|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
"You have helped tremendously!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
Thanks for all you do — we have all your videos, and they have helped us tremendously!
Shelby Campos, Texas, 2003
"My son absolutely loves them!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
Just wanted to let you know the tapes arrived today. My son absolutely loves them! My son is 5 years old and is diagnosed with mercury induced autism. He is able to label things but can't seem to speak in sentences. Do any of your other tapes work on sentence format? Thanks!
Rebecca Hiers, Iowa, 2003
"My children love you!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
My children love you! They all get something different out of Special Kids. One says, "I want John" and it's funny because that's her dad's name and I know she doesn't mean him. Another child always looks for Jeff in the scenes because he's a lot like our favorite cousin. We're going to the doctor today for checkups and we practiced last night with your tape so the little ones wouldn't freak out. God bless!
Nancy Geller, Florida, 2003
"Keenan responds so well to your video programs."
Dear John and Special Kids:
Our son, now 5, and our three other children enjoy and have benefited greatly from several Special Kid videos. Thank you! Keenan responds so well to your videos; in fact we have to shop at the grocery store in the same order you and Eric did in "Let's Go To." I know a social skills video would be a huge help in learning and reinforcing basic social skills. What do you think? Waiting hopefully!
S. B., 2003
"They teach a variety of SKILLS, not just vocabulary!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
Thank you very much for your advice and suggestions; they are greatly appreciated. That is EXACTLY what I really like about Special Kids, that they teach variety of SKILLS and not just vocabulary!
Franceska Counts, Kansas, 2003
"You've made such a difference in the life of our son!"
We're excited to hear that Special Kids is coming to DVD! Thank you so much for your movies. They've made such a difference in the life of our son, and thus our lives as well. Because of "All About Jesus," he's finally starting to tune in at church, ask questions and understand the purpose to church. We've finally got him started toward a relationship with our Lord, something I feared I could never give him. Through your movies, our son has also learned to shower, he's gotten over his anxiety over showers and he's proud that he's also independent in the shower! Those are just a couple of the most wonderful things these videos have done for us. Thank you and God bless.
Karen Glenn, 2003
"What really works for us is the pairing of your calming voice with an object and a visual."
Dear John and Special Kids:
Music is always great (my husband is a drummer for a rock band) but what really works for us is the pairing of your calming voice with an object and a visual. I cannot wait to get your tape about people in the neighborhood like a barber or dentist. Val's mental capacity is unbelievable and we are very confident that he will be able to someday have a job and be successful, but his behaviors are off the wall where we still cannot bring him anywhere (you know what I mean).
Maybe this tape will show him how to act in public places. Patience, treating others nicely, obeying rules, socialization (how to meet friends and what to do with them) learning how to play — these are some concepts that he needs. Knowing what you are capable of doing with your tapes really gets my wheels turning!
Well, let me go and let you do your work rather then boring you with all my thoughts! You know parents with kids who are autistic: they are a rare breed and love to talk about their kids and look for new things to try! Thankfully people like you had the ingenuity to take a chance! Thanks!
I believe in your product wholeheartedly and would love to share what I found with others!
Jane Sblendorio, New Jersey, 2003
"My daughter loves your videos and has a learned a lot!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
I know people will benefit from your products because my daughter loves your videos and has learned a lot by using them. Her personal favorite is "Getting Ready." I think she really likes Eric on the video too. She has the ABC tape and enjoys it; eventually I want to have all the videos, books and CDs. I really admire you because of your personal experiences you have developed products that are helping families and children all over the world and I would like to do the same. I am looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you!
Arlene 2003
"My son now says MAMA and the BA, sound when he was making NO distinguishable sounds before!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
I wanted to email and let you know I have a 4-year-old son with Angelman Syndrome and I was at the local library and saw your videos. I am a big believer in anything that I can try for my son that won't hurt I'll try. So I checked out your ABC video about two months ago and my son now says MAMA and the BA, sound when he was making NO distinguishable sounds before. Their colors and shapes video was damaged so I haven't been able to get that one but that is what they are working on at school so I am sure it will help when they get one back in. I have recommended them to the school district, the parents at school and the therapists who worked with my son before he started school. I just want to say THANK YOU for helping my son.
