavior to Penelope but because he's my only child I didn't realize he wasn't behaving like a normal kid. Speech regression, no mimicking, no pointing or communication of any sort, doesn't answer to his name EVER, and more. You've reassured me that I'm not just overreacting (like literally everyone says). Thanks so much for sharing because you truly have helped ❤

I’ve just typed keywords to hopefully find something like this video, astonishing job being open regarding everything. This is a new topic and adjustment for my 14 month old son and I. Almost every attribute you’ve described are things I’ve witnessed through analyzing actions and daily time with him. I had no idea there were potential situations where symptoms could go from non-existent to intense and progressive. It’s exactly what’s beginning to happen.

Awe she is so adorable!! Her stems have the same characteristics as Cody did and does, from Cody Speaks channel. Of course he is almost 21 years old now. Thanks to parents like you who invite us into your world if autism, I feel this world is more aware of autism and prayerfully more accepting. God Bless you and your family

She is literally SO adorable!!

Your videos have been very helpful and I cant thank you enough fo having the courage to express your stories of your amazing children. They are adorable! Sending you a huge thanks from Ohio.

You are an amazing Mum, and a brilliant advocate for your children. Thank you for sharing your experiences to help parents who are in the same situation.

I used to watch your videos just because I liked learning about autism. Now my last baby was diagnosed with autism on May 17 2021. I didn’t take it bad at all . I feel so proud to be his mom . I have other 3 typical kids and now him . He was already loved. So I feel happy to be his mom and to start this new journey in his own world. He’s 2 and he will be starting ABA therapy and early intervention. You won’t believe me but he kind of look like Liam a little bit 😀specially the hair type so cute 🥰. His name is Jack. God bless your family. You are a wonderful mom 🙏🏻💙team blue.

Just wanted to tell you that you seem like a really great mom and you clearly love your kids and want the best for them.

I’m my parents first child and having this video would’ve been really helpful for my parents as was diagnosed when I was 12 I am now 13 . And my parents were like wattttt ? When I was diagnosed and were told my traits cause if they knew it would’ve been noticed earlier . And people said to my parents things like she might have autism adhd or spd and my parents , of course didn’t know what these were and just carried on with life. I’m glad penelope has had her struggles identified so early as she now can grow up and not feel like a misfit and not have someone to explain it to her as you explain it very well

Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable. It's hard, but this information is extremely helpful and I really appreciate it

God Makes Us All PERFECTLY IMPERFECT. Thank you for sharing With Us.💙🙏💙🙏💙

Thanks for sharing and it brought me back those days when my boy has those signs and I brushed it off as normal but we were lucky for our therapist being up front with us to send him for testing. Your videos definitely help me and things to look out for. Hugs

Been watching you guys when you first found out you were having Penelope.I hope she gets the services she needs.You guys are wonderful parents!❤

Omg thank you for this my daughter has some of these and going to get evaluated next week but my son has a things going on and some of the stims your daughter has and I've noticed not that he's not really interested in toys he's obsessed with shoes and remotes and toy wheels he's 20 months old and I'm still trying to figure things out with my daughter you are such a big help I'm so overwhelmed over here thank you thank you thank you

I have a 13 months old bay and he alredy is in early intervention because since he is 10 months old I noticed I was behind and after his evaluation the doctor determined he needs therapy, I hope everything going well with your baby and mine too.

Thank you sweet lady you touched my heart strings, prayers and good thoughts your ways love ya buncha 😊😘👍👍😉

My daughter had pretty much exactly the same signs as your daughter and she got diagnosed shortly before she was 3. She was typical up til she was about a year old and then some regressions happened. She is 6 now and with therapy she has made such great improvement. It gets so much better with therapy, school, and exposure to other kids (typical and neurotypical). I never thought I would be able to have a conversation with my previously minimally verbal daughter. Now we can have chats about lots of things. She still has some speech (receptive / expressive) and feeding issues but I think with ongoing therapy she will only get better and your daughter will too.

I watched the nurturing neurodiversity also and her son is EXACTLY like mine

Nellie is a lot like my son. If I get ignorant comments or questions from people asking what his "special talent" is, I say his special talent is making people fall in love with him. Nellie seems to have that talent as well. 🥰

Stephanie you are a great Mom with a lot on your plate. Your children are lucky to have you and the way you advocate for them. Penelope will do great because of you and her dad. I know you are sad right now, and that's ok. We all grieve things that seem like a loss. You are incredibly strong and will rise above to enjoy what is. Try not to listen to the trolls who do not walk in your shoes. No one knows your children or what is best for them like you. Be good to yourself, you deserve it!!!

