Understanding autism through lived experience—not labels
A journey of raising a non-verbal autistic child, and everything it changed in how I see the world.
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A message that changed how I think
This heartfelt piece reflects on the vulnerability and isolation felt on the autism journey — and the power of being truly seen and supported. It explores how a simple message from a friend helped the author realize that understanding one’s own experience is more important than seeking others’ validation
It’s ok to not understand
Sometimes, we won’t fully understand our child’s world — and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean we love them any less or aren’t paying attention. This post is about letting go of needing all the answers, accepting uncertainty, and finding patience, presence, and compassion along the way. It’s a reminder that connection matters more than perfection.
The helplessness of soundlessness
There are moments on the autism journey when silence feels heavy — not peaceful, but full of longing and unanswered questions. This post explores the ache of quiet spaces when communication doesn’t come easily, the helplessness that can surface, and the deep, unspoken love that persists even when words are absent.
Rethinking Autism
7 Traits of My Son I Wish I Had
In this reflective piece, I share qualities my son naturally embodies — traits I’ve come to admire and even wish I carried more fully myself. From patience and presence to pure joy in small moments, these heartfelt observations remind me that the gifts of autism aren’t just his — they can be ours to learn from too.
Autism myths I wish I could dispel
In this post, I unpack common misconceptions about autism that often shape how people think. Drawing from personal experience and honest reflection, I challenge these myths not to criticize, but to encourage deeper understanding, compassion, and respect for what autism really looks like beyond stereotypes
My son is not a tragedy
So many stories about autism are framed like heartbreak. In this post, I reflect on how reframing autism through a lens of love and acceptance has transformed the way I see my son. It’s a reminder that our kids are whole, valuable, and worthy of being seen for who they truly are, not who others expect them to be.
Communication beyond words
My son talked and I failed
Sometimes the biggest lessons come not from what is said — but from what we fail to hear. In this post, I share a moment of realization when I finally understood that my son was talking in his own way, even though I wasn’t truly listening.
OK Google, “Wheels on the Bus”
In this post, I share a small but magical moment with my son, sparked by the simple tech command. It’s a glimpse into how everyday tech can create joy, connection, and little wins that mean so much in our lives together.
Why I will talk to my son more
Communication isn’t always about words. This post reflects on how my son expresses himself through gestures, presence, and emotions, showing that connection can be rich, deep, and meaningful even without speech.
The Parenting Journey
I am not a supermom
Being called a “supermom” can sound like praise, but it often hides the reality of exhaustion and quiet struggle. This post reflects on the pressure to always be strong . It’s about embracing imperfection and recognizing that behind the label is just a mother doing her best, one day at a time.
Autism changed me
Autism didn’t just shape my child’s life — it changed mine too. In this post, I reflect on how becoming a parent to an autistic son shifted my perspective, challenged my assumptions, and deepened my capacity for patience, empathy, and presence. It’s a personal look at growth that comes from love, not expectation.
Mistakes I Made as a Mom
We all learn as we go, and parenting an autistic child taught me some hard lessons. In this post, I honestly share the mistakes I made, what they taught me, and how they helped shape a more compassionate, patient, and understanding journey. It’s a reminder that growth isn’t linear — and mistakes don’t define love.
Kindness and Connection
Love Letter from My Son’s Teacher
On a particularly challenging day, I received a heartfelt email from my son’s teacher celebrating his “big wins” and reminding me of his progress. This post shares that moment of unexpected support and love — a reminder that even in the toughest times, there are people who see and cherish our children’s growth.
To the hairdresser – Thank you!
For many autistic children, even a simple haircut can be overwhelming. This post shares how one kind stylist met my son where he was, softened a difficult moment, and helped turn something stressful into something calm and positive. It’s a reminder that small acts of empathy can make a big difference on the autism journey.
An encounter to remember
On a difficult day with my son, a stranger’s quiet kindness transformed a moment of chaos into one of healing and hope. She understood our struggles, offered help without judgment, and reminded me that empathy can arrive in the simplest gestures. This encounter stayed with me.
Moments that stay
When a hug meant more
For a child who rarely seeks or shows affection, a single hug can mean everything. Here, I share a moment when my son surprised us by stepping into our embrace choosing connection, and love. It was a simple gesture, but one that carried more meaning than words ever could.
A different kind of happy
When autism reshaped our expectations, it also reshaped what happiness meant to us. In this post, I reflect on letting go of borrowed definitions of joy and discovering our own . It’s a reminder that happiness doesn’t disappear; it simply finds new ways to show up.
When my son’s tears brought me joy
A terrifying moment turned into something unexpectedly profound when my son showed a depth of emotion I had never seen before. It’s a reminder that even when autism feels overwhelming, there are moments that quietly redefine everything.
Systems, Society & Advocacy
Let’s talk inclusion
What was meant to be a joyful milestone became a painful reminder of how misunderstood inclusion can be. In this post, I share my son’s experience of being physically present but truly left out — and reflect on why inclusion is more than just sharing space. It’s about dignity and belief,
Of forms and failures & why they fail my son
As I fill out form after form for my son, I’m struck by how little they capture who he truly is. While the paperwork reflects limitations, I see quiet progress, emotional growth, and meaningful milestones that can’t be measured on a chart.
The autism mom who vaccinated
The vaccine debate is often loud and divided, but for parents like me, it’s deeply personal and complex. In this post, I reflect on the fears, doubts, and heartbreak that shape these decisions — and why, despite it all, I chose to vaccinate my child.
Resources
Gift Ideas for Special Needs Parents
While there are plenty of gift guides for children with special needs, the hardworking parents who care for them are often overlooked. This post turns the tables to share thoughtful, practical gift ideas specifically for the caregivers. Dive in to find the perfect way.
The mommy-therapist
Navigating the long waitlists and insurance limits for occupational therapy can be incredibly frustrating for parents of children with autism. In this post, I share my journey of stepping into the role of ‘mommy-therapist’ to help fill those therapy gaps at home.
ways to Manage Party stress
From setting a baseline for sensory limits to the power of being open about an autism diagnosis, learn how to navigate events without hiding away. Discover a parent’s guide to balancing social inclusion with your child’s unique needs, one small step at a time.
If something here resonated with you, there’s more.
This journey is filled with questions, small victories, unexpected lessons, and moments of quiet strength.
You can explore more stories, reflections, and experiences here.
