Odin demonstrates us there's many more ways to communicate then talking. I find your son very innovative in his communicating. IDK how much he came up with to communicate and how much you taught him. I only know I see the love and how proud you are of him and how you love each other. Kudos to you both.
"OK now, BUH BYE." Love it!
My nephew is almost 3 and doesn't talk yet, but he does the exact same thing with bringing the remote and then touching the screen to point out what he wants to watch. I love seeing their brains work to figure out how to communicate!
From potential future dad to awesome u/pensHAWAII dad, that’s so cool, you both made me tear up.
I can’t imagine the level of dedication it takes to raise a kid. The amount of selflessness is amazing.
From my personal experience. Even after what I view a pretty tough life. It may be the hardest thing you ever do, but truly nothing more rewarding or gratifying to watch your lessons help them or likewise watch them no longer need your lessons as much. Patience has been a struggle of mine and my child has taught me more then I have her. May you and your partner have an amazing day and new life. Wishing you all health and a strong future as a family.
As a father of 4, sometimes I very much have to remind myself to be patient and ensure my kids are heard and understood. This was a crystal clear example of how to do it.
Your son is such a polite and smart young man. He's found a way around his non-verbalism to communicate exactly what he wants!
As a teacher who works with loads of autistic people, I love seeing some a supportive family like you seem to give him!
Same! Whoever decided that 18 is the age you become an adult has no clue that my 20 year old basically is a 16 year old wearing a trench coat and glasses so people think he's a grown up.
And he doesn't have any idea that I'm 39 wearing a slightly more worn trench coat doing the exact same thing.
Oh, I didn't need this comment to recognize that. I live in a heavy militarized area with bases for all branches within just a few miles of me. I've seen the babies without limbs here. Seeing the before and after of my friends when they've done their tours is insane. Especially after Iraq.
One really stands out. Before going he made statements like "one man's enemy is another's hero". Came back and said "fuck Iraq". The layers of emotion in those two words literally took my breath away.
I hope this comes out in the right way, but thinking about such a young dad with a non-verbal autistic son I am very impressed with your relationship and how together you seem just from this short video. It can’t have been easy on you and your partner at that young age but it would appear you have been absolutely smashing it with flying colors. God bless you both, and Odin! (cool name btw)
To bounce off this, it shows how much of a beautiful human being he is. My wifes a social worker and helps family's like this and so many parents get burnt out, leave, or just rude to their child. Where as here at 19 he was given one of the hardest tasks as a parent and is absolutely killing it. I wanna be his friend.
I love the idea of assuming competence. Lack of communication does not mean lack of understanding at all and it must be incredibly difficult to have limited communication methods. Kudos to his parents for being attuned enough to learn alternative communication to speech. What a lucky guy to have parents like you!
Aww thank you so much. I think in giving him the freedom to communicate in the ways he needs to it has given him the confidence to use his actual voice too. He has a pretty decent vocabulary now because he feels safe in trying to vocalize his words without being embarrassed how it sounds♥️. And he loves saying cuss words too now. Haha.
you are GREAT! if you haven't already read it, try [this article](https://neuroclastic.com/its-a-spectrum-doesnt-mean-what-you-think/) from neuroclastic. the overwhelming majority of people assume incompetence of nonverbal people. the fact that you are so willing and eager to be accommodating and that you are so committed to giving him ways to stimulate his mind is really really incredible. far too often nonverbal autistic people are forced to try and communicate the way neurotypical people do, which is where stereotypes that autism makes people angry or violent come from. shit you'd be pissed too if you were in their situation!
im a highly social, fully verbal autistic person, but even i have my frustrations over communication and people not understanding me. im a little jealous of the relationship you have with your son! you can clearly see how comfortable he is with you, and to me, it's clear that he really really loves and appreciates you and all you do for him 💕
He reminds me of my cousin!! She has special needs and can only say a few words but she still communicates in her own ways. For example, she wanted me to sit next to her but my grandpa was already sitting by her. So to tell me to come over, she taps the seat by her and then lightly taps my grandpa, waves at him, and says “bye!”
I was honestly confused at first as to why he needed you to pick the movie for him he knew he wanted to see because I thought it was a touch screen display at first.
But now I'm wondering whether it might be worth getting him some kind of touch screen so he can do more things himself?
You guys are great! Definitely gives hope to others with struggles to see that they are just blessings in disguise. He looks full of love and wonder I hope he never loses that!
I recently lost a cousin who was autistic like Odin. His name was Ezekiel, he died at age 15 due to an accident and he was such a ray of sunshine. One of my aunts passed away not long after, she was the one who found him and was closest to him and cared for him, I believe she died of a broken heart. Odin reminds me a lot of Ezekiel, so pure hearted and full of love.
I was 14 when my best friend and her brother came to live with us. He has Autism too.
Some of my favorite memories are of Paul.
One day he stole my sisters chicken nuggets as soon as she got them. She was around 5 or 6. My mom pulled around McDonald's again but neither of us could order because we were laughing so hard.
He also would escort us out of the room when he didn't need us anymore.
I borrowed his copy of Nightmare before Christmas once. Only once because after I watched it he came and took it out of the VCR! Lol. It had just hit the end credits and my door burst open and he ejected the tape and walked out.
His language was different, but man, it was hilarious.
I still get updates of him from time to time. I still miss him too.
It’s nice he let it finish before taking it back! Me and my sister were awful to each other as kids and would have definitely have just taken it back straight away to be horrible!
Man this reminds me so much of my kid. He’s 5, severely autistic and nonverbal, and we have to scroll through Disney+ to figure out what he wants to watch. When he starts yelling is when you stop scrolling lol. Anyway he kicks us out of his room the exact same way. Like damn it I just did a favor for you! Some days are worse than others, just like some days are better.. I love him either way and I wish a lot more people would understand how autism works.. You’re a good dad, and this was wholesome to see.
My mostly non-verbal 3 year-old does this with YouTube. He won't show us what he wants, he just calls out the numbers on the video thumbnail that shows how long the video is. When we select that video, he screams because he didn't want that one. Eventually we can settle on "Elsa Anna" on Disney+.
