Movie Description:

Scottie Gaither is the Easter Seals 2008 National Child Representative. The video features Scottie and his family, and many different people in his life, talking about his involvement with Easter Seals.

Movie Transcript:

(Action: Scottie and his dad Shannon talking together on the soccer field.)

Barbara Gaither, Scottie’s mother: Scottie's favorite things are anything that involves his dad … and they like super hero movies.

(Action: Scottie and teammates playing soccer.)

Barbara Gaither: Life in the Gaither house is as normal as any family that has 3 kids going in a zillion different directions and two parents that work.  Ah, I couldn't say that 3 or 4 years ago.

Sarah Gaither, Scottie’s sister: He was in his own box, almost, to where he couldn't tell us what he was thinking, and he didn't really want to.

Barbara Gaither: To have the doctor say, yes your child is autistic, was probably one of the darkest times. I asked them about Easter Seals and the doctor said that would be the best option. I actually got him in the next week.

Jennifer Fiske, speech pathologist: When I first started working with him, he, you know, didn't make eye contact…didn't follow directives, didn't want to come to therapies, and behavioral issues, ah wasn't answering simple yes/no questions.

(Action: Scottie in school hallway, greeting his teacher with a hug.)

Sandy Thornton, teacher: Hey darlin'. How ya doin'?  (Scottie: Good!)  Doin' good?

(Action: Clips of Scottie in school with his teacher and classmates.)

Susan Berry Williamson, occupational therapist: He was very easily frustrated and he screamed a lot.  And it was very difficult to engage in any type of directed activity, he would just scream, you know, literally just scream out of frustration. And if you would ask him to do something, he would say "no" and push the stuff off the table and turn around in the chair.

(Action: Scottie reading at a table.) 

Scottie: The cook at this restaurant is an artist. (Teacher) Nice reading. Good job Scottie.

Sharon Borger, Easter Seals West Georgia President & CEO: Scottie didn't have a lot of communicative skills, and he didn't have a lot of skills to work with teachers or other peers.

Becky Speer, speech pathologist: Make that 't' for me, go 'tttt'.  (Scottie says "TTTT").  
Becky Speer: Good.

Sharon Borger: Those skills he didn't have, if he didn't get them early that lack of skills would have gone with him.  And so, his development would have just stalled or not happened as he grew.

(Action: Scottie and his classmate working on homework at a table.)

Scottie: Maybe I could help him out a little on this.

(Action: Scottie on the schoolbus with a classmate.)
 
Barbara Gaither: I think for Scott and for so many children with autism, the best chance that they have for what's normal, or what can be best for them, is early intervention.

(Action: Scottie exiting the schoolbus.)

Shannon Gaither, Scottie’s father: Hey big man, what's going on?

Shannon Gaither:  All the things that helped him to develop and be able to be as successful as what he was, you know, he was able to get at Easter Seals.

(Action: Scottie’s dad Shannon coaching Scottie and his teammates on the soccer field.)

Jennifer Fiske: His parents started really early on providing him with all the opportunities to lead him to be successful. They didn't miss out on it, they weren't in denial.

Becky Speer: He perseveres. When it doesn't work, he keeps coming back. And you know, you can't beat him down.

Sandy Thornton: Scottie was like a sponge. Because once he learned something, I mean he grabbed at everything.

(Action: Scottie walking with his family after soccer practice.)

Barbara Gaither: Was that a good practice, buddy?

Susan Berry Williamson: He's very challenging to work with, because he's very determined. He has a determined spirit. And, we never want to break that kind of spirit, because I think that's the way that kids like him come as far as he has. That's why he has come that far, because he is a very determined child.

Sandy Thornton: He's a testament, to me he is, to what a lot of love, dedication, working hard, can accomplish.

Becky Speer: I wish all my kids were like him.

Shannon Gaither: I do not believe that Scottie would be in the position, at school, if it were not for the assistance that he received at Easter Seals.

Barbara Gaither: I can't say enough good things about Easter Seals.

(Action: Scottie with other children at bell choir rehearsal.)

Bell Choir Director: Alright, are we ready?  Does everyone have a bell? (Answer:  "Yeah.")

(Action: Photos of Scottie and his family.)

-- Music --

You can help more children like Scottie. Donate to Easter Seals.