This is our fundraising video, created in conjuction with our Benefit Fundraiser event, held on Oct 27, 2012 at New Hope Oahu. Please visit our Donate page to learn more.
Baby Boy
Today, one of Ka'eo, Jr.'s main motivations is tickling games. When we tickle him his connection with us is so strong. It's amazing to see that even at 3 months, he enjoyed the same things he does at 3 years old! :o)
At 3 months old our little guy loved his little cookie monster when we would slowly move him around in circles, like a baby mobile. Later we found out kids with autism often like to stare at things such as celing fans, etc. Was this fascination him or his autism? Actually his autism is him so the answer would be, both! :o)
Our little Superman was only 19 months old in this video. We so adored the way he ran back & forth. Little did we know this would be an indication of his autism. By the way we STILL ADORE IT !!! :o)
May 2010 - At barely 2 years old, Ka'eo, Jr. showed us his gross motor skills were typical or even advanced. As you can see, he's going to kill it on American Gladiator 2025! :o)
Ka'eo, Jr.'s "isms"
April 2011 - We want to show you some of Ka'eo, Jr.'s repetitious activities (sometimes called "stims" or "isms"). He loves to sprinkle carpet, sand, water, pebbles, etc. in front of his eyes. When joining him, we noticed the carpet fibers sparkle as you sprinkle them, like little stars :o)
April 21, 2011 - On Ka'eo, Jr.'s 3rd Birthday, Mommy was playing with him in the kitchen. He asked for his seeds so he take a break from our world and "stim" a little. Although he is focusing on his "stim", he still responds to Mommy's requests for language. He is much more responsive in his Son-Rise Playroom, but we wanted to show you every part of him, including his beautiful zen-like "isms"! :o)
Our Son-Rise Playroom
March 25, 2011 - Ka'eo, Jr. and Mommy having a blast in his Son-Rise Playroom. Cuddling and singing the Alphabet together! His incredible attention span and social interaction in his magical room are unlike anywhere else! :o)
April 16, 2011 - Ka'eo, Jr. and Daddy having a funfilled Session in our Son-Rise Playroom. He starts off with giving Daddy a sweet kiss by request. Then Daddy joins him in stacking pegs and watching them fall. (Don't you just LOVE his laugh?!?) Finally, he shows his gratitude for Daddy's joining by giving him a GREAT BIG HUG!!!
Wow! - Eye Contact, Kisses, Hugs, Requests...simply amazing! :o)
Wow! - Eye Contact, Kisses, Hugs, Requests...simply amazing! :o)
God's Blessings
Watch This on YouTube
May 8, 2011 - Our church, New Hope Christian Fellowship, in Oahu, Hawaii, blessed our family by asking Jackie to give her beautiful testimony about our son and how his gift relates to God and to being a mother. Jackie then sings a special song, from mother to son. If you would like to watch the entire New Hope Mother's Day Service, please click the hyperlink.
May 8, 2011 - Our church, New Hope Christian Fellowship, in Oahu, Hawaii, blessed our family by asking Jackie to give her beautiful testimony about our son and how his gift relates to God and to being a mother. Jackie then sings a special song, from mother to son. If you would like to watch the entire New Hope Mother's Day Service, please click the hyperlink.
The Son-Rise Program has been our saving grace. It has taught us to be better parents, spouses, friends, and people. We are so thankful to God for leading us to the Autism Treatment Center of America & The Son-Rise Program. Ka'eo Sr was deeply humbled when asked to share his testimony of what The Son-Rise Program has done for him as a man, a husband, and father.
(If the video doesn't work, please click on this LINK.)
We were so deeply honored to be interviewed on Monday, April 2, 2012 ~ World Autism Awareness Day ~
on Hawaii's KITV News4 (ABC).
We were so deeply honored to be interviewed on Monday, April 2, 2012 ~ World Autism Awareness Day ~
on Hawaii's KITV News4 (ABC).
New Hope Oahu asked Jackie to represent the church on a local TV singing contest called Hawaii Stars. This aired on 10/21/2012. Thank you New Hope Oahu! God is Good!!!
Inspiring Growth
Dec 18, 2011 - Ever since Koali'i was born, Ka'eo Jr hadn't acknowledged the existence of his little brother, earlier this month, we noticed them playing with each other, and this sweet KISS is nothing short of a miracle!!!
Dec 26, 2011 - Ka'eo Jr will often cover his ears and hum in order to drown out the painful sounds and frequencies of his environment. His growing ability to play music, maintain eye contact and interactive attention with us is astounding!
Jan 27 2012 - Unlike most neurotypical children, Ka'eo Jr would not allow us to read a book with him, let alone ask him any questions about his book. The only way to read "with" him used to be to get our own book and look at ours as he looked at his. You can clearly see how much he's grown as he reads a book with Mommy and Koa and answers so many questions :o)
Jan 27 2012 - When Ka'eo Jr was 18 months old, his pediatrician was concerned that he wasn't pointing yet. More than 2 years later, he began pointing spontaneously and even spelling out words as he pointed at each letter...miracles every day!
June 6, 2012 - Autism is most profoundly characterized by a social disconnection with other people. Less than 2 years ago, Ka'eo Jr was completely non-verbal and socially disconnected from everyone around him. It is UNBELIEVABLE to see Ka'eo Jr has grown so much as to, not only play chase, but to CHASE US!
June 19, 2012 - Children with autism normally demonstrate a lack of eye contact, interactive attention span, and social interest in other people. We are humbled and amazed at the progress Ka'eo Jr has made using The Son-Rise Program. Here he is drinking his vitamins and supplements with ease and joy because he and his daddy are playing a spontaneous DRINKING GAME!