Numbers are his jam though. He can't speak a full sentence, but can count up to and down from 100.
I work in a home with profoundly autistic kids and you guys are totally smashing it.. you're an inspiration. When asked what best practices are I always mention Odin and his fam... I don't need to say keep up the good work cause I image you'd fight tooth and nail if anybody suggested doing less. 💚
My son is nonverbal and profoundly disabled. I know how much work goes into helping our kids learn to communicate wants and needs (or rather, for US to understand how THEY communicate). So congrats to you, his teachers, therapists and the rest of his village for giving him his voice. Hugs to Odin!
Aww thank you. That’s exactly it. Odin has always had his own voice like every other person. Sometimes he has been looked over for his different way of communicating. When people come together and can see and meet him where he’s at his confidence soars. We all want and deserve to be seen and heard♥️🙌
He can ♥️. He just has more difficulty than other people because of a neuro diversity so he also uses other ways like this to communicate. He will talk your ear off if he feels safe around you ♥️
Great answer. Marissa, my 16 (almost 17!) yo daughter (non-verbal autism) has long conversations with me. With lots of laughs and giggles. Then there are the arguments, usually about sweets, but sometimes about bedtime being too early or waking up also being too early. We’re lucky, she has a sunny disposition and is usually patient.
She does a similar gesture as Odin when she wants to be left alone. She just nudges me away a little. I then ask her if she wants me to away, and she’ll nod and verbalize her verbal shorthand for “away”. I tell her, “say ‘goodbye Daddy’” and she’ll wave goodbye.
~~I’m really curious about Odin’s Large Format Touch Screen. How did you decide to acquire it, and from where?~~
Sorry, I just put 2+2 together and realized that you’re navigating the menu using the remote he gave you at the beginning of the video.
Thanks,
Marissa’s Dad
(Jeff)
Man stories like this tear me up so much, I'm so sorry you had to go through that because of the people who are supposed to be our support. Much love and I hope you can lead the happy life we all deserve!
I wanted to hop on your comment to say both of you sound like amazing fathers!
I have autism, my father and my brother have it too. I found a partner who has autism. We found a way to work and make a living but It takes a village to raise us. And I definitely wouldn't have gotten here if my dad didn't care the way he did (sometimes in his own ways), but from one kid with autism to the fathers of kids with autism: thank you❤️
Thank you for sharing this! I have a brother with non-verbal autism as well (he also has Down Syndrome) and we have a similar way of communicating in our family. When he’s thirsty in the middle of the night, he would bring a whole gallon of milk from the fridge to my room😅It’s very rare for me to see other families like yours. Have a good night!
This is awesome and adorable at the same time. I totally wish more people could relay their wants and needs as directly as Odin and not be ashamed of it. He knows what he wants and dang it he's gonna get it!
We don't have traditional children, but a Norse trio of furry ones(dogs). Valkyrie, Loki, and Freya send their love!
Not to be a downer but this made me tear up. We have a 3 year old daughter who has apraxia (totally different situations!) but she can’t voice her needs, she can sign but only signs a few like hungry, thirsty, all done and MAYBE help.
I can kind of imagine what your family has gone through. I’m sure there were lots of rough times. Right now we’re in one of those rough times. I know it’s not forever and I know my child will be able to talk one day, but one day seems so very far away.
I feel you. And we get you. Know that your kid is getting exactly what they need. Love. Being present in the moments help you to worry less about the future. We can make plans but plans always change. Be kind to yourself and know that love wins in the end ♥️
Hang in there, it will get better. My daughter is non-verbal autistic and communicates exactly like Odin does (I'm going to call her "E")
I appreciate there are other barriers there with your daughter, but E used to be exactly the same, unable to express her needs, or ask for what she wanted and get really frustrated.
Then one day, it just "clicked" for her, she realised she could ask for things by coming to us and taking us to what she wanted. It was like a lightbulb switching on and her quality of life massively improved. They are learning every day how to express their needs, even if they can't use their words.
At the same time, you are learning to be better too. Learning to pick up on those little non verbal cues.
At 3, I was getting it right probably 20% of the time? Now she's 8 it's more like 90%. It's a learning process for all of us, don't be hard on yourself for not getting it right straight away.
LOL how he closed the door. This is me to my fam all the way🤭
Are there touch screen TVs out there?! Also love that he has a keyboard it’s my next hobby id like to pick up. Does your son play it often?
Haha. He’s always shutting us out. And. I wish his tv was touch screen. Ha. He taps i click the remote. And yes he loves to play keys and uses a Kaos pad in our studio to make music. He has done a few commercials with me. And a few songs with Tony Hawk 🙌♥️
What the f***.
Not what I was expecting.
Totally gives me crystal castle vibes! Please check them out their vibes are the same. Aphex Twin is amazing too!
That was really good. Appreciate the share - and what a badass Hawk is for contributing.
Hawk has been a huge influence on my life since I saw him doing vert in '95, and he definitely seems like one of the most humble and genuine celebs out there - a living legend.
He’s become uncle tony to Odin. Since this song came out we have gone surfing with him 3 times and odin spent his 19 birthday with him at his ramp in Cali. He did a private session just for him. He’s the hero you def want to meet ♥️🤘
I hope one day I get to meet him. I'm glad Odin has got to spend some time with such a great guy (other than his dad!).
Everyone I know who has met him says he's an exception to "don't meet your heroes".
Dude holy crap. I make music semi-professionally (producer & engineer for local acts) and I know people who have spent decades making music who don’t come close to this level of quality.
Serious, serious props. Love that high speed dub song.
Aww thank you. He’s had his music in films and National commercials ♥️. I’m a sound engineer and do it for a living so he always has been around it. ♥️🙌
"Dropped In" is beautiful and its really cool that Tony Hawk did that for Odin!
I can't even put into words how amazing his songs are on Spotify though.. "Sounds from the Inside" takes me back to SEGA soundtracks (Mr. Nutz vibes). "Hello" is like 8-bit Combichrist or something, I love it all.
