An Autistic Teen Born Without Eyes

Special Books by Special Kids

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202,079
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13,025
Length
41:31
Published
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People & Blogs
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Christian was born with an extraordinarily rare craniofacial condition caused by a cleft palate so severe that only around 50 similar cases have been documented in medical history. He has endured countless surgeries, challenges, and moments of being misunderstood. He was also recently diagnosed with autism.

Despite his challenges, Christian shares that he is happy to be exactly who he is. He enjoys his life and family. He also wants others to say “hi” when they see him in public.

I first met Christian when he was just 5 years old. He is now 15 and nearly as tall as me, so I returned to interview him again.

Comments (1,525)

  1. @ClassicalMusicChannel1

    Thanks for having me on the show

    5.1K likes

  2. @JUSTTHINKINFORABIT

    This dude completely takes his own advice. In no way does he let his condition limit him.

    909 likes

  3. @TennesseeHistoryChannel

    Christians brother here. Like christian said, Thanks for having me on the show!

    3K likes

  4. @the_5th_night

    Hi Christian, my name is Dominique and I'm 24 years old. I'm also completely blind, and I got diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of 18.
    It's really nice to hear you sharing your dreams and goals. You're right, never let your disabilities hold you back from living a great life and having fun. I want you to know that independence is possible. I live by myself now. I cook, clean, do my own laundry and I'm training to become a medical secretary. Some things are a little harder. I've learned to ask for help sometimes, even when I can technically do something on my own, in order to save some energy. Sometimes, my ADHD makes every day tasks pretty exhausting. My parents also live about a 10 minute walk from me, which is pretty nice. But even if some milestones might take a little longer to reach, and even if it might not always look like you imagined, never stop reaching for your dreams!

    693 likes

  5. @BengaliCulture17

    I am completely blind, and I was born with no eyes. I was actually born with a cleft lip and pallet, which is a type of facial difference. I had multiple surgeries to fix it, now I just have a soft pallet. I am still a normal kid, I’m just different.

    433 likes

  6. @applejellypucci

    I show my 4 and 5 year old children your channel and teach them about differences, so that they understand to be kind to everyone. My son, 5, said, "I am lucky for my eyes." You help so many people, Chris.

    524 likes

  7. @notsorry1489

    "Sup brah" lol love him already

    3.5K likes

  8. @mdamico1909

    His brother is dressed like a gentleman, love it!

    431 likes

  9. @IAmSuzyQ

    "Don't let your condition hold you back... Just keep going."
    Sage advice from an impressive young man. Thank you Christian!

    555 likes

  10. @ShaggyLad

    This kid is more expressive and confident than I am at 30! Keep it up, lil bro!

    546 likes

  11. @NLM33300

    His self-awareness shows how intelligent he is. I wish him the best and he is a great child❤

    916 likes

  12. @rockettedog

    I want to apologize because I judged you by the photo of the video. Because to me, it looked like you may be in pain. I watched, listened and feel awed by your gratitude, attitude and the love you and your family have. I have no doubt you will accomplish all your goals. Thank you for sharing.

    327 likes

  13. @angiogen

    Being able to play FNAF with no eyes is a pretty awesome achievement

    504 likes

  14. @brittanyC_

    I can't believe he's 15 now! Time flies.

    315 likes

  15. @gamekwondo2852

    “He’s cool even though he’s wearing this”😭

    1K likes

  16. @Not_a_bot8

    BIG THANKS TO MOM AND DAD BEING AMAZING PARENTS- SUCH GOOD YOUNG MEN

    202 likes

  17. @TheDaydreamer777

    "How does it feel to live with this condition?" "Good, it feels cool to be like rarer than anybody else" Dude I LOVE this kid's attitude. As someone with mental disabilities, I aspire to have this kid's attitude.

    80 likes

  18. @J_Walker1

    You can tell a lot about a household by the vocabulary of the children.
    These boys are impressive! 👍

    133 likes

  19. @laurabrown7133

    I remember years ago, 10+ years ago, his mom’s video went viral when Christian was a baby. She was holding flashcards and telling her story about complications with her pregnancy and Christian’s birth and diagnosis. It had to be one of the first viral videos ever, especially in the special Ed community. To see Christian now, all-grown up, talking, and being thankful, loving his mom and brother, is surreal. I’m so glad they’re doing well 🥲

    38 likes

  20. @FieryWench77

    I personally love that his brother dressed up for the occasion. You’re both going places, I’m lucky to live in a world with this family in it.

    94 likes