Charlie was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in January 2025 at 2 years and 7 months old. At his 1-year wellness visit with his pediatrician, we discussed how Charlie wasn't speaking any words yet and wouldn't respond to his name. He had no issues with his newborn hearing test, but it made sense to us that a hearing issue could occur considering his father is hearing impaired. Two hearing tests confirmed that Charlie's hearing was fine- our concerns escalated. 

As his parents, we knew he was on the spectrum around his 2nd birthday. In addition to being non-verbal and aloof, Charlie was showing other delays in his development. He wouldn't engage with his peers at daycare, he wouldn't always make eye contact with his daycare teachers, and he wasn't functionally playing with his toys; He enjoyed stimming with small toys (clenching them in his hands, simultaneously, while rocking his hands side-to-side). After waiting 19 months, he was evaluated and diagnosed and we could finally get him into the therapy we knew he needed, including speech, OT, and ABA.

It's been 5 months since his diagnosis and Charlie turned 3 in June; Since then, there has been no doubt he's made progress. Charlie is receiving speech and occupational therapy through the Cleveland Clinic, and is fortunate enough to have just started preschool and the Lerner School for Autism this summer. He now makes eye contact and responds to his name. Friends and family who have known Charlie since his diagnosis, or even before, have seen his improvement. 

Aside from all that, Charlie is still your typical toddler- he's sweet, silly, affectionate, playful, very active, and a good eater! His personality is outstanding. When he's really happy he smiles with his whole entire face, and I promise you've never heard anything greater than his belly laugh. He loves music and dancing, swinging, tickle fights with daddy, snuggles with mama, and BIKE RIDES!

Autism Speaks has been a great resource for us. The '100 Day Kit for Newly Diagnosed Families of Young Children' has been especially helpful. Please consider donating on behalf of Charlie to show your support of the autism community. Significant hurdles remain in employment, health and wellness, and community connection. Autism Speaks aims to change that forever and redefine what's possible for people with autism. 

We will continue being Charlie's voice and advocating for him. We know it will not be an easy road. There will be struggles and frustration, but we will keep a positive attitude and not lose hope. We are motivated to keep pushing, learning, and growing for Charlie to thrive and hopefully one day soon talk to us for the first time, and if he doesn't, he's still perfect!