We love the fact that so many of Tommy’s viewers and supporters are people with Autism, Aspergers, and many other special needs. It always makes us really happy to hear from you, and to know that you enjoy Tommy and really understand him, too!
Families with loved ones with Autism and other special needs also often follow Tommy’s channel and send us the most heartwarming messages too. We are so, so glad that you write to us, and that you find joy in following Tommy’s adventures!
And, of course, we love the fact that so often Tommy’s viewers knew little or nothing about Autism, somehow stumbled across his videos, and began their own journey with open minds and heart to learn about Autism and some of the mystery, challenges, and joy it brings! Thank you all for embracing Tommy 🙂
We want to say thank you, to each and every one of you, from Tommy and our family. You help us to understand how important it is that Autism has a voice, a face, and real stories…like Tommy’s story. We are proud that Tommy makes Autism real, friendly, happy, and OK. And good, and inspiring, and hopeful. And joyful. There is so much joy 🙂
We would like to begin sharing some of the messages from viewers here. Enjoy!
Demy, a YouTube viewer from Amsterdam, made a powerpoint presentation about Tommy for her class, and sent it to Tommy!
In this video, Tommy reads it for the first time.
On YouTube, Tommy’s videos get the most awesome comments. On his 3 million views video, this comment made us smile:
Katrina Games wrote:
“Thank you the Des Brisay family for these videos. If been studying for my state board nursing test and been a total crazy person. These videos helped me relax and smile. During my test when I got nervous and was going to lose focus. I though how am I going to calm myself down? Tommy popped in my head for some reason so I sang “one step in front of the lawmen” in my head. I smiled and relaxed and continued on. Thank you Tommy and the Des Brisays for being an inspiration. If Tommy can do great things in life, so can I.”
Thanks for sharing, Katrina 🙂
Hi there Des Brisay Family!
My name is Jennifer, and I live in Florida about 4 hours away from Disney World, actually 🙂 I started watching Tommy’s videos a little while back and I have to say, watching him makes me smile every time, especially when he goes to Disney and talks to the Princesses. I am a college student, studying psychology and I want to work with children who have autism, just like Tommy. When I first watched Tommy’s videos, I saw how full of life he is, and how positive he is. Tommy, you are an inspiration to me to live life fully and magically. I may not have autism, but I had a liver transplant when I was only 5 years old but when I see how happy you are and you doing what you love to do, that’s what inspires me to live my life because life is short and there’s no time to waste any minute of it! I even started working for the Disney Store where I live as a Seasonal Cast Member, since I love Disney so much and whenever I saw children’s faces light up, it made me feel amazing and I love every minute of it. You, Tommy Des Brisay, are so wonderful, such a sweetheart, and such an inspiration to me! I know that someday you WILL be the fastest runner in the world! I believe in you! Thank you for making me smile and learn to appreciate life a lot more 🙂
Lots of love and hugs,
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer, What an amazing and beautiful message! This is Tommy’s mom, MaryAnn. I will show Tommy your message! He will love it! Your enthusiasm for life and appreciation of its true gift really made us smile 🙂 That’s amazing that you plan to work with autistic people <3 We will be making our next Disney trip sometime in the fall, we think, and I hope our paths will cross and you will meet Tommy there. In the meantime, a great way to say hi to Tommy is to write to him on the wall of his Facebook page, as he reads those messages and replies, although he's so busy with all his training that sometimes it can take a few days. Thank you so much for watching Tommy's videos, and for writing these kind words of support. Have a truly magical day <3 Big hug!
Thank you so much I didn’t know you replied back so you can ignore my other comment 🙂 I would love to meet Tommy some day and get to meet you all! I will have to add Tommy on my grandmother’s facebook seeing as I don’t have one but I will keep in touch with you I would love to see you guys! Hugs back <3
Hi Jennifer, That was cool- You wrote again right at the same time that I was replying to your first message 🙂 Please have your grandmother say hi on Tommy’s facebook page! Keep in touch, and have a fantastic day 🙂
Hi again Jennifer, I think I have been answering your messages twice by accident! Anyhow, end of October we will be at Disney World! Hope to meet you 🙂
Hi! My name is Nichole and I’m from Boston, MA. I just recently discovered Tommy’s youtube channel and I cannot begin to describe the joy it brings me when I watch his videos, especially the Disney ones. I applied for the Disney College Program this month and hope to be a cast member this upcoming August-January. I think I found Tommy’s channel at the perfect time because it showed me how much I truly want to work for Disney and to be apart of the magic. Tommy’s story is inspiring and brought me to tears. I love the happiness that Disney brings to Tommy and watching him interact with all of the characters is amazing. If I do get accepted into the Disney College Program and you guys are planning to vacation down there during those months I would LOVE to meet Tommy and the Des Brisay family! You are all inspiring and wonderful people, thank you for sharing Tommy’s story!
Hi Nichole,
This is Tommy’s mom, MaryAnn. Thank you for this heartwarming and sweet message. Your positive spirit shines through every word! I hope you Disney College Program dream comes true, and our paths will cross and you will meet Tommy in person. Our next trip might be in the fall! In the meantime, another great way to say hello to Tommy is to write to him on the wall of his Facebook page, as he reads those messages and replies. He’s very busy with his training so it can take a few days for him to reply. Once you are a Cast Member, let us know what your job is so we can try to visit you! Thank you so much for watching Tommy’s videos! It means so much to know that people like you are enjoying his videos. Have a very magical day!!! Warm hugs from Canada!
