JJ’s Journey - if you would like to respond, contact Lori at lori.cicc@verizon.net

After watching JJ’s Journey, what are your thoughts about the documentary?

Dee Osborne Says:
April 27th, 2008 at 1:32 pm

WOW WOW WOW! I just watched JJ’s Journey and I was completely “blown away”! I know Lori and Jeremy personally and professionally and I am so proud of what Lori has done to bring us such a touching and thorough documentary. I know how difficult their journey has been but I am so happy to see how they have persevered and come out with smiles and courage to keep moving forward. And as Jeremy said-this is a new beginning! I look forward to the day that this masterpiece makes it to television audiences to reach and touch people across the nation. This is a must see for parents of children with autism. But equally important this is for anyone else since all of our lives are being touched by autism and we all need to learn tolerance and respect for these remarkable individuals. Lori is going to help change the world! Respectfully submitted: Dee (Walker) Osborne

Mandy Granado Says:
April 27th, 2008 at 10:52 pm

I was able to view Lori’s documentary last night and I was left…..overwhelmed. (This is going to lead to a compliment) Overwhelmed because my little one Zo is only 5 and it’s only the beginning for her (and for me), saddened by the way the community treated Jeremy and that is my worry for Zo, bet yet I was empowered by your strength, your honesty, your son’s sense of humor (I almost fell out of my chair when I saw his impressions and stand-up), his talent when it comes to his art, his honesty & his strength. It was overwhelming. I am a mother of a 5 yr old beautiful austistic daughter named Zo and the path has just begun for Zo, myself and her big sister Mariposa and I thank you for putting your voice out there and echoing what a lot of us feel and have been saying. Thank you! And thank you for showing Dr. Dogris’s work because I truly feel he is a lot better at explaining what he does. We, as parents, reap the benefits of his work. You & Dr. Dogris, truly do not know what you have done for all parents that are taking their own journey. So, I will be one of the many that thank you for all that you do & Zo thanks you too!

Linda Nickerson Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 5:18 pm

This documentary is a mind blower and a real eye-opener for those who know little about autism. I’m confident it will help every parent, teacher, friend or relative of autistic kids. From a layman’s point of view, I’d just like to share a tremendous difference I saw in Jeremy before and after Neuro-therapy. Before Neurofeedback he displayed typical autistic charactics; ie not making eye contact or addressing you by name, looking at the ground and shuffling his feet and only give short answers. However, AFTER neurofeedback, he started a conversation with me by calling me by name, asked me some relevant questions about an important focus in my life and we carried on a normal back-and-forth conversation. If I didn’t know better, I would not have believed that Jeremy had ANY signs of AUTISM LEFT!! I am very, very impressed with the results of this cutting-edge therapy. All you parents out there, this could be the answer for your child as well. Congratulations Lori and Jeremy for producing such a professional, educational documentary.

Fred & Barbara Richter Says:
April 29th, 2008 at 2:59 am

When we first heard about and saw the ads in our local papers for the premier of JJ’s Journey, we knew we wanted to see it. As long-time acquaintances of Lori and Jeremy, we were anxious to see this documentary and learn more about autism and the method that has helped “cure” Jeremy. Lori has done an outstanding and impressive job on this film. Everyone should see it, including every single student in middle and high school and their parents! We’re certain that this film will give hope to those who need it. You two are a ray of sunshine for our community!!

Ramona Says:
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:22 pm

Days after watching JJ’s Journey, i am still replaying it in my mind. I was touched in ways i did not think i would be. This video is very well done, easy to understand, and captivating. I feel humbled by it, and in awe of how one family’s journey can touch an entire community. I do not have children of my own, but i am close to wanting to adopt this one. I admire their courage, strength, spirit, spirituality, wisdom, homor and endurance. It must feel wonderful to finally see this documentary come to fruition. Congratulations and thank you for making this DVD so available to the public.

Diane Says:
November 1st, 2008 at 4:52 pm

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! I loved your video and I feel like I know JJ. I too am the proud parent of a child with Autism. His name is also Jeremy only he is 25 now, and attending CSUS in our town. We only got the “full” diagnosis a few years ago. When Jeremy was younger, the Dr’s diagnosed him with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), as well as Depression. Several combinations of medications, and Dr. appointments later , and not alot of counceling offered, I still felt the puzzle piece just didn’t fit right. There was something missing. Just different enough to be made fun of and gawked at by adults as well as kids. His 6th grade teacher even told me, “he’s wierd” at a parent teacher conference. Fast forward to Junior College. I heard a program on TV adout Autism Spectrum Disorder, especially Asperger Syndrome. THAT’S IT….the missing piece! Loves to learn, very smart, no facial expressions, and lacking in communication and social skills. A name for it, finally. Asperger Syndrome.
Now our problem is finding someone who can help with this at the age of 25. There are all kinds of resources for the younger children, but I can’t find ANY groups where Jeremy can meet others near his age dealing with Asperger. Not even a Psychiatrist that knows much about it, or that will take our insurance. There just has to be help out there for the adults, somewhere. I’m sure there are other adults, especially college age who would benifit from a peer group. Jeremy feels soooo alone, and frustrated.
We would love to hear from anyone having the same issues, or has some advice for us. I feel it would help, knowing they aren’t alone in this, don’t you? Thanks again for sharing JJ with us.
Diane
CA.

JJ's Journey takes a realistic look at the joys and challenges of raising an autistic child. Behaviors, academic struggles, social issues, triumphs, and therapeutic interventions are presented. As a professional who works with autistic students, I used the documentary for a special education staff development day. The entire department was filled with hope that there are possibilities which could increase socialization skills and decrease autistic behaviors. Both parents and professionals will find this documentary insightful and helpful.

Doria Phillips, Ed.D.

Watching "JJ's Journey" was a journey for me also. I laughed, I cried and I learned about autism. My head was filled with knowledge as my heart was filled with understanding and compassion. One cannot view "JJ's Journey" and come away unaffected. If you have not seen "JJ's Journey"-Open your heart and your mind to the world of autism-you will be a better person for having done so. Thank you Lori and Jeremy for sharing your struggles and sacrifices as well as your victories and joys! I am humbled by your honesty and strength!
Launa Strickland