Life as an Autistic Teen with OCD (And Several Other Conditions)

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 29. 10. 2019
  • Jon is diagnosed with autism, OCD and several other conditions. At age 14 his interests include Blue’s Clues and video games. Jon struggles to understand why it’s hard to form friendships with other teens since he’s a nice person.
    SBSK Patreon: / sbsk
    SBSK's Socials:
    / specialbooksbyspecialkids
    / chrisulmer
    / specialbooksbyspecialkids
    / sbsk
    SBSK Merch:
    sbsk.org/merch/

Komentáře • 371

  • @yarr0
    @yarr0 Před 3 lety +817

    "I have to meet him where he is, and not always expect him to be where I am" is such a simple, yet profound & important message.

    • @only.ethreal
      @only.ethreal Před rokem +6

      Bro the fact that the exact time I read this comment, the dad was saying that was cool. He is so understanding and a great father

    • @catjuzu
      @catjuzu Před rokem +1

      My man. This sentence is something I hope people will think of, when they think of me. Just meeting people where they are. I'm not that good at that though. But I'll try.

    • @marnevanvliet26
      @marnevanvliet26 Před 11 měsíci

      Frogy chair?

  • @Hamlet2369
    @Hamlet2369 Před 3 lety +503

    Chris knowing how hard it would be for the kid to imagine and still trying to push it: priceless

    • @Metalbabilicious
      @Metalbabilicious Před 3 lety +47

      I really loved how he acted it out though! So sweet!🥰

    • @Hamlet2369
      @Hamlet2369 Před 3 lety +11

      @@Metalbabilicious all of it, awesome

    • @krystalharwood6359
      @krystalharwood6359 Před 2 lety

      whixh is odd because people with autism tend to interact in a fantasy world very well

    • @kayyynicole13
      @kayyynicole13 Před rokem +6

      Yeah this pissed me off

    • @sking51
      @sking51 Před rokem +5

      @@kayyynicole13 agree! The host was too aggressive. As the Dad said: meet him where he is!

  • @urmom-qs9uj
    @urmom-qs9uj Před 3 lety +613

    JON TALKING ABOUT BLUES CLUES IS THE SWEETEST THING IM CRYING OF HAPPINESS

    • @Sonicfan-cc1te
      @Sonicfan-cc1te Před 3 lety +13

      I used to watch blues clues all the time when I was a young kid.

    • @lexie2134
      @lexie2134 Před 2 lety +9

      *cries in blue*

    • @lexie2134
      @lexie2134 Před 2 lety +3

      Hello mom

    • @urmom-qs9uj
      @urmom-qs9uj Před 2 lety +3

      @@lexie2134 hey, um so...why the dishes not done?

    • @lexie2134
      @lexie2134 Před 2 lety

      @@urmom-qs9uj *lmao*

  • @charleyjay5057
    @charleyjay5057 Před 2 lety +91

    "I'm special and so are you, and so is everyone" Oh my heart! He's such a sweetie!!🥺❤❤❤

  • @toddsqui
    @toddsqui Před rokem +99

    Jon has so much wisdom, we could learn a lot from the "Everything is awesome," approach to life.

  • @wtfarethesehandles
    @wtfarethesehandles Před 2 lety +158

    i’m autistic and yeah i can totally relate with jon. making a friend is pretty damn hard for me.

  • @Sonicfan-cc1te
    @Sonicfan-cc1te Před 3 lety +319

    I would love to be Jon's friend, and I think I would understand him better than a lot of people because I actually have Autism and I know a lot of people who also have autism.

  • @misfitroo
    @misfitroo Před 3 lety +112

    Comments are back on!! Jon is my favorite individual you've interviewed on your channel!!

  • @lvega5606
    @lvega5606 Před 3 lety +102

    Awww, I think when Jon is older he'll really appreciate the ending of this video.

  • @gwarfiend9717
    @gwarfiend9717 Před 3 lety +304

    He seems like a fantastic guy with a brilliant mind. Would love to see another update in a couple years!

    • @rionhoel8740
      @rionhoel8740 Před 2 lety +14

      Yes! I would love to see how he’s doing! I would love that very much. He seems like a great guy and I hope he has a great life!