Hi again,
I actually just got accepted for the program a couple of hours ago! Im so happy that I cried when I saw the email! I will be working in merchandise but I won’t know my location until August when I move in so I’ll keep you guys posted! I just found Tommy’s Facebook page and will say hi soon 🙂
-Nichole
Hi this is Michal Tovar im a FaceBook friend of Tommy. I started to watch tommys channel on YouTube in the summer of 2013, I love your Disney vlogs there Amazing anyways im 19 years old just graduated high school on June 14, 2014 I come from a very abusive family all my life ive been abused, I have been having difficulties finding a job so I can get the money to support myself but no one would help me and I really just want to live off them. What should I do about this situation in your opinion also I have something really epic something I know everyone will definitely like I want to do and that is to become an entertainer and horror movie monster or villain designer, movie director. I appreciate autism, its not a bad thing we are still normal regardless, don’t let it control you. Hope the best for your future and you are very talented and outstanding. Quick question are you on Gmail so I can give you updates on what’s happening ill give you mine just in case.
Hi Michael, This is Tommy’s mom, MaryAnn. Thank you for sharing your story with us, and for being a supportive YouTube and Facebook friend to Tommy 🙂 I can see that you live with many huge challenges, and that you have some amazing dreams for your life! People with Autism, like you and Tommy, have so many talents and abilities to offer others and the world. I encourage you to keep believing in yourself, dream big, and follow your heart in finding work that makes you happy and where your talents are appreciated. Surround yourself with people that support you, if you know who they are, and reach out for help to people that believe in you. I wish you much luck! Hugs <3
Hi Maryann , Tommy or who ever it is that’s usually on here. This is Michael Tovar again I have another story I wanted to share so anyways if I probably told you before I have autism since I was 7, when I was 14 I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder I feel like this might effect my driving im trying to get a license so I can travel further I plan to move to Anaheim California and fulfill my dream to become an actor, movie director and musician my dream is going to be intense I also plan to become a YouTube star and what im asking is do you think it could be hard for people with autism to drive? I hope not for me but ill see
Hi Michael, This is a very interesting question. Tommy doesn’t drive, and is not ready to even attempt it. But you might be able to do it with the right support. Each autistic person is so different and unique. Believe in yourself, and follow your dreams. But be happy with whatever you feel is best for you, and makes you most comfortable. Take things one day at a time. Hugs to you, and keep in touch!
This is Michael again just wanted to say the only thing I really want to now is leave North Carolina permanently because I hardly have any support there, I have some but they don’t do much.
Hi there Des Brisay Family!
My name is Jennifer, and I’m a college student studying psychology in Florida! I actually live about 4 hours away from Disney World; it feels like my own backyard 🙂 I have been watching Tommy’s videos for a little while now and I am just so amazed with everything that he has accomplished. My favorite videos of Tommy are of course the Disney ones where he meets the Princesses and Fairies, they are just too adorable. Tommy is so full of life and is so positive, it amazes me how much of a wonderful person he is. I may not have autism, but when I was 5 years old, I had a liver transplant and I didn’t think I was ever going to live life normally again. Watching Tommy’s videos have inspired me and he has shown me that life really is short and you can’t waste a minute of it. You have to be positive and make the most out of everything. 16 years later, I’m alive and healthy, studying psychology of child development, and I am a Seasonal Cast Member for the Disney Store in my town! Tommy, you are kind, sweet, a heck of a rummer, and like me you know your knowledge of Disney extremely well, and I know that you WILL be the fastest rummer in the world. I have complete faith in you 🙂 I would like to meet you and your family someday and I want to be your friend. Maybe we can meet up at Disney sometime I’m always there <3 I wish you and your family the best and I send my love to you all. Thank you Tommy, for helping me realize that life is worth living.
Hugs and Kisses <3
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer, This is Tommy’s mom, MaryAnn. What an incredible message to receive 🙂 Thank you so much for all your positive, supportive kind words. I’m so happy to know that your liver transplant was a success and it sounds like your amazingly positive attitude keeps a smile on your face no matter what challenges life presents to you. It isn’t easy sometimes, but it sure helps to smile! We will be at Disney this October for Halloween! Perhaps Tommy could meet you? Are you on Facebook? Come say hi!!! Have a magical day!
Hi this is Michael Tovar again a friend of Tommy on YouTube and Facebook here’s an update on what’s happening with my life now I got a job working in the back at a Thrift store and the people there are really nice they support me good the only thing I need to work on is picking up the pace, that’s working out well and I really wanted to tell you, don’t take this the wrong way I love Tommy’s videos on YouTube I really do but every time I watch em I get kinda sad mainly because of good family and friends, however my family are still abusive, I’ve suffered enough, I could get help but no matter where I go or what I do, they will screw it up and follow me.
Congratulations on your new job, Michael. I’m sorry to hear that you have had a difficult time in your family life. I hope you can find supportive friends, at work or in other areas of your life, to help you. Good luck with your job! -Tommy’s mom