Suzanne Barge, Missouri, 2003
"We watch these tapes twice a day, six days a week!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
My son has received great advancement with the tapes. We watch these tapes twice a day, six days a week! It compensates for the school not really providing a quality program. We realize now we must watch these tapes daily, if we want any results for our son James. We think you have done an outstanding job making these tapes and we can't thank you enough. I do have a suggestion on making your next tape and maybe a few more. I would like to see a learning tape on the days of the week, the months of the year, the seasons of the year, main holidays and all the activities you do in these seasons, such as vacation etc. Also nature in the tapes — like trees, flowers, the difference between lakes and oceans, everything pertaining to the environment. I know my son James does not understand many of these yet and I certainly know the school will not cover this at this time. I hope this suggestion has been helpful and we look forward to receiving your tapes. Thank you again for your dedication and making outstanding tapes.
Donna and Philip Pedati, New Jersey, 2003
"Your videos have opened the door of communication for our son — THANK YOU!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
My name is Pam Collins and my husband is Jamie. We have an 8 year old — so-called neuro-typical son — whose name is Devin and he ever so 'positively' challenges us daily as only he can do. We also have our indigo child Teaghan — he is six and one half and was diagnosed with autism when he was two. Suffice it to say we have tried a myriad of treatment options; I'm sure you know what that is like!
I heard about your videos when I was at a Tourettes workshop about three years ago held by Sheryl Pruitt. It was incredible what she was saying and of course, I sent away immediately for four of your videos. Teaghan wasn't quite ready at that time but we left them in his video pile. Well, what can I say? About one month ago he started watching them on his own and has been hooked ever since.
I know you know what has happened in our lives since, but I do want to thank you from my heart and share a little of it with you. Teaghan now dresses and undresses himself (about 20 times a day). He has learned how to put on his socks, turn things right-side in from inside-out, wear layers of clothing, put on mittens, scarf and a hat — it's fabulous!! He recently had his first ever conversation with his hairdresser! He helps other children with the tire swing, brushes his teeth, washes his body, goes shopping for vegetables (and cheeses) and tells us often what a "great day" he has had. We even went out for dinner one evening and Teaghan picked a booth, sat down, put his napkin on his lap and told us to wait quietly!
Your videos have indeed opened a door of communication for our son — THANK YOU! That you would take the time, open your hearts and your family for the rest of us to learn from — you are all very "special people". I am now ordering five more videos and hope you don't mind my sharing with you what happens next! We are very excited.
Because of our own personal little adventure, I am now a Community Education and Family Support Worker for our provincial Autism Society. I will be encouraging the society to get copies for our library and everyone else I know as I go along. I promise! Thank you all with all our hearts.
Pam Collins, Vancouver, 2003
"What a difference these programs have made in the lives of our children!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
Our children are James ("Jimmy") who will be 5 in May, and Katherine ("Katie") who just turned 2 in January. I have attached a photo of them taken at Christmas. Jimmy has been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Katie has a language processing delay. The first tape of yours that we purchased was "Body Parts and Grooming." After watching the tape a few times, Jimmy immediately began pointing to different parts of his body! They have also learned from the other programs that we have, which are "Things in a Day," "Shapes and Colors," and "Let's Go To..." — which has particularly helped us and Jimmy when cutting his hair. Like you do with your son, Jeffrey, we cut Jimmy's hair at home in the same way that you demonstrate on the tape. It helped to calm him a bit, although it is still a struggle. Now that our daughter, Katie, is beginning to learn and use new words, the "Body Parts and Grooming" tape is her favorite! She now knows almost all of her body parts just from watching your tape!
We cannot thank you and your family enough for all of the wonderful programs you have produced. We have seen what a difference these programs have made in the lives of our children! We wish you and your family all the best.
Karen Jergensen, New York, 2003
"My son is a very visual learner and he just loves your videos!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
Just wanted to say, "Thank You" for your Special Kids videos. My son Collin is 4 and was diagnosed with PDD-NOS and is a very visual learner and he just loves your videos! He plays them over and over. I work at a library and we carry all of your videos. Each time that I turn in these videos, my son always asks for a different Special Kids video. Thank you so much for making these Special Kids videos. It is a great help.