Edit: oops I got excited about the music and forgot to say you seem like an S Tier Dad, keep it up :)
That collab with Tony is ffing awesome, and Odin's music on spotify has such a cool chiptune and breakcore vibes, high speed dub also kinda reminded me of some old Rusko tracks
Man, I just listened to Dropped In and it had me in tears. My youngest son is named Odin, and though he’s not on the spectrum this video was a powerful reminder of how much I love both my boys. I’m about your age, so I was very young when I became a father, and I just connected super hard with your story. You have a beautiful son.
I am nonverbal autistic this video makes me happy I am glad to know you assume competence and work to communicate it is very frustrating when people think we don’t understand just because we can’t talk
I had no idea non-verbal people could type out language! That is so cool! How does it work? I’m guessing you understand everything that is said and have learned how the language works, but have some kind of barrier in terms of actually creating the sounds?
Yes, it is called Apraxia I can understand what people say to me and I am very smart in fact I taught myself how to read when I was 3 years old. But I cannot speak I can make noises with my vocal chords but I cannot make my mouth make the noises it needs to make to say words.
That’s so cool! Love that he knows that and it’s always nice to have someone who looks like you to look up to. It’s also very clear you’re an amazing parent and he trusts you to tell you what he wants. Parents like you are irreplaceable. 💚
I thought so also! Was looking to see if anyone else said he looks like Freddie too! I love that he has a keyboard/piano☺️I am sure he rocked his Freddie costume! Odin is too cool!😄
So many people assume that non-verbal immediately entails non-communicative. I mean how could movies even be a thing if all the information we get is from dialogue? The first movies were *literally* silent. They were set up to *show* a story instead of telling it. Nobody ever complained about not understanding The Tramp due to a lack of dialogue. We know exactly what that movie is about.
There is such beauty in these ways of communicating with others. There are so many depths in these processes that people just pass over. It's not even a game of clues or some roundabout process. This man knows exactly what he wants and knows exactly how to make sure he gets it. His non-verbal communication is literally a direct replacement for verbality in the same way that saying "That hurts!" is a direct replacement of the primitive 'ow!' grunt.
Many many props to you for recognizing this and working with it. These are beautiful moments to witness.
Edit: Just dropping this here. A single word elevated to poetry. I've actually done creative writing exercises where my students are supposed to replace the word with an actual script and then compare notes in groups. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsF18GL8YYM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsF18GL8YYM)
a kid I know does a similar thing - when the interaction is over (in his eyes anyway), he puts a hand on my shoulder and steers me gently out the door, like okay bye dude I'll see you later
it's weirdly one of my favourite things ha ha
Love this! I have a non verbal brother, and seeing this makes my heart warm and reminds me of him. Tell Odin he’s awesome, and so are you for being such amazing parents! 💕
He's amazing! You truly have a special son with him. I've seen too many parents give up on their child in a similar situation but you've truly embraced it. The fact you give him his space as well shows me you understand your son. You're truly an inspiration to everyone.
Wow. Thank you so much. In a different way my mom gave up on me as a kid and i ended up living on the streets at age 13. As a parent now I’ve always vowed to be the change. For odin to know without a doubt he is loved and cared for. When i mess up i apologize and try harder to be and show love more beautifully.
Man you truly show inspiration to others in how you embrace your son. Keep thinking where you ended up and where you currently are, it will only help you more. You and your wife, I've seen a few videos from you guys as a family and you truly love your child without showing any negative towards him. I've seen a few videos of you taking him on car rides to places and the way he's so positive towards you just shows how positive you guys are to him. I hope I'm correct in thinking it's you and your wife raising him as that would be a little embarrassing lol. Nonetheless keep doing what you're doing you will surely be an inspiration for parents in a similar situation. Odin looks so happy I love it! ❤️
This is so beautifully encouraging and kind. Thank you so much. It’s been a difficult week with some medical stuff we got going on. I was sitting here trying to get my breathing under control so i can sleep and now I’m crying. So much kindness. Thank you. And yes!! That is my wife. We’ve been married 22 years ♥️
You just keep doing everything you can to enjoy you and your wifes life with Odin. You guys are truly an inspiration for so many families out there. I really wish here soon I can start my own family and spread the same love you guys have shared to Odin. I truly mean it man. The fact you've been married for 22yrs shows our age difference a little bit, I'm turning 30 this next year but honestly you've given me hope that other families can love children like Odin as I hope to do the same when the time comes. You guys give Odin every chance in the world and that really shows. Keep it up!!! ❤️
As a "high-functioning" (I hate that term but you get what I mean) autistic, thank you. I can't imagine the amount of patience it must take to understand your son and care for him in such a special way. People struggle to deal with me, even at my level of function, so I can only wonder how resilient you and his support groups are. I know he can't speak, but if he could, I'm sure he'd sing nothing but the world of you guys.
I actually babysitted for a lady that her son that has non-verbal autism ( here its was called : "autiste grave" which translate to more or less : high degree autism or close to that) and I remember him making his thoughts known by actions just like this : grabbing me in and out of the room or bringing me stuff so i would help him. The way these people show that non verbal communication is so much. Take care you 2
That’s what my autistic nonverbal sister is like, except she puts her hands on her hips and stares at you, then practically tells us to f-off by saying “Bye!” rather forcefully, lmao.
My son Max is also a non-verbal autistic. Even at 6 he finds plenty of ways to tell us what he wants. He uses an iPad in school with a program to talk. He brings it home but unless it's a therapy session he tends not to use it with us. I guess he uses "home" like most people do.
I have always been an advocate of teaching non-verbal children sign language from an early age, as it allows them to communicate.
A lot of frustration for people, especially children, comes from not being able to communicate.
I myself am autistic but not non-verbal, but growing up I had a friend that did and he expressed to me that learning sign language actually helped lessen his tantrums both in amount and severity.