  • @falalalala385
    @falalalala385 Před rokem +38

    When you acted out being a genie I laughed and was awed. Your ability to communicate with everyone at their level is very special.

  • @suzanne7277
    @suzanne7277 Před rokem +38

    This is one intelligent kid. I bet he likes to pull things apart, then work out how to put it back together again as my son did. He’s a champion. My son was diagnosed having an Autistic spectrum at 3, he was very hyperactive with repetitive behaviour such as OCD, and he was in his own world exploring and solving, not very social with other children, he required teacher aids at school, he was also positive and a good learner. Today he’s 27 and works for a head office firm on computers, he’s a genius with math and numbers. The sky’s the limit for Autistic kids and kids with special needs, he will be a big achiever 😊❤

  • @willettej7988
    @willettej7988 Před 3 lety +59

    This guy is soooo handsome. He has so much life and personality in his eyes. They light up!

    • @nightyew2160
      @nightyew2160 Před 2 lety +8

      Funnily enough, I think his looks remind me of Steve from Blue's Clues.

  • @Ladyjostone
    @Ladyjostone Před 2 lety +103

    I love that he ends the video with “many more years of friendship” as if he didn’t just get teacherzoned 🍎🤣🍏
    What a wonderful video and relationship. Jon, his parents, and Chris are absolutely delightful! 💖

  • @Channel-kd5xu
    @Channel-kd5xu Před 3 lety +49

    Awww, this is so wonderful to see you getting to connect with a student you've had. His mom is so full of knowledge and insights too, especially about the investment aspect. This is good to know, being someone who works with and wants to build connections with kids with autism. They might not always externally reciprocate in the way that neurotypical people would expect them to, but that doesn't necessarily mean they don't want to connect.

  • @stephengrievesX
    @stephengrievesX Před 3 lety +67

    This is the first video I watched of sbsk a little over a year ago. It was an amazing introduction into this beautiful community. I'm so glad that the comments are back, i've always wanted to comment on these videos and I know you've worked so hard for so long to get the comments back and now that there back it's truly an amazing feeling

  • @toomuchtotype6079
    @toomuchtotype6079 Před 2 lety +45

    Jon is awesome! Don’t ever stop being yourself bro and keep chasing what makes you happy. 🙏🏼

  • @xiomanaxoxoxo3212
    @xiomanaxoxoxo3212 Před 3 lety +19

    Hes really smart. and quick . He just wants to have fun . Hes so adorable.

  • @Harcoosaw
    @Harcoosaw Před rokem +12

    This has to be one of my most favorite interviews ever. Jon is seriously awesome!

  • @allosch9
    @allosch9 Před 2 lety +16

    It was so wonderful watching you interview a kid you've had a yearslong relationship with! Just seeing the way he lit up being with his old teacher was great and made me smile 😊

  • @violettaeve
    @violettaeve Před 2 lety +47

    Jon seems like a fun dude to be around, I hope he makes the friends he wants

  • @karivanpelt1035
    @karivanpelt1035 Před 2 lety +39

    I like how he said he doesn't usually find a genie lamp and doesn't want to haha

  • @hallenw
    @hallenw Před 2 měsíci +2

    I LOVE ❤️ both Jon and his “old” teacher! I wish the world had many more just like them. I would gladly be friends with both of them. ❤

  • @SkwiddBall
    @SkwiddBall Před 2 lety +5

    Him being able to understand or imagine better with a physical representation of the scenario is very relatable to me.
    These videos are helping me open my eyes and is helping me see things i have never seen before!

  • @BaddaBigBoom
    @BaddaBigBoom Před 3 lety +39

    Bless him, he feels the need to have friends though he's most likely to be perfectly happy on his own. Outside pressure does this. So long as people are nearby (but not too close) I'd guess that would work.

  • @cherylsutherland9464
    @cherylsutherland9464 Před 3 lety +49

    I love him ❤
    My son Lincoln had autism ,
    This video brought back lots of memories ,
    He is for ever in my heart ❤
    You are wonderful Chris 💙
    Love from Perth Western Australia, Australia 🇦🇺

    • @frankpaya690
      @frankpaya690 Před 2 lety +1

      Is Lincoln deceased?

