5. A Journey of Growth and Support with Autism

Here we are, at a place I never thought we’d get to, but also one that I always knew we would find. Things are getting better. Things are really starting to change for the better. Maverick is walking into his therapy sessions again with more ease, and though he still has his moments, he’s doing a little bit better with each passing day. It’s not perfect, but progress is progress. It feels like a huge victory, and I’m holding on to every little win, no matter how small.

In an effort to help Maverick adjust to new situations, we decided to take a night away from the house. It was meant to be a trial, a chance to see how he would respond to spending the night somewhere other than home. It was a complete nightmare for me in so many ways. I had high hopes, but I didn’t quite anticipate how hard it would be for Maverick. He wasn’t comfortable. He wasn’t okay. He was stimming hardcore and running laps in the AirBnB, looking around almost as if he was trying to understand why we were there. The change in environment seemed to throw him off completely, and watching him struggle was heartbreaking.

The only comfort he had that night were a few things from home that we brought along: his little sofa, his favorite pillow, and his beloved iPad. I knew if we hadn’t had those familiar items, it would have been chaos. It was hard to see him struggle so much, but at the same time, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for those hard moments. It may sound strange, but I am thankful for them because they teach me lessons every single time.

I also hope those difficult moments teach everyone else around me something they didn’t notice before. I have to remind myself that education is key. People can learn about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but what you read online or what you study in child development courses doesn’t always prepare you for the real-life challenges of living with a child who has ASD. What I’ve learned in my experience with Maverick doesn’t always match what I thought I knew, or what other people tell you.

You see, I’m no stranger to the world of child development. I’ve been trained in childcare, taken courses on disabilities, and read so much about ASD. But none of that prepared me for the reality of what I experience day in and day out. The things I thought I knew? They don’t always apply. I had seen the signs early on, and I knew something was different with Maverick. I knew that I needed to act, to get him the help he needed, and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.

For anyone reading this who is also struggling, I want you to know this: You are not alone. There are communities of people out there, groups of us, who are navigating the same difficult roads. And I want you to know that there is a welcoming community, arms wide open, ready to support and accept you. I feel incredibly blessed to have friends who have children with ASD—friends who understand the struggles I face, who have been where I am now, and who are always there to offer advice, share their own experiences, and provide a listening ear.

I’m fortunate to be able to lean on these friends, to share my own struggles without fear of judgment. I can cry, I can vent, and I can voice my concerns, and they don’t just listen—they truly understand. To have that kind of support is one of the greatest blessings I could ever ask for. The strength of this community, of people who truly get it, has been one of the most uplifting parts of this journey. I am so incredibly grateful for that.

But as grateful as I am, the next chapter of this journey is about to get even busier. Maverick’s occupational therapy team has expressed their concerns about his progress and has recommended intensive therapy—five days a week. This is a big step, and I’m ready to give him everything he needs, no matter how challenging it becomes. The same day that I got the news about the intensive therapy, I learned that a practice with developmental pediatricians had just started accepting new patients. This was the breakthrough I had been waiting for! I called immediately and scheduled an appointment. I was able to get in for an evaluation within the next month—goodbye long waiting lists.

I can’t help but feel incredibly blessed. We’ve been given an opportunity that many don’t have, and I’m going to make the most of it. I feel so fortunate to have the flexibility in my job to juggle Maverick’s appointments and therapy sessions, and I’m even more thankful for my older children, who are always there to lend a hand. They are so helpful, ready to step in whenever their little brother needs something, and I couldn’t do this without them.

I am also blessed to have a partner who, though he may not fully understand everything I’m going through, tries his hardest to support me. He is there, listening, trying to understand, and doing everything he can to help in any way. Having a supportive partner makes all the difference.

That being said, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’m feeling overwhelmed at times. The weight of everything—Maverick’s care, the logistics, the appointments, the constant push for more support—can feel crushing. I know this is my part to play, and I know that this is where I thrive. I am Maverick’s best advocate, and I’ll do whatever it takes for him and for my other children. This isn’t easy, but I’m ready to tackle every new challenge that comes our way. Onward to the next task.