Parents watching old birthday video stunned to see 4-year-old understood non-verbal cousin before anyone else ever could
While they were busing singing happy birthday, this tiny tot was observant of his little sister's emotions and conveyed what no one else realized.
Siblings share a unique connection that surpasses most relationships, and a non-verbal teen named Allie is lucky to have had that bond with her older cousin brother, Hayden. In a video shared on January 25, the family took a trip down memory lane to when Allie was a toddler and communication was harder than ever. In this particular incident, it was Allie's birthday, and beside her was Hayden. As the parents sang “Happy Birthday,” they were stunned when the little boy asked them to stop after a few seconds. He had already figured his sister was feeling uncomfortable, and from thereon, their bond only grew stronger.
@meganroemer Sensory sensitivity ≠ one diagnosis. ✨Allie’s story✨ is layered, complex, and still unfolding—and we want to share it intentionally without information overload. If you’re here to learn, understand, and join us as we tell her story… you’re in the right place 🤍 I’ll be sharing more about Allie’s complex diagnosis over time—thank you for giving us a space to do that thoughtfully 💓👏🏻 We are so glad you’re here 🤍
♬ Something Good - Tim Halperin
In another video, the mom mentioned that her daughter, now a teenager, is non-verbal and is slightly autistic. She also has sensory issues that affect her nervous system. “Processing things like light, sound, and touch, those signals come in louder and more intense than they are,” the mom explained. While medical advancement is now helping the parents read about, learn, and understand their daughter’s condition to take preventive measures, things were not as simple back in 2014 when the first video was shot. It must have all been so confusing for the parents, but being the big brother, Hayden knew.
@meganroemer POV: It’s 2014. You are nonverbal and scared of the birthday song—He could tell she was upset and immediately spoke up for her 🤍 Cousins that are being raised more like siblings 🤍 That’s it. We’re Done. @HAYDEN @Katie✨🩺💧 ♬ original sound - ✨M E G A N✨
As they started singing the birthday song, the two toddlers looked at each other, with the little guy laughing and smiling. He soon realized Allie wasn’t happy; on the contrary, the clapping, singing, and laughing were overwhelming for her. He didn’t need words to understand; he saw the scared and startled expression on her face, and immediately decided to protect her from it. He quickly asked Allie’s parents to stop, “Stop, she’s gonna cry,” he said. The then-4-year-old began to pat his cousin sister to calm her down, assuring her that everything was alright. “That’s enough, she’s scared,” he added. Sharing in an update, Megan revealed how Hayden has been Allie’s strongest supporter throughout the years.
@meganroemer I’m Megan and THIS is Allie — if you’re new here we are so happy to have you following along with us 🤍👏🏻✨ This page is about Allie, her journey, and the people who love her—our life at home with two girls 13 years apart and the day to day hustle of running a home and a small business. I’ll be sharing Allie’s journey and answering questions along the way 🤍 Thank you for being kind.
♬ original sound - ✨M E G A N✨
In yet another clip shared on January 28, the mom shared how she celebrated Allie’s 14th birthday. It included her baby sister and other cousins, along with Hayden. Just like a big brother would, even after all these years, he was out there looking out for her, helping her bowl, and even sitting beside her through her cake cutting. Thanks to his love and gentleness, Allie is not so afraid of the birthday song anymore. All it takes is kindness and patience. According to a study, 25% to 30% of children with autism have trouble with speech. This means they’re either minimally verbal, using just around 30 functional words, or cannot use speech to communicate at all.
@meganroemer Perfect Bowling Day— Let’s have some inside fun during this midwest snowstorm 🩵🥶
♬ Look What I Can Do - Danger Twins
A recent study by Taylor and Francis examined over 700 students on the autism spectrum to test speech functionality. It was revealed that one in three school children had limited or no spoken language at all. However, when tested, around two-thirds of the sample were able to move to more complex words or to an advanced stage of speaking after intervention. So while there is scope for progress in speech for children with autism, some are unable to develop speaking. And in Allie’s case, it was more or less the same, but surrounded by loved ones like Hayden, she didn’t need speech to communicate. They learned to meet her where she was and understand by observing and empathizing. @1evitate wrote, “What an emotionally little intelligent guy.” @chantellvanbloeme added, “He’s gonna have her back for the rest of her life.”
@meganroemer 12 years later 🤍🫶🏻 Part 3 They still have an amazing bond and he is a huge part of her life ✨Follow along for Allie’s story— we are so happy you’re here 👏🏻🩷
♬ original sound - Penny B Hollywood
You can follow Megan (@meganroemer)on TikTok for more content on autism and family relationships.
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