    • @ricarleite
      @ricarleite Před rokem +1

      ​@@frankpaya690No. Cured.

    • @vamvam7690
      @vamvam7690 Před 9 měsíci

      @@ricarleiteyou can’t ‘cure’ autism…it is a lifelong disorder that some people have. The person can learn coping strategies/adjustment strategies etc to help them live life more smoothly and with less frustrations or anxieties but there is no ‘cure’. Nor is there any need for a fix or a ‘cure’

    • @KPR888
      @KPR888 Před 7 měsíci

      you cant be cured from autism its not a disease@@ricarleite

  • @nataliaskulkina7233
    @nataliaskulkina7233 Před rokem

    Jon, your way of speaking is amazing. You are so outspoken. Nothing can trick you into not your point of view or way of thinking. I feel it through out the interview. This honesty is such a treasure.

  • @Alejandra-jq4xf
    @Alejandra-jq4xf Před 2 lety +8

    He is so warm and innocent. I'd love to be his friend

  • @amneris9433
    @amneris9433 Před 3 lety +16

    Let's fill all the comments-sections of his video with love

  • @RaindropTDK
    @RaindropTDK Před 2 lety +5

    Jon, you are amazing!!! This video is truly beautiful, and I'm so glad to have seen it. I actually met Jon years back in a summer camp and have talked with him before (I'm about his age). He is as wonderful and friendly of a person and more, as shown in this video. I haven't seen him often; I hope he still lives in my area. I've always wanted to meet him again, and after seeing this, I want to more than ever! I'm not officially diagnosed yet, but I have come to understand that I'm more than likely autistic, and I understand Jon and his struggles with making friends. I would love to meet him again and be his friend! Thank you, Chris, for making this video, and I love to see that you also know him! What a small world! He is truly a great kid!

  • @Angel-hx6ih
    @Angel-hx6ih Před 2 lety +10

    I love him. I have a little boy who's in the Aspire spectrum and he has the hardest time making friends. He's picked on so much at school because he's different. There's times that he doesn't want to go. The majority of the time the teachers are good to him. There's been a couple that are worse than the kids to him. I love when someone can see a person like this and love them for exactly who they are. This world is hard enough. We need to love on each other and teach others. I wouldn't trade my son for the world.

  • @poseranddazstudiofunhouse6153

    Such a terrific kid. I love the way he expresses himself. He's so literal. I love that about him. If you knew that was his nature, he'd be so great to interact with but I can see how you'd have to not take his comments personally. I really hope that he grows up happy.

  • @ksvinayakan
    @ksvinayakan Před rokem +3

    Such a sweet guy. Congrats for the good work you have put on this guy.

  • @yonolono8717
    @yonolono8717 Před 3 lety +22

    Omg i watch this all the time as im autistic and have adhd and this video makes me so happy

  • @canadianmum2040
    @canadianmum2040 Před 2 lety +18

    One of the BEST Episodes ever❣️Love Jon & his Mum! Reminds me of my son Jack & myself.♥️ it’s SO hard at times, much more difficult than I would EVER have imagined, but having adhd, asd, ocd, anxiety, etc, myself, helps me understand my kids(2/6 are asd,adhd, Tourette’s, etc), and even though I’m super duper tired much of the time, I CHOSE to be a Mum & knew God would give me the kids who needed me & whom I needed to raise.❣️I’d never EVER trade our Jack for anything!♥️

  • @nightyew2160
    @nightyew2160 Před 2 lety +2

    I think part of what makes you awesome is your unique way of putting things, for example "indeed" instead of the usual "yes." It makes you so interesting to listen to.

  • @clara-ob1md
    @clara-ob1md Před 2 lety +10

    When they were talking about Chris being an old teacher I thought “oh cool Chris got him to use his imagination” but then the end when Chris says he was really Jon’s teacher in 2012 and there was a picture of young Chris and Jon :’) MY HEART

  • @sorryNOTsorry0911
    @sorryNOTsorry0911 Před 2 lety +10

    My grandson is autistic and would love to have a friend . Especially to play online games with .It's heartbreaking to watch . More so because he doesn't understand why the kids won't be friends. We see the beautiful and generous side to these kids but young teens won't look. It breaks my heart when he cries because his sister's have friends and he doesn't. It's a sad thing when all you want as a young male teen is a friend. There are no places for kids with autism where they live to find someone to connect with. It's a heartbreaking thing to watch their life go by without the chance for a friend , someone to relate to each other. Hopefully your son gets that chance.