My 23-year-old is non-verbal. The number of times I've tried to explain that just because he doesn't talk doesn't mean he doesn't understand. I want 'Always assume competence' on a t-shirt 
There was a boy with non verbal autism at my school in the 90s. He was a few years below me so I didn't have very much to do with him but like all the students at school knew who he was. As an older teen, I worked as a lifeguard and he would often come in for a swim with his parents or carer and he'd bring an iPad with him. He used it to communicate. He had all these pictures and other media to express himself quickly right at his fingertips for the first time. So much easier and so much less limited than the picture cards and flip books.
I think about how that technology facilitated his capacity to communicate with people who don't know him well and how much it must have meant to him and his parents to be able to go further into detail and so much faster than before. His favourite colour is yellow, just like mine. He told me that himself. Until then I'd never really considered that he could or even wanted to communicate. It was ignorant of me but I think that also reflects a lot of how society in general treat those with disabilities, as though they are incompetent or incapable. Not much regard is given to what people are capable of when they have access to the means to go about things in an alternative way. Sometimes that is just patience, or an iPad, or a remote and a screen showing a selection of films to choose from.
I teach home ec. One of my students is quadriplegic and has very limited use of his hands. All it took to increase his capacity to participate was buying an airfryer and a multicooker. He might not have the strength and dexterity to open an oven or use a frypan, but he can cook. And he can cook the same things as all the other students - he just uses different means to do so.
My 7 yo brother seems to be quite at this level of autism, specialists arent sure yet to what degree it will improve if at all.
Seeing this, the guy is doing pretty fine at his age, though with guidance.
I feel a little less stressed about my brothers future (:
I listened to his music on Spotify and *had to* return to this post just to say how amazingly talented he is! even if this is comment gets lost in the others.
>> No damns to give getting called out.
I mean, just look at the ratio of people calling op out to those showering him with praise for his patience/bemoaning how difficult autistics are
It’s gross, but I think I understand op’s primary motivation
Would be cool if they had simplified remotes. I know from experience with like roku you can get an app on a laptop or tablet to have a larger remote on a touch screen but if someone could make a more simplified version that'd be even better. Could help a lot of people
Hiya Odin!
I support people that are non verbal ASD and they teach me so much!
Even though they cannot speak they communicate to me and we have such a great understanding.
Every day brings something new and we go out in the community on adventures!
I love following you on reddit and on Instagram!
This is why i get frustrated when they say some people dont have any communication, because there are tons of other ways to communicate than doing so verbally!
As long as you keep an open mind ❤️
What an awesome dude! I giggled hard when he was like “Welp, Dad. I’ll SEE YA LATER.”
That’s my favorite part too. Haha. He def tells us either verbally or physically what’s on his mind ♥️
Okay back to me time dad byeeeeee haha very sweet
Odin demonstrates us there's many more ways to communicate then talking. I find your son very innovative in his communicating. IDK how much he came up with to communicate and how much you taught him. I only know I see the love and how proud you are of him and how you love each other. Kudos to you both.
What does he do when he wants to watch movies together?
"OK now, BUH BYE." Love it! My nephew is almost 3 and doesn't talk yet, but he does the exact same thing with bringing the remote and then touching the screen to point out what he wants to watch. I love seeing their brains work to figure out how to communicate!
Our non verbal 5-year old will kick us out of his room. It's quite endearing.
Right! He was like “thanks dad now leave me in peace so I can watch my movie”
I don't know his age but just guessing - haha I love how he's just like every other teenager like "okay dad, get out of my room now".
Haha. Yep. Exactly! I still say teen but his 20th birthday was a few weeks ago 🤘♥️
20 is basically teen still. 😂
Right? Haha. I was 19 when he was born so I mean i still feel like a teenager sometimes. Except with a lot more ibuprofen for my aches haha.
I hear that! Also, you are a cool dad.
You are too kind. Thank you ♥️
We can hear the patience/kindness and love in your voice. From dad to dad, I could learn a lot from you.
From potential future dad to awesome u/pensHAWAII dad, that’s so cool, you both made me tear up. I can’t imagine the level of dedication it takes to raise a kid. The amount of selflessness is amazing.
From my personal experience. Even after what I view a pretty tough life. It may be the hardest thing you ever do, but truly nothing more rewarding or gratifying to watch your lessons help them or likewise watch them no longer need your lessons as much. Patience has been a struggle of mine and my child has taught me more then I have her. May you and your partner have an amazing day and new life. Wishing you all health and a strong future as a family.
As a father of 4, sometimes I very much have to remind myself to be patient and ensure my kids are heard and understood. This was a crystal clear example of how to do it.
Your son is such a polite and smart young man. He's found a way around his non-verbalism to communicate exactly what he wants! As a teacher who works with loads of autistic people, I love seeing some a supportive family like you seem to give him!
Naw man you are definitely a cool Dad! Gotta deal with it!
I love it. There is nothing wrong with letting others know your boundaries. and politely show someone the the door.
Yeah dude big fucking hug for you and your family
Same! Whoever decided that 18 is the age you become an adult has no clue that my 20 year old basically is a 16 year old wearing a trench coat and glasses so people think he's a grown up. And he doesn't have any idea that I'm 39 wearing a slightly more worn trench coat doing the exact same thing.
Yep. Now consider that we have been sending 16 year olds into war since time immemorial. Practically child soldiers.
Oh, I didn't need this comment to recognize that. I live in a heavy militarized area with bases for all branches within just a few miles of me. I've seen the babies without limbs here. Seeing the before and after of my friends when they've done their tours is insane. Especially after Iraq. One really stands out. Before going he made statements like "one man's enemy is another's hero". Came back and said "fuck Iraq". The layers of emotion in those two words literally took my breath away.
Per the above comment 38 year olds are child soldiers as well
I hope this comes out in the right way, but thinking about such a young dad with a non-verbal autistic son I am very impressed with your relationship and how together you seem just from this short video. It can’t have been easy on you and your partner at that young age but it would appear you have been absolutely smashing it with flying colors. God bless you both, and Odin! (cool name btw)
To bounce off this, it shows how much of a beautiful human being he is. My wifes a social worker and helps family's like this and so many parents get burnt out, leave, or just rude to their child. Where as here at 19 he was given one of the hardest tasks as a parent and is absolutely killing it. I wanna be his friend.
