Introduction: “Wait, What Did You Say?”
It starts with a word—or sometimes a look—that changes everything. Autism. For some parents, it feels like their brain short-circuits right there in the doctor’s office. For others, it’s more like finally, an explanation for behaviors they’ve noticed for years.
Meet Maria, a mom who’s graciously offered to share her journey through the confusing, emotional, and occasionally hilarious early days of her son Leo’s autism diagnosis. Spoiler: It’s not all doom and gloom—there’s hope, growth, and even a little humor.
Q1: What Was the First Thing You Thought After Hearing “Autism”?
“Honestly? I thought, ‘Great. Another thing I have to Google.’ I mean, I had a vague idea of what autism was—mostly thanks to inaccurate TV portrayals—but I had no clue what it actually meant for my son.”
Maria laughs, but she admits the first days were a blur of emotions: relief, fear, guilt, and even a dash of denial.
“I immediately started questioning everything. Was it something I did? Too much screen time? That one time I let him eat a questionable chicken nugget?”
Q2: How Did You Start Educating Yourself?
“Google is a double-edged sword,” Maria says with a wry smile. “For every helpful resource, there are five doomscroll-inducing blog posts that make you think your life is over.”
Her advice? Start with credible sources:
The Autism Society
Autism Speaks (with a critical eye—Maria notes their messaging isn’t everyone’s cup of tea)
Local support groups
“Also, if someone recommends a book, double-check it. Not every ‘expert’ is… well, an expert.”
Q3: What’s Been the Most Surprising Part of the Journey?
Maria grins. “How much of parenting an autistic child is just parenting. Don’t get me wrong—there are unique challenges, but at the end of the day, Leo is still a kid who loves dinosaurs and hates broccoli.”
She shares a story about the time Leo melted down in a grocery store because the “wrong” brand of cereal was on the shelf. “I was ready to cry until a fellow mom whispered, ‘Same thing happened to us last week. Except it was Oreos.’”
Q4: What Were Some of the Early Challenges?
Maria’s list is as relatable as it is poignant:
Sensory Overload: “Public places were a nightmare. Too bright, too loud, too everything.”
Communication Barriers: “Leo was nonverbal at first, which made understanding his needs feel like solving a riddle.”
Judgy McJudgersons: “Other parents love to weigh in. ‘Have you tried discipline?’ Yes, Karen, but thanks for the unsolicited advice.”
Q5: What Helped the Most?
Maria credits early intervention therapies for much of Leo’s progress. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) were game-changers for her family.
“Also, finding a tribe. Other parents of autistic kids are your lifeline. They get it in a way no one else can.”
Her secret weapon? Humor. “When Leo started using his AAC device, his first phrase wasn’t ‘I love you’—it was ‘No broccoli.’ I’ve never been prouder.”
Q6: How Did You Handle the Emotional Rollercoaster?
Maria gets candid: “It’s a lot. Therapy—for myself—helped. So did letting go of the ‘perfect parent’ fantasy. My house is a mess, my kid is happy, and I’ve accepted that cereal for dinner is a valid life choice.”
She emphasizes the importance of self-care. “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Even if your ‘self-care’ is just hiding in the pantry with a snack, take the time.”
Q7: What Would You Say to Parents Just Starting Out?
“Breathe. Seriously, just breathe. It’s overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to have all the answers right away. Take it one day—one meltdown—at a time.”
She also advises embracing your child’s quirks. “Leo’s fascination with light switches used to drive me crazy. Now I realize it’s his way of exploring the world.”
Q8: What’s Life Like Now?
“Messy, noisy, and amazing,” Maria says. Leo, now five, is thriving in a sensory-friendly preschool. He still loves dinosaurs, and his favorite phrase is, “Mommy funny.”
“Every day isn’t perfect, but it’s ours. Autism hasn’t defined Leo—it’s just one part of who he is.”
Final Thoughts: The Early Days Are Hard, But…
Maria’s story is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of finding your own path. Navigating an autism diagnosis is no walk in the park, but it’s also not the end of the world. As Maria puts it:
“You’re not alone. And if all else fails, remember: wine and chocolate are cheaper than therapy.”
Have questions or need support navigating an autism diagnosis? Call or text 614-470-4466, email admin@achievepsychology.org, or visit www.achievepsychology.org for expert advice and resources.
Works Cited
Autism Society. (2023). Autism Resources and Support.
National Autism Center. (2023). Early Intervention Practices for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
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