Jeannette Summers, California, 2002
"Our dentist was amazed at how well behaved the boys were last time!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
WE LOVE THESE VIDEOS! Words cannot express how beneficial the videos have been in helping my sons learn important skills! Our dentist was amazed at how well behaved the boys were last time! They had been watching your video about places in the community. These are awesome! Thank you so much!
Donna Littrell, Kentucky, 2002
"Your videos have been a Godsend!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
Our 3-year-old autistic son was completely nonverbal when his grandparents bought him your videos a year ago ("Alphabet," "Shapes & Colors," "Things in a Day," "Numbers," and "Body Parts & Grooming"). Now, Jake has a vocabulary of 50-60 words, and absolutely loves to watch the videos before naptime and bedtime. He tells us, "I want John" to watch the tapes. We wanted to personally thank you for helping our visual learner able to communicate with us, his teachers and his therapists. Your videos have been a Godsend!
Tricia, John and Jake Manuel, 2002
"Ever since Special Kids, my son has learned to get dressed, tolerate bath and hair-washing, and to spell hundreds of words!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
Ever since we discovered Special Kids videotapes, my five-year old son, who was diagnosed with autism, has learned to get dressed, tolerate bath and hair-washing, and to spell hundreds of words I have told everyone in our Autism support group about your tapes. My only complaint is that you should be producing hundreds of tapes instead of a dozen. My son has memorized each single word of all of your tapes, and I am running out of tapes! I need Special Kids tapes for first graders, second graders, etc. Could you please hurry up?
Anyway, I just want to let you know that we are eternally grateful for all of your work. You won't believe how much you have changed our lives. God bless your family.
Julia Chia-li Luo, Indiana, 2002
"Within a few months of first seeing your tape, he knew his entire alphabet!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
My wife and I are the parents of, Joshua, who will be 3 in two weeks. Joshua was a late speaker, and when he was 17 months old, he had yet to say his first word, and he began to attend speech therapy. At first the results were very disappointing. While searching the Internet, we came across your site a few months later (March, 2001) and ordered your alphabet tape. Joshua watched this tape over and over, and would even request it by pointing to the VCR and say "John, John!"
Joshua talks fine now, and has for a very long time. While no one may know exactly what helped Joshua the most, my wife and I realized today your taped has played a very large part in Joshua's education. Within a few months of first seeing your tape, he knew his entire alphabet! By his second birthday! So please accept our very late "Thanks!"
Steve and Criz Nichols, Florida, 2002
"I wish I had found you four years ago!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
Hi! I am the mom of a 6-year-old boy with high-functioning autism (PDD-NOS). I stumbled on your site while looking for books featuring children with disabilities that could be included in a "diversity book bag" that our elementary school is preparing for each classroom that will go home with each student over time.
I want to be sure that along with books on race, ethnicity, etc., books on children like mine, kids with ADHD or learning disabilities are included.
Anyway, I am writing to tell you that I wish I had found you 4 years ago when my son was diagnosed and we noticed that most of the language he was learning was coming from his videos! He is beyond that now, and with other interventions (ABA, floor time, gfcf diet, digestive enzymes, sensory integration therapy, etc.) is doing quite well. He is in kindergarten, reads on a 2nd grade level, and is doing fine, academically. The most difficult thing for him to learn is social appropriateness and general social communication/pragmatics skills. I offer it to you as a suggestion, since you've got the know-how, it seems.
In the meantime, I would appreciate it if you could send me a few copies of your brochure. I would like to pass them on to friends who would be interested and also to the special ed department in my town. I know there are two preschool and one elementary program that would most likely love to purchase the videos. Thank you.
Myra Marshall, Massachusetts, 2002
"Better still, he's starting to communicate with us!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
Thank you so much for playing an integral part in helping my son to speak! He's 29 months old, awaiting a likely diagnosis of autism this October. He's been watching the "Alphabet" tape for a couple of months now, and he's saying the letters. Better still, he's starting to communicate with us! He's saying, "eat" to us! We just received "Shapes & Colors" and the "Body Parts" videos today. He loves them. We'll order all you've got as money permits. Thanks so much!
Julie Van Deburgh, Oklahoma, 2001
"The world needs more angels to fly around and help others, as you are."