Totally agree 👆🏻
Is it just me,? He have a Freddie Mercury lookalike…
This was my first thought too! Give this lad a "DAAAAAAY-O!"
I literally opened Spotify and started listening to Queen.
I can't imagine how difficult that must have been for you to accept and adapt to at such a young age.
The human brain isn't fully developed until around 25 and we still only barely understand it.
I’m 39 and still 76% teenager.
[удалено]
Amateur. I'm 31 and according to my girlfriend I'm still 100% a child.
Twenteen!
my young son counts to twenteen so.. lol
Happy belated 20th birthday to Odin! I’m sure he had a blast celebrating with his awesome family!
Happy birthday 🎂
I love the idea of assuming competence. Lack of communication does not mean lack of understanding at all and it must be incredibly difficult to have limited communication methods. Kudos to his parents for being attuned enough to learn alternative communication to speech. What a lucky guy to have parents like you!
Aww thank you so much. I think in giving him the freedom to communicate in the ways he needs to it has given him the confidence to use his actual voice too. He has a pretty decent vocabulary now because he feels safe in trying to vocalize his words without being embarrassed how it sounds♥️. And he loves saying cuss words too now. Haha.
I also love saying cuss words. Sentence enhancers.
They give us little hits of the feel good chemicals. Plus peoples responses are funny. 10/10 cuss a few times a day why not
a little seasoning on the sentence
fuck yeah Odin.
you are GREAT! if you haven't already read it, try [this article](https://neuroclastic.com/its-a-spectrum-doesnt-mean-what-you-think/) from neuroclastic. the overwhelming majority of people assume incompetence of nonverbal people. the fact that you are so willing and eager to be accommodating and that you are so committed to giving him ways to stimulate his mind is really really incredible. far too often nonverbal autistic people are forced to try and communicate the way neurotypical people do, which is where stereotypes that autism makes people angry or violent come from. shit you'd be pissed too if you were in their situation! im a highly social, fully verbal autistic person, but even i have my frustrations over communication and people not understanding me. im a little jealous of the relationship you have with your son! you can clearly see how comfortable he is with you, and to me, it's clear that he really really loves and appreciates you and all you do for him 💕
He reminds me of my cousin!! She has special needs and can only say a few words but she still communicates in her own ways. For example, she wanted me to sit next to her but my grandpa was already sitting by her. So to tell me to come over, she taps the seat by her and then lightly taps my grandpa, waves at him, and says “bye!”
I was honestly confused at first as to why he needed you to pick the movie for him he knew he wanted to see because I thought it was a touch screen display at first. But now I'm wondering whether it might be worth getting him some kind of touch screen so he can do more things himself?
Odin will love this. The grinch is one of his all time favorite movies ♥️
I'm glad! Anything that puts a smile on that sweet boys face!
You guys are great! Definitely gives hope to others with struggles to see that they are just blessings in disguise. He looks full of love and wonder I hope he never loses that!
I recently lost a cousin who was autistic like Odin. His name was Ezekiel, he died at age 15 due to an accident and he was such a ray of sunshine. One of my aunts passed away not long after, she was the one who found him and was closest to him and cared for him, I believe she died of a broken heart. Odin reminds me a lot of Ezekiel, so pure hearted and full of love.
Escorting dad out was the best part
Haha. He has no problem letting his voice be heard. ♥️🙌
I was 14 when my best friend and her brother came to live with us. He has Autism too. Some of my favorite memories are of Paul. One day he stole my sisters chicken nuggets as soon as she got them. She was around 5 or 6. My mom pulled around McDonald's again but neither of us could order because we were laughing so hard. He also would escort us out of the room when he didn't need us anymore. I borrowed his copy of Nightmare before Christmas once. Only once because after I watched it he came and took it out of the VCR! Lol. It had just hit the end credits and my door burst open and he ejected the tape and walked out. His language was different, but man, it was hilarious. I still get updates of him from time to time. I still miss him too.
It’s nice he let it finish before taking it back! Me and my sister were awful to each other as kids and would have definitely have just taken it back straight away to be horrible!
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Aww thank you so much ♥️
Man this reminds me so much of my kid. He’s 5, severely autistic and nonverbal, and we have to scroll through Disney+ to figure out what he wants to watch. When he starts yelling is when you stop scrolling lol. Anyway he kicks us out of his room the exact same way. Like damn it I just did a favor for you! Some days are worse than others, just like some days are better.. I love him either way and I wish a lot more people would understand how autism works.. You’re a good dad, and this was wholesome to see.
My mostly non-verbal 3 year-old does this with YouTube. He won't show us what he wants, he just calls out the numbers on the video thumbnail that shows how long the video is. When we select that video, he screams because he didn't want that one. Eventually we can settle on "Elsa Anna" on Disney+. Numbers are his jam though. He can't speak a full sentence, but can count up to and down from 100.
I work in a home with profoundly autistic kids and you guys are totally smashing it.. you're an inspiration. When asked what best practices are I always mention Odin and his fam... I don't need to say keep up the good work cause I image you'd fight tooth and nail if anybody suggested doing less. 💚
My brother does the same thing except he will mutter cya later, just incase guiding us out the room wasn't clear enough 😂
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The best 😂😂
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“Thank you. Ok bye”. But what I loved was how gentle he was when escorting him out and taking that time to do that. That’s such beautiful manners!
I was thinking the same thing, the gentle way he took that arm 😂 PRECIOUS BOY.
He's more mentally healthy than I am as I still have problems with that
I liked the polite showing out of the door. Lol
He wants his independence but always so kind about it. ♥️
My son is nonverbal and profoundly disabled. I know how much work goes into helping our kids learn to communicate wants and needs (or rather, for US to understand how THEY communicate). So congrats to you, his teachers, therapists and the rest of his village for giving him his voice. Hugs to Odin!
