Every 21 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism.

Melissa Ferman created this video in 2007 for a semester-long project in a Sociology class called Social Problems. It was meant to inform her class (and others) about the rising number of cases of autism in the US. It has segments of video in it from "Autism Every Day" and the "Oprah Winfrey Show". With her permission I am sharing it on my website. Hopefully her messaage, and others like it make it into the hearts and minds of everyone watching it.


(c) 2007 Melissa Ferman

Please remember, instead of instantly calling someone a bad parent, putting Child Protective Services (CPS) in the speed dial of the your phone, or thinking to yourself that the child needs more discipline, ASK YOURSELF, "Is that child screaming on the floor autistic?"


I've had CPS called on me, I've been told I'm a bad mom, I've been told to medicate my child to make her more managable, and many other things. My beautful daughter is autistic. When I watch this video I see her and our early life together. Through a lot of time, attention, love, and age (growing up is a wonderful thing) she's become emotionally mature enough to manage her behavior. Although, even now, we still have our days.

Stop being so judgemental, and have a little more compassion.