Our Story

In 2019, my family joined the autism community. Although we suspected the diagnosis was coming, nothing can prepare you for the amount of “resources” they throw your way once the diagnosis goes on paper.

Vincent taught me the importance of advocating for our children. During our introduction to autism we have traveled through two school districts, several different therapist and attempting to find the appropriate therapies so our toddler can learn fo function in the world he lives in.

And then…

Although 2020 brought a whole new wave of challenges it’s also when we received another diagnosis. Autism Spectrum disorder for our youngest, Maxwell. We now had double the therapies, IEPs and schedules to face.

Although both boys have the SAME diagnosis they present very differently.

Vincent has lots of sensory sensitivities from touch and loud noises. His oral touch is so sensitive he survives on pediatric shakes. This is the only thing he will eat. We also have a hard time going outside because of the sounds of bugs in the summer time. Meltdown after Meltdown.

Maxwell is a sensory seeker. He introduced us to heavy work, weighted vests and Z vibes. Unlike his brother we have a hard time keeping stuff OUT of his mouth.

Their communication is also different. Vincent has a very large vocabulary but 90% of his communication is scripted from videos, songs and what he has heard from others. Maxwell is three years old and has yet to say his first word. We are currently working on using PEC cards (picture communication.)

Through our short two year journey in this new world we have learned different therapy techniques, the importance of picture schedules and how to fit 40+ hours of therapy in a toddlers schedule. However, no one warns you about the exhaustion and the helplessness that you feel as a special needs parent when even though you are literally giving everything you have, it feels like it’s never enough. Talk about mama guilt to the max.

While I was struggling with some of this guilt I hoped to find someone who felt similar to how I did, someone who could teach me just from their experience. And although I’m still no expert, I hope to help another mother who has the same struggles that I carry from having a neurally diverse child.

#AutismMama #SpecialNeedsParenting #SupportingAutism #AutismMom