Of Patrick and Jeanette's six children, five have been diagnosed with autism. National autism experts are not aware of a single other family in the United States with five autistic children. Ranging in age from 15 to 5, the five children have been diagnosed with varying degrees of autism, from minimal to severe. The couple's fourth child, Meaghan, who shows no signs of autism, helps out as caretaker for her siblings. The wear and tear from the six children, five of whom have special needs, has taken its toll on the O'Donnell's home. The home's condition has grown hazardous, especially as some of the children get older and require ongoing care.