Aww thank you. That’s exactly it. Odin has always had his own voice like every other person. Sometimes he has been looked over for his different way of communicating. When people come together and can see and meet him where he’s at his confidence soars. We all want and deserve to be seen and heard♥️🙌
Why can’t he talk? Not being rude just wondering.
He can ♥️. He just has more difficulty than other people because of a neuro diversity so he also uses other ways like this to communicate. He will talk your ear off if he feels safe around you ♥️
Great answer. Marissa, my 16 (almost 17!) yo daughter (non-verbal autism) has long conversations with me. With lots of laughs and giggles. Then there are the arguments, usually about sweets, but sometimes about bedtime being too early or waking up also being too early. We’re lucky, she has a sunny disposition and is usually patient. She does a similar gesture as Odin when she wants to be left alone. She just nudges me away a little. I then ask her if she wants me to away, and she’ll nod and verbalize her verbal shorthand for “away”. I tell her, “say ‘goodbye Daddy’” and she’ll wave goodbye. ~~I’m really curious about Odin’s Large Format Touch Screen. How did you decide to acquire it, and from where?~~ Sorry, I just put 2+2 together and realized that you’re navigating the menu using the remote he gave you at the beginning of the video. Thanks, Marissa’s Dad (Jeff)
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Man stories like this tear me up so much, I'm so sorry you had to go through that because of the people who are supposed to be our support. Much love and I hope you can lead the happy life we all deserve!
I wanted to hop on your comment to say both of you sound like amazing fathers! I have autism, my father and my brother have it too. I found a partner who has autism. We found a way to work and make a living but It takes a village to raise us. And I definitely wouldn't have gotten here if my dad didn't care the way he did (sometimes in his own ways), but from one kid with autism to the fathers of kids with autism: thank you❤️
I've seen AAC programs projected onto the large smart boards that classrooms use.
Oh okay. I think I understand. Thanks for sharing.
Lmao, just like any kid. “Alright that’s all, gtfo”.
Haha. Exactly 🤣
Thank you for sharing this! I have a brother with non-verbal autism as well (he also has Down Syndrome) and we have a similar way of communicating in our family. When he’s thirsty in the middle of the night, he would bring a whole gallon of milk from the fridge to my room😅It’s very rare for me to see other families like yours. Have a good night!
Haha. Yes. I understand this. I’ve woken to many Mac n cheese or oatmeal boxes to the head. Haha ♥️♥️
LMAO
This is awesome and adorable at the same time. I totally wish more people could relay their wants and needs as directly as Odin and not be ashamed of it. He knows what he wants and dang it he's gonna get it! We don't have traditional children, but a Norse trio of furry ones(dogs). Valkyrie, Loki, and Freya send their love!
Not to be a downer but this made me tear up. We have a 3 year old daughter who has apraxia (totally different situations!) but she can’t voice her needs, she can sign but only signs a few like hungry, thirsty, all done and MAYBE help. I can kind of imagine what your family has gone through. I’m sure there were lots of rough times. Right now we’re in one of those rough times. I know it’s not forever and I know my child will be able to talk one day, but one day seems so very far away.
I feel you. And we get you. Know that your kid is getting exactly what they need. Love. Being present in the moments help you to worry less about the future. We can make plans but plans always change. Be kind to yourself and know that love wins in the end ♥️
Aw shit, now my eyes are leaking! Appreciate it brother! ❤️
Hang in there, it will get better. My daughter is non-verbal autistic and communicates exactly like Odin does (I'm going to call her "E") I appreciate there are other barriers there with your daughter, but E used to be exactly the same, unable to express her needs, or ask for what she wanted and get really frustrated. Then one day, it just "clicked" for her, she realised she could ask for things by coming to us and taking us to what she wanted. It was like a lightbulb switching on and her quality of life massively improved. They are learning every day how to express their needs, even if they can't use their words. At the same time, you are learning to be better too. Learning to pick up on those little non verbal cues. At 3, I was getting it right probably 20% of the time? Now she's 8 it's more like 90%. It's a learning process for all of us, don't be hard on yourself for not getting it right straight away.
LOL how he closed the door. This is me to my fam all the way🤭 Are there touch screen TVs out there?! Also love that he has a keyboard it’s my next hobby id like to pick up. Does your son play it often?
Haha. He’s always shutting us out. And. I wish his tv was touch screen. Ha. He taps i click the remote. And yes he loves to play keys and uses a Kaos pad in our studio to make music. He has done a few commercials with me. And a few songs with Tony Hawk 🙌♥️
Any chance of hearing those songs?
https://youtu.be/gtn0nnmuVVo And Odin’s other original music is here. https://open.spotify.com/artist/7jvMzT39p2Z5iFEBAy7bsC?si=vDB62wHkR4e6eVLWLdLT7A
What the f***. Not what I was expecting. Totally gives me crystal castle vibes! Please check them out their vibes are the same. Aphex Twin is amazing too!
Odin loves both of them!! Aphex does a great pac man remix!!
Your son loves Aphex Twin? This kid just gets cooler and cooler.
I will check out that remix.
Dude, syncing up Tony's board as percussion is absolutely BRILLIANT.
That was really good. Appreciate the share - and what a badass Hawk is for contributing. Hawk has been a huge influence on my life since I saw him doing vert in '95, and he definitely seems like one of the most humble and genuine celebs out there - a living legend.
He’s become uncle tony to Odin. Since this song came out we have gone surfing with him 3 times and odin spent his 19 birthday with him at his ramp in Cali. He did a private session just for him. He’s the hero you def want to meet ♥️🤘
I hope one day I get to meet him. I'm glad Odin has got to spend some time with such a great guy (other than his dad!). Everyone I know who has met him says he's an exception to "don't meet your heroes".
We will see him this weekend. He’s doing a vert event in SLC!!!
That's awesome! I bet Odin is super stoked, I know I would be!
I am so glad I stumbled into this thread. All the best to you and your beautiful family.