Dear John and Special Kids:
Hi, my name is Andrea and I am a nanny. I am in my second year of my associate's degree; I'm getting it in early childcare. I have taught in many centers and have been a Sunday school teacher for years; I love children. Yet this year in my schooling, my eyes have been opened so much more. I am taking a class entitled 'Children with Special Needs.' I have a wonderful teacher that is teaching us so much that I've never seen or thought about. I've been searching the web for information for a research paper I am writing on children with Down syndrome, where I ran across your site. I think you are wonderful people. The world needs more angels to fly around and help others, as you are. I am very excited to see such learning tools and I will definitely talk to my teacher about what I saw on your site. Thank you again! May God bless you and keep you always!
Andrea Austin, 2001
"He's learned how to dress himself!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
I wanted you to know how much we are enjoying your videos! My son is approaching his 6th birthday and has Autism. He LOVES all of your videos. What a wonderful teaching tool they are. He's learned how to dress himself by watching "Getting Ready!" Thank you so much!
Tina Krimmer, 2001
"All my kids love them!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
First of all, thank you for your wonderful videos. All my kids love them, not just my special kid! I wanted to suggest sports and games as the theme for another video. I would suggest focusing on sports as played by children, not professionals. Baseball (little league and less structured playground versions), football, soccer, tag, dodge ball, etc. The litany of children's sports remains a complete mystery to my special kid. I am not a big fan of sports, but some basic knowledge of the area would definitely help my special kid blend in a bit better on the playground. Thanks again for your wonderful videos!
Elizabeth Moore, 2001
"He has learned more from these tapes than all the therapies combined!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
We have a 3-year old autistic son who has been watching every Special Kids tape we could get our hands on during the past year. He has learned more from these tapes than all the therapies combined! He writes the whole alphabet, counts to 50, spells all the animal words on his own (even crocodile and flamingo!), writes them down saying each letter, then says "that spells _____". He bathes himself, cleaning and drying himself thoroughly, and although he doesn't like to wash his hair, he will tolerate it by letting me pour 6 glasses of water over his head to get the shampoo out! How can I thank you enough for your insight to prepare such great tapes for our kids and sharing them with us. I checked the web site and saw two tapes we didn't have and promptly ordered them, too! We put all his other videos up in the cabinet, but the "John" videos are in easy reach for Cameron to get and watch and learn. If I could point to one single most useful tool in the progress of our 3-year-old autistic son, I would without a doubt say the Special Kids Learning tapes. We have them all and he has learned SO much from them. Thank you, thank you.
Karol Nelson, Arizona, 2001
"This morning for the first time he let me trim about six hairs around his ears!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
Hi, just wanted to add my thank you for your excellent video "Lets Go To." My grandson (age 5.9) dislikes (putting it mildly) going to the doctor, dentist and barber. Since I received the video he talks about going to the dentist and always says "Be Good." This morning for the first time he let me trim about six hairs around his ears! He usually gets terrible haircuts because he is sooooooo bad and always has long hairs straggling. He got out my dryer and "dried" my hair and then I "dried" his hair. He really got a kick out of this...hopefully this will carry over to our next trip to the barber. I just ordered my second video, "Things in a Day," and am looking forward to my grandson's new learning experiences. Thank you again for your great product.
Sue Bellville, Michigan, 2001
"What a spectacular product you have!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
I am the Autism Parent Coordinator at The ARC of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. In 1998 my nephew was diagnosed with Autism. I have a great professional and personal interest in developing the best Autism Outreach Program available. For the past few years I have held four times a year, Autism Information Exchanges. I have purchased and watched many of your videos with my nephew and know what a spectacular product you have! In fact we spent last Sunday watching you at Nathan's birthday party. I sincerely look forward to hearing from you and hope this may fit into your schedule
Paula K. Starr, Wisconsin, 2001
"They have helped improve his communication skills so much!"
Dear John and Special Kids:
My name is Rhonda Stanford and between what my mother, Joann Birdwell and I have purchased, we have almost every one of your videos. They have helped improve his communication skills so much! He is mildly autistic and he talks about you and your family as if he knows you. Sam will be 5 in April, and we are getting ready to begin a modified ABA program with a private therapist this month. Anyway, I would love to suggest to you that you do a video about trying different foods. I swear, if Sam sees Eric do something he will try to do it too. I know that a lot of autistic children have difficulty trying new foods, so maybe this would be helpful to several people. Thank you so much for the wonderful work you have done.
Rhonda Stanford, Tennessee, 2001