I absolutely LOVE watching Ur channel!! Ur an amazing Mom an U give SOO MUCH of Ur self an family to this channel it's AWESOME!! I'm still stuck in FL. Lol HOWEVER seeing the help an the small amount of time it's taken to get the help has ME wanting to join in on the move as well!! U are an amazing awesome Mama an U love an wld do ANYTHING for ur family!! U help give inspection by sharing the good, the bad, an the ugly!! An I know I REALLY appreciate how transparent U ARE with matter's like this, I cry an laugh with U!! Lol 💖 it makes us not feel alone in all this!! U are awesome an all of Ur babies are beautiful an perfect in their own way's 💯💯💖💖 THANK U FOR WHAT U DOO!! PLZ NEVER CHANGE!! An Nellie's stems are ADORABLE!! I hope Ur feeling better today!! Much love an apperception frm Bradenton, FL!! 💖💖🌴🌴💖💖💯💯💖👑👑💖💖

God bless you and your family. Clearly you are a great mom, and Penelope is lucky to have you ❤

You are such a strong family, I wish I had your strength my grandson has been diagnosed when he was 2 he will be 3 soon and I still worry about his future.

These videos are interesting for me, I'm autistic myself (more Aspergers). But it interests me how every child on the spectrum is different, Not one child is same from another. Sending all my love and well wishes to you, Stephanie... You got this! You're a rockstar momma. 💗💗💗

I love watching you guys. You make great content. I knew since my son was 4 months something was different and we’re about to have an evaluation for him. I have become so educated by your channel!

Thank you so much for all the information as my wife and I have concerns about our 18 month old granddaughter. This information was unbelievably helpful. Thank you

Thank you for your strength in making this video it is very helpful. Thank you!!

This video made me feel like I am not alone. I have 17 month old twin girls, and they both struggle with sensory issues. They won't eat solids either, but will eat food if it's pureed. They do not self feed themselves. Still will not hold their bottles. They also do not ingage with each other during play. They both do their own thing. I appreciate this video, and good luck to you!

I a parent of Linda Madison and my daughter is 14 months and is breaking my life and heart not accepting my baby may have autism but your video has give me more power to confront this thank you I’m at work now looking at your video and crying cause it’s not Easy

I found your channel as I’m looking for answers for my one year old daughter. We have OT and a Developmental therapist for sensory processing disorder. Much like your daughter it began with her eating. She couldn’t drink from a sippy or bottle. She couldnt eat baby food or anything else. She gagged, shook, tried to get the food out of her mouth with her hands. She can’t touch certain textures. She has strabismus In both eyes. She can’t ride in a car very often because she has vestibular issues as well as interoceptive issues. Her therapists have helped her tremendously and are hesitant to give a diagnosis at her age. However, I expect one. Watching your channel has helped me so much, especially when I feel lost in the jumble of the day. I just wanted to let you know that you’ve helped this tired and worried mother.

I cried all the way through your last video im so so sorry Stephanie your baby girl is the most cutest wee girl ever her big blue eyes and that smile it gets me every time i see her. Stay strong xxx

This is a great video. I love how detailed it is and you’re explaining everything I’ve wondered about. I have an 11 month old and I think it’s still to early to tell anything. But I have some better insight now, thank you and Penelope!

You're such an amazing mamma and penelope is sooo precious! Thank you for posting!! Will help sooo many others. X

I’m so terribly sorry. I know it’s not a tragedy but it isn’t the story we’d hoped to see for Penelope OR YOU. I really hope everything will improve dramatically, with Early Steps support, until she’s closer to mild (rather than severe) on the spectrum. Thank you for sharing your truth with us, that CANNOT have been easy but just so you know... you are an amazing mother & you do whatever it takes to support your kids (including the “typical” 2) I’m so proud of you

Her stims are exactly the same as my son, he is 3 years old almost. He just started speech and OT, waiting for autism evacuation. Cyrus also loves cuddles still luckily and same with socializing. Thank you for the education and help!

Thank you so much for sharing your story 💜 as an SLP this type of insight is so valuable!!

My heart feels for you mama. My daughter is 10 now but this brings back all the feelings I felt when she was very little. I always knew (from birth) something wasn’t right as far as her being neurotypical. It took me a LONG time to get anyone to see what I knew before she was 3. She didn’t respond to me coming in the room after being at work or being gone- she just continued playing with her head down. She did the thing where she stared at the fan and kind of shook. She had GERD and a MSPI. I have 4 kids (2 boys and 2 girls) both my boys are adhd (I’m adhd) and my daughter that’s 10 was finally just diagnosed with a brain disorder. There isn’t anything to explain her delays or why she isn’t neurotypical. The only thing we know is she has seizures. She started having seizures during nap time in pre-k and that started the journey for a diagnoses since that was the first time I had anyone believe me that something wasn’t right. Her IQ qualifies her for an ID. It’s been a journey but she is the kindest, funniest, fiercest- most brave human I’ve ever met. I know how hard it is. I know the feelings of denial and acceptance and how painful they are. I am praying over each and every one of you. You are an incredible mother and thank you for sharing your world with the rest of us. 💞 I know this was kind of rambly but it’s a lot of feelings and information I’m trying to get to you through the internet. Wish I could hug your neck and tell you all this because I know that’s what you need. You are not alone in this. All the love. 💖

She’s beautiful and you’re such an amazing family/mother

I was in a lot of denial with my oldest he’s five years old being autistic. I would cry a lot of even the thought something was wrong... being angry why my son has this ect. He just got diagnosed this month has been a huge relief he all of sudden is potty trained and he started talking more ect 2- almost five has been the worst but now things are getting better and having hope for him.

Thank you so much, I’m 99% sure my son is autistic and this really helped me.

Stay strong mama