    • @vickyher0
      @vickyher0 Před 2 lety +1

      Pray for him

    • @puertoricanprincess2272
      @puertoricanprincess2272 Před rokem

      Please let us know how he can be reached. My 15 year old Autistic son would love to be his cyber friend

  • @Tranquility32
    @Tranquility32 Před 2 lety +6

    Lol. I loved the look mom gave when she said teenagers can be challenging (meaning in the typical way teens can be). Anyway, Jon is a beautiful boy and I wish him LOTS of friends and happiness!

  • @irishhawkins8455
    @irishhawkins8455 Před rokem +1

    This young fella is acatually a gift to our world in my opinion. Clean and pure soul is what comes to mind!

  • @autumn0-032
    @autumn0-032 Před 3 lety +6

    he seems like such a nice person

  • @terrio5662
    @terrio5662 Před rokem

    Awesome interview, Jon is a happy and funny kid, what a special boy and I wish him and his parents all the best! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

  • @alexbradford2855
    @alexbradford2855 Před 3 lety +74

    Jon you are absolutely wonderful!!!! I have autism too and would like to be your friend

  • @cshell64
    @cshell64 Před rokem +3

    Such an awesome young man!
    His parents are amazing, so loving & they are the perfect mom & dad for their son!

  • @AlejandroPocho
    @AlejandroPocho Před 2 lety +5

    I´m an autistic person, diagnosed when i was 12yo, now I´m 40. The work that you do is so important. Thank you... you are amazing

  • @samibeachboysandfullhousef8765

    I have autism too don't let anyone bring you down buddy keep smiling and talk about blues clues i talk about full house and the beach boys all the time

  • @kpencil7927
    @kpencil7927 Před 3 lety +19

    It was so emotional when Jon said « I want to be you » « a teacher ». I am also teacher and working with autistic students, it has always been an awesome and wonderful adventure. Thank you for sharing so much joy and happiness ❤️

  • @JojoJojo-qr5ye
    @JojoJojo-qr5ye Před rokem +27

    What a lovely family !

  • @marleenninaka1303
    @marleenninaka1303 Před 3 lety +5

    Hi everyone: It's so nice to see you all again. I hope to meet you all one day. It's so nice to see you all again on CZcams. Take care and stay safe.

  • @rockodinero6889
    @rockodinero6889 Před rokem

    Jon you inspire me more than you will ever know 💪🏾 Keep being a great kid and I’m proud of you.

  • @Meme-go9ts
    @Meme-go9ts Před 2 lety +3

    12:33 I really love that he quoted the exact fist bump from the movie Big Hero Six

  • @kellybishop7238
    @kellybishop7238 Před rokem

    I just love these interviews❤ thank you for sharing these. It has made such a difference for me

  • @codybk91
    @codybk91 Před 2 lety +1

    He's so sweet and wholesome and funny. I'll be your friend, Jon!

  • @22leighanna
    @22leighanna Před 4 měsíci

    Oh My Gosh he is so precious and so smart. I love John. You have an awesome job getting to work and play with such wonderful people. ❤

  • @ravenswoods177
    @ravenswoods177 Před 2 lety +1

    Jon is amazing 👏 thanks for sharing!!

  • @zoebuki3512
    @zoebuki3512 Před 3 lety +10

    Jon, you are awesome!

  • @devinwalker6111
    @devinwalker6111 Před dnem

    This has been so uplifting! I would love to be his friend because I also live with autism and blues clues is my all time favorite. I also struggled with making friends back from elementary to high school. What a sweet boy! ❤

  • @BennysVersion
    @BennysVersion Před 2 lety +3

    aww Jonny is so cute when he smiles

  • @bensherman8925
    @bensherman8925 Před rokem +5

    Jon is awesome, he’d make a great friend.

  • @Mr.chulo10.18
    @Mr.chulo10.18 Před 2 lety +2

    be yourself and i love you no matter what .

