Two Kids. Two Undiagnosed Disabilities.

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Published 2019-07-24
Colbie, age 8, and Lleyton, 5, have normal brains. At least, that’s according to the various MRI scans they’ve undergone throughout their short lives. No one can explain why neither child can walk, or why neither child has ever been able to speak a word. Read more: www.theatlantic.com/video/index/594592/parents-spe…


"The Unconditional" was directed by Dave Adams (wakeupthegiant.com/). It is part of The Atlantic Selects, an online series of short documentaries from independent creators, curated by The Atlantic.

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All Comments (21)
  • @tgnben
    It's criminal that they can't get financial aide just because the disability is undiagnosed. Whoever is making that decision should be forced to spend one day with this family to see what they go through.
  • @vinny5638
    I hate to admit it, but I'm so afraid to have kids because of stuff like this.
  • The sadness in the parents eyes really hit me. They are doing the best they can for their kids. Bless them!
  • @misme5086
    My best friend while growing up and more like my sister now began walking on her tip toes at 9 years old. She was taken to the best doctors at Duke University all the way to Shriners. Doctors operated on her so many times, I've lost count. They removed bone, replaced bone, completely severed her heel cords, and more. Every surgery put her behind in school until she quit at 16 years old, she was in 8th grade. Her mind was and is sharper than mine but her body fought against her and noone could come up with a condition for her either. We are in our 40s now and only a few years ago did genetic testing reveal her brain doesn't produce dopamine! A tiny pill every day cured her and it took nearly 40 years to figure it out. We have walked a 5k, gone to eat and done things we could never do when we were kids, teens, young moms, etc. Please don't give up, perhaps your babies will paint the way for countless, it isn't fair but there is a reason for all things. Medicine will catch up and your prayers will be answered in God's time. In the meantime I am praying for your family and your GORGEOUS children❤💛💙
  • @gracesolarz
    I live on the same street as this family. I drive and walk past their house everyday and always wave and smile to them if they are outside. I’ve been in the classroom that she teaches art in. I’ve never fully understood the details of their lives until seeing this video. You never know what families are going through. They are a wonderful family and I can only hope the best for them. They are amazing and loving parents. This video makes me feel truly blessed seeing that some people have thing a lot harder then you do.
  • @shethewriter
    "You were given this because you can handle it." Yeah, that pisses me off, too. I hate when people say bs like that. Rude, privileged, disconnected, unhelpful.
  • @rhemorse
    7:22 This clip makes me so happy. No one laughs, no one gives her strange looks. The one child who turned looked like she was worried and wanted to help. These kids are so much nicer than the kids i grew up with wow lol
  • “It would be so invaluable to be in there head for just 10 minutes.” Such a beloved father.
  • That moment when the other little girl helped her clap her hands and she gave a little smile just melted my heart
  • @sandracmyers
    That father crying as his son crossed the finish line KILLED ME. BEAUTIFUL family.
  • When the mom said she sometimes feels like a caregiver instead of a parent and that she just would like to hear an "i love you" I just couldn't hold it in anymore
  • @vikkisixx13
    My heart goes out to the mother and father, they seem so tired and sad
  • @Nick_J_
    There’s something in those kid’s eyes. You can tell they are aware, even smart. That’s what makes it so sad- that they cannot get it out.
  • @itsu2553
    Dear parents, if u r watching this, I just want to tell you guys that you both are incredible!! The best parents a child can have. Hoping that the children get a diagnosis soon and sending lots of love and strength to your way!! ❤️❤️❤️✨✨✨✨
  • @motherboard424
    As a single mom with a child of undiagnosed this is much more difficult than my situation. So difficult to listen and watch this yet I’m compelled to. It’s so wonderful that you’re in this together. I love you!
  • @janetaylor5584
    What got me the most was when the mother said, "I don't always feel like I'm a parent, I feel more like a caregiver." Prayers for this family.
  • @Sophia-rk5ws
    The parents don't give themselves enough credit I think. They're not just caregivers, they're wonderful parents. The dad said that he believes that anyone would do the same, but that's just not true. Some people would just give up, even if their own biological children were the ones affected. They are wonderful parents because of how they love their children. They are wonderful because they care. A caregiver would only give care for as long as they were required to do in a day, but a parent would never stop giving that care ever, and I feel like this is what sets the two terms apart.
  • @Zephaeria
    The smiles from both children at the end shows how much they are loved and cared for.