When my son was five years old, we were in the middle of COVID—both of us at home every day. He was attending school virtually, and I was working from home. Being in the same space allowed me to notice things I might have otherwise missed.

I started to see changes in him. He was forgetting numbers I knew he had already learned. Instead of answering questions, he would repeat what other students were saying. He struggled to sit still and often came to me for comfort, needing frequent hugs throughout the day.

During his breaks, I noticed something else—he would line up his cars in perfect, straight rows. If anything disturbed that order, it would upset him. At first, I didn’t fully understand what I was seeing, but I knew something wasn’t quite right.

I reached out to his teachers, especially about the academic concerns, but they reassured me that it was likely due to virtual learning and him just starting school. Still, in my heart, I knew there was more to it.

So I began advocating for my son.

I searched for specialists and learned about developmental pediatricians. I initially went through Kennedy Krieger Institute, but the wait was long. Determined to get answers, I turned to Children’s National Hospital.

What followed was a long journey—five different appointments with speech therapists, psychologists, and specialists. Nearly a year later, we finally received a diagnosis: autism.

I wasn’t expecting it.

As a perfectionist, I struggled to process the news. I felt overwhelmed, emotional, and even guilty—thinking back to the long nights of homework and frustration, not realizing he was facing challenges beyond his control. But as I began to reflect, everything started to make sense—the repetition, the organization, the struggles with learning.

Slowly, my perspective began to shift.

I found community. I met other families walking similar paths. I realized that autism is more common than I ever imagined—and more importantly, that my son is not defined by it. He is still the same amazing child, just uniquely wired.

Today, I’m grateful. Through the support of our community and resources in Prince George’s County, my son now attends a private school designed for children with autism. He receives one-on-one support, learns in a smaller classroom, and is surrounded by children who understand him.

And he is thriving.

This journey has changed me. It has taught me patience, advocacy, and unconditional love on a deeper level.

That’s why I’m asking for your support.

Please consider donating to Autism Speaks. There are so many families just beginning this journey—families who need answers, resources, and hope.

Your support helps create access, awareness, and opportunities for children like my son.

Thank you for being part of team Legendary Minds.