  • @jessieollinger
    @jessieollinger Před rokem +4

    “Now we’re getting it.” ☺️🤣 he rocks. My son has ASD.
    You’re doing amazing mom and dad!! 🙌💚

  • @jimmyfuentes1800
    @jimmyfuentes1800 Před rokem +2

    This video gave me so much hope. I have a 2 year old autistic child and it's not easy but this video showed me that I need to invest my time, love and resources in to my son early on. What an amazing young man Jon is.

    • @AlexSR__
      @AlexSR__ Před rokem

      How do you know that your child is autistic at 2 year old?

  • @severoussnape3148
    @severoussnape3148 Před 2 lety +5

    He melted my heart ❤💙💜

  • @user-mq5dr1jh5t
    @user-mq5dr1jh5t Před 8 měsíci

    hi jon! know this is old but Chris brought your friendliness out and i loved meeting you!

  • @cookeepuff
    @cookeepuff Před 2 lety +1

    So cute! Loved this interview.

  • @kellytreolo6195
    @kellytreolo6195 Před 9 měsíci

    Such a charming guy! So smart and funny. The world is lucky to have him!

  • @evacortes3762
    @evacortes3762 Před 2 lety

    Great video I enjoyed it it’s heartbreaking sometimes

  • @ItsMarcemellow
    @ItsMarcemellow Před 11 hodinami

    “I am special. And so are you. And so is everyone!” 😭💕
    And I totally agree. Steve was the best one on Blues Clues!!

  • @ruhningfast7016
    @ruhningfast7016 Před 2 lety +5

    We often talk about how parents can help their kids on the spectrum but even before my oldest was diagnosed and with youngest (neurotypical), I taught them to be friendly with kids of all backgrounds, abilities, etc. I never forced them but I think if more parents would teach their kids to be friendlier and kinder, the playground would be a better place. My oldest has friends because his friends are very caring, which absolutely can be also be attributed to their upbringing. You don't need to be best friends with everyone but we need to be kind.
    Jon appears to have patient, positive parents who know how to persevere through the tough times and look for different ways to develop his strengths.

  • @CyberspaceGeek
    @CyberspaceGeek Před 8 měsíci +2

    Jon is a smart, intelligent, and good-natured young man who knows how to express himself well. I have a nephew (now 26; my next older brother's second born son) whose mannerisms are not unlike his. He is also fun-loving and quite funny in his own right which I find very encouraging about those dealing/living with various kinds of challenges, and his smile and laughter are strong attributes as well. I wonder if he is an only child or has siblings older or younger than he and if the latter if they are all NT. The older brother of said nephew of mine, 32 this month, is profoundly autistic and the parents are actively involved in their community in the midwestern U.S. supporting him and others who present with serious mental/developmental challenges that will usually require lifelong attention (my brother and his wife are approaching their middle 60's now and were married 37 years ago just after I turned 20). I trust that his folks continue to hold fast as he embarks upon adulthood and would hope and pray that he can make a good life for himself as he grows and matures.

  • @FrancieMoon9
    @FrancieMoon9 Před 2 měsíci

    Another amazing video. Chris is awesome!!

  • @ceegee5335
    @ceegee5335 Před rokem

    Jon is just super awesome!!!!. I hope he gets many many friends.

  • @elhale8774
    @elhale8774 Před 2 lety +4

    "Now we're getting it!" My favourite moment made my day

  • @AmandaYoungss
    @AmandaYoungss Před 2 lety +5

    He broke my heart when asked if he could have 1 wish and replied "i dont want to be alone at the water park"... As a mom of a high functioning autistic son, i say ALL kids deserve friends....

  • @tiffanee9738
    @tiffanee9738 Před 2 lety +1

    I loved Blue's Clues too!! His smile and giggle are contagious. :)

  • @carolinegwatidzo4853
    @carolinegwatidzo4853 Před 2 lety +3

    I love him super awesome, intelligent and I like how he sees himself. I wouldn't change anything about him

  • @melkohn6214
    @melkohn6214 Před rokem

    Jon...it was super swelll seing you on the video. Thanks!!!!!!

  • @Appelcat222
    @Appelcat222 Před rokem +3

    I’m still laughing at the end of this video lol! I think you are friends. I love this kid! He’s so expressive. His parents are raising a smart child…a very positive teenager.