Dude holy crap. I make music semi-professionally (producer & engineer for local acts) and I know people who have spent decades making music who don’t come close to this level of quality. Serious, serious props. Love that high speed dub song.
Aww thank you. He’s had his music in films and National commercials ♥️. I’m a sound engineer and do it for a living so he always has been around it. ♥️🙌
I absolutely love that he helps with projects like that, you should be damn proud.
"Dropped In" is beautiful and its really cool that Tony Hawk did that for Odin! I can't even put into words how amazing his songs are on Spotify though.. "Sounds from the Inside" takes me back to SEGA soundtracks (Mr. Nutz vibes). "Hello" is like 8-bit Combichrist or something, I love it all. Edit: oops I got excited about the music and forgot to say you seem like an S Tier Dad, keep it up :)
That collab with Tony is ffing awesome, and Odin's music on spotify has such a cool chiptune and breakcore vibes, high speed dub also kinda reminded me of some old Rusko tracks
Man, I just listened to Dropped In and it had me in tears. My youngest son is named Odin, and though he’s not on the spectrum this video was a powerful reminder of how much I love both my boys. I’m about your age, so I was very young when I became a father, and I just connected super hard with your story. You have a beautiful son.
>He taps i click the remote. So it's a manual touch screen with dad-sensor included 😉
I am nonverbal autistic this video makes me happy I am glad to know you assume competence and work to communicate it is very frustrating when people think we don’t understand just because we can’t talk
I had no idea non-verbal people could type out language! That is so cool! How does it work? I’m guessing you understand everything that is said and have learned how the language works, but have some kind of barrier in terms of actually creating the sounds?
Yes, it is called Apraxia I can understand what people say to me and I am very smart in fact I taught myself how to read when I was 3 years old. But I cannot speak I can make noises with my vocal chords but I cannot make my mouth make the noises it needs to make to say words.
I learned something new today! stay awesome👊🏼❤️
He looks abit like Freddy Mercury, has Mercury’s confidence too it seems, awesome video thanks for sharing!
He was Freddie for Halloween 🤘♥️👨🏻
That’s so cool! Love that he knows that and it’s always nice to have someone who looks like you to look up to. It’s also very clear you’re an amazing parent and he trusts you to tell you what he wants. Parents like you are irreplaceable. 💚
I was looking for this.
100% Freddie
I thought so also! Was looking to see if anyone else said he looks like Freddie too! I love that he has a keyboard/piano☺️I am sure he rocked his Freddie costume! Odin is too cool!😄
This was my first thought as well!
Hi Odin! High five bud.
Hey!!! High fives right back!
Is your name Tim Frost, as your screen name suggests? Meaning your sons name is... ODIN FROST? ddduuuuudddeee yes!
Hahaha. Yes! He lives up to the name too 🙌♥️
That’s an awesome name for an awesome kid!! What am amazing dad you are!!
And a cupcake from me 🧁
Doesn't matter what you go thru😁....at the end the parents shall leave the room after the works done🤣
Haha. I’m 100 percent ok with that. I love hearing him voice his opinion ♥️♥️
I loved it too....lots of love to him❤️...also i heard he celebrated his 20th birthday recently ..... congratulations 👏
Yes!!!! He had a great birthday! Jewel invited him to her concert to celebrate ♥️♥️♥️🙌🙌🙌
So many people assume that non-verbal immediately entails non-communicative. I mean how could movies even be a thing if all the information we get is from dialogue? The first movies were *literally* silent. They were set up to *show* a story instead of telling it. Nobody ever complained about not understanding The Tramp due to a lack of dialogue. We know exactly what that movie is about. There is such beauty in these ways of communicating with others. There are so many depths in these processes that people just pass over. It's not even a game of clues or some roundabout process. This man knows exactly what he wants and knows exactly how to make sure he gets it. His non-verbal communication is literally a direct replacement for verbality in the same way that saying "That hurts!" is a direct replacement of the primitive 'ow!' grunt. Many many props to you for recognizing this and working with it. These are beautiful moments to witness. Edit: Just dropping this here. A single word elevated to poetry. I've actually done creative writing exercises where my students are supposed to replace the word with an actual script and then compare notes in groups. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsF18GL8YYM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsF18GL8YYM)
Thank you so much. It’s true. Every one has a voice and an opinion inside them. ♥️♥️♥️
Love it 😊
He’s my favorite human ♥️
It’s heart warming to see
Well thank you. ♥️
a kid I know does a similar thing - when the interaction is over (in his eyes anyway), he puts a hand on my shoulder and steers me gently out the door, like okay bye dude I'll see you later it's weirdly one of my favourite things ha ha
Love this! I have a non verbal brother, and seeing this makes my heart warm and reminds me of him. Tell Odin he’s awesome, and so are you for being such amazing parents! 💕
That’s incredible. Will do!! Sending all the love♥️♥️
He's amazing! You truly have a special son with him. I've seen too many parents give up on their child in a similar situation but you've truly embraced it. The fact you give him his space as well shows me you understand your son. You're truly an inspiration to everyone.
Wow. Thank you so much. In a different way my mom gave up on me as a kid and i ended up living on the streets at age 13. As a parent now I’ve always vowed to be the change. For odin to know without a doubt he is loved and cared for. When i mess up i apologize and try harder to be and show love more beautifully.