  • @awangie
    @awangie Před 3 lety +12

    the mom is so sweet and kind ! really wish she reads these positive comments ! jon is serotonin ! wish the family well, btw i'll love to be jon's friend ! i promise there are still teens who love blue clues and want to be his friend ~ ^_^ ♡

  • @missingandunsolved
    @missingandunsolved Před 2 lety

    Yes, Jon... you are awesome and I hope you make some new friends soon. You make me laugh, so I'm sure you'll make many other people laugh, too. 😊

  • @evelynjordan1982
    @evelynjordan1982 Před rokem +1

    Update on Jon
    he’s so amazing ❤😊

  • @rosannacellini2158
    @rosannacellini2158 Před 2 lety

    Chris, you are a great friend. I wish for Jon to meet many people in his life, that will truly enjoy being his friends. He is a very nice, handsome young man, and bright in his own way. I really like his uniqueness, and sincerity. God
    bless him and his parents. 🤩👍😎

  • @nickkrasny1562
    @nickkrasny1562 Před 7 měsíci

    Honestly- what a wonderful young man ❤️

  • @pokerdoll100
    @pokerdoll100 Před 2 lety +5

    I absolutely love this kid! He’s just awsome ! ❤️❤️❤️

  • @georginashanti4605
    @georginashanti4605 Před 10 měsíci +4

    I would love to hear an update about Jon. Has he made a few friends who accept him for who he is? Is he happy and doing things that make him feel positive and fulfilled? I hope he's doing ok & his loving parents too!

  • @bettinataina
    @bettinataina Před 3 lety +3

    Jon, you are awesome 😊

  • @tammydiggs7479
    @tammydiggs7479 Před 20 dny

    Thank so much for sharing this or doing this

  • @wanda4573
    @wanda4573 Před 2 lety +5

    He such a attractive teen, quiet bright. Amazing smile. his life would be a lot easlier if he didnt have all these other issues. lovely parents!!. Adventure is a perfect word mom said. That goes for all parents of teens. My child is mentally bright/normal but has had some medical issues for a few years now and it's been exhursting if truth was told.

  • @patriciacano5785
    @patriciacano5785 Před rokem +1

    Thanks Jon for the beautiful lesson about feels awesome!!

  • @toddthechimeralinguist
    @toddthechimeralinguist Před 2 lety +1

    The Baymax bit tore right through my heart.

  • @fellowviewer1095
    @fellowviewer1095 Před 2 lety +15

    There's just so many amazing families out there. That's what I've learned from this channel.

  • @allie54774
    @allie54774 Před 2 lety

    He is such a sweetie bless him ❤

  • @Visitor2Earth
    @Visitor2Earth Před rokem +3

    Jon is a hoot! He reminds me of my oldest Grandson in so many ways! My grandson has Aspergers's, as does his Dad (my oldest Son). I have Tourette's Syndrome, as well as Aspergers.

  • @Safeguard1
    @Safeguard1 Před 4 měsíci

    So cheeky

  • @jenelljurado8500
    @jenelljurado8500 Před 2 lety +3

    Oh I LOVE HIM!!! HE IS A GREAT YOUNG MAN!

  • @ccsslimereviews6155
    @ccsslimereviews6155 Před rokem +2

    This means something different knowing my best friend has autism and for the record they are the kindest sweetest people in the world and they won’t judge you like everyone else they understand everything they might just have a different way of showing it but they are people too are they are more amazing than you can ever imagine

  • @katagirl3000
    @katagirl3000 Před 2 lety +4

    He has a diagnosis of all the things my 10 yr old has too. He speaks a lil better but probably because he's older. My girl even loves blues clues and video games lol. It's interesting seeing someone just like her.

  • @iheartreverb10
    @iheartreverb10 Před 2 lety +2

    I love the big hero six reference he did after the fist bump! 😊

  • @jimkreider9997
    @jimkreider9997 Před 9 měsíci +1

    Can this young man ever live on his own someday? What he said about his mom I agree. He seems to have a better connection with his dad. She obsesses about it where dad accepts it unconditionally. That teacher is terrific

  • @beatrizss194
    @beatrizss194 Před 2 lety +3

    Esse garoto é adorável, um coração puro.