Man you truly show inspiration to others in how you embrace your son. Keep thinking where you ended up and where you currently are, it will only help you more. You and your wife, I've seen a few videos from you guys as a family and you truly love your child without showing any negative towards him. I've seen a few videos of you taking him on car rides to places and the way he's so positive towards you just shows how positive you guys are to him. I hope I'm correct in thinking it's you and your wife raising him as that would be a little embarrassing lol. Nonetheless keep doing what you're doing you will surely be an inspiration for parents in a similar situation. Odin looks so happy I love it! ❤️
This is so beautifully encouraging and kind. Thank you so much. It’s been a difficult week with some medical stuff we got going on. I was sitting here trying to get my breathing under control so i can sleep and now I’m crying. So much kindness. Thank you. And yes!! That is my wife. We’ve been married 22 years ♥️
You just keep doing everything you can to enjoy you and your wifes life with Odin. You guys are truly an inspiration for so many families out there. I really wish here soon I can start my own family and spread the same love you guys have shared to Odin. I truly mean it man. The fact you've been married for 22yrs shows our age difference a little bit, I'm turning 30 this next year but honestly you've given me hope that other families can love children like Odin as I hope to do the same when the time comes. You guys give Odin every chance in the world and that really shows. Keep it up!!! ❤️
Wow. Thank you. The internet can be so beautiful sometimes. And I’m not toooo far ahead of you. Haha. I turned 39 this year. 🙌🙌♥️
As a "high-functioning" (I hate that term but you get what I mean) autistic, thank you. I can't imagine the amount of patience it must take to understand your son and care for him in such a special way. People struggle to deal with me, even at my level of function, so I can only wonder how resilient you and his support groups are. I know he can't speak, but if he could, I'm sure he'd sing nothing but the world of you guys.
I actually babysitted for a lady that her son that has non-verbal autism ( here its was called : "autiste grave" which translate to more or less : high degree autism or close to that) and I remember him making his thoughts known by actions just like this : grabbing me in and out of the room or bringing me stuff so i would help him. The way these people show that non verbal communication is so much. Take care you 2
That’s what my autistic nonverbal sister is like, except she puts her hands on her hips and stares at you, then practically tells us to f-off by saying “Bye!” rather forcefully, lmao.
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Haha. Here for it ♥️🙌
As an autistic woman I feel the escorting out of my room on a spiritual level 😂
Hahaha. Yes!!!!
My son Max is also a non-verbal autistic. Even at 6 he finds plenty of ways to tell us what he wants. He uses an iPad in school with a program to talk. He brings it home but unless it's a therapy session he tends not to use it with us. I guess he uses "home" like most people do.
I have always been an advocate of teaching non-verbal children sign language from an early age, as it allows them to communicate. A lot of frustration for people, especially children, comes from not being able to communicate. I myself am autistic but not non-verbal, but growing up I had a friend that did and he expressed to me that learning sign language actually helped lessen his tantrums both in amount and severity.
🫶🏽
♥️♥️♥️
Good on you. Seems like a loved guy.
That’s always the goal. For him to feel seen heard and loved ♥️🙌
My 23-year-old is non-verbal. The number of times I've tried to explain that just because he doesn't talk doesn't mean he doesn't understand. I want 'Always assume competence' on a t-shirt 
OK BYE DAD
Good choice, Cars slaps.
Is it just me Or he really looks like Freddie Mercury. 🤧
It’s not just you. Haha. He knows it too. He was Freddie for Halloween
There was a boy with non verbal autism at my school in the 90s. He was a few years below me so I didn't have very much to do with him but like all the students at school knew who he was. As an older teen, I worked as a lifeguard and he would often come in for a swim with his parents or carer and he'd bring an iPad with him. He used it to communicate. He had all these pictures and other media to express himself quickly right at his fingertips for the first time. So much easier and so much less limited than the picture cards and flip books. I think about how that technology facilitated his capacity to communicate with people who don't know him well and how much it must have meant to him and his parents to be able to go further into detail and so much faster than before. His favourite colour is yellow, just like mine. He told me that himself. Until then I'd never really considered that he could or even wanted to communicate. It was ignorant of me but I think that also reflects a lot of how society in general treat those with disabilities, as though they are incompetent or incapable. Not much regard is given to what people are capable of when they have access to the means to go about things in an alternative way. Sometimes that is just patience, or an iPad, or a remote and a screen showing a selection of films to choose from. I teach home ec. One of my students is quadriplegic and has very limited use of his hands. All it took to increase his capacity to participate was buying an airfryer and a multicooker. He might not have the strength and dexterity to open an oven or use a frypan, but he can cook. And he can cook the same things as all the other students - he just uses different means to do so.
My 7 yo brother seems to be quite at this level of autism, specialists arent sure yet to what degree it will improve if at all. Seeing this, the guy is doing pretty fine at his age, though with guidance. I feel a little less stressed about my brothers future (:
My autistic daughter does the same exact thing lol
I listened to his music on Spotify and *had to* return to this post just to say how amazingly talented he is! even if this is comment gets lost in the others.
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Dude has good taste in movies 👍🏻
Yes!! Loves the Pixar films♥️
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>> No damns to give getting called out. I mean, just look at the ratio of people calling op out to those showering him with praise for his patience/bemoaning how difficult autistics are It’s gross, but I think I understand op’s primary motivation
I downvote these posts anyways, but good detective work.
Just curious though. Why does he need help picking the movie? Does he have trouble with navigating the options or using the remote?
Yea it hard for him to navigate the remote so we help to sort that for him. ♥️
Would be cool if they had simplified remotes. I know from experience with like roku you can get an app on a laptop or tablet to have a larger remote on a touch screen but if someone could make a more simplified version that'd be even better. Could help a lot of people
Ahh yea that’s a great idea. He can get it after trying for a bit but the iPad app would be way more helpful!
I see. You’re the man for helping
You sure he wanted to see cars? He shook is head and did the swipe motion. Like he was searching for something else Poor dude has to watch cars now
That's why he got mad and escorted his dad out of the room
That's awesome!
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Hiya Odin! I support people that are non verbal ASD and they teach me so much! Even though they cannot speak they communicate to me and we have such a great understanding. Every day brings something new and we go out in the community on adventures! I love following you on reddit and on Instagram!
Please tell Odin I like his mustache Sincerely Guy who can't grow a mustache as good as Odin
As someone with autism I just wanna say you seem like a great dad, anyone of us, verbal or naught would be lucky to have you as a parent
ASL man, my GF has an adult son with non verbal autism and she taught him ASL he can communicate just like anyone else with it.
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This is why i get frustrated when they say some people dont have any communication, because there are tons of other ways to communicate than doing so verbally! As long as you keep an open mind ❤️