Our Story Begins Here
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Sometimes the biggest challenge in life can be transformed into the greatest and most positive adventure!!
In February 2018, my youngest child was referred to be evaluated by Early Intervention and his therapy services started shortly after. Like many parents, I had mixed feelings of denial, sadness, and uncertainty about his potential diagnosis. Although I was in fear mode, I chose to become the support, strong advocate he needed.
It was now time to face everything and do my best to be proactive, and by the recommendation of a very supportive therapist, I made the next move which was to have him evaluated by the Division of Developmental and Behavior Pediatrics of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. It was July of 2018 when my child was diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, and SPD. At that moment, it was clear to me that as a mother it was my duty to make sure that he thrives as the best and most authentic version of himself.
We have been very blessed and lucky to encounter such a beautiful team of therapists, (who we like to call our angels) that have guided and supported us through our journey. But as fabulous as they were, I learned that nothing would have worked if I wasn’t fully involved and part of the team. If I was not constantly challenging my Atypical child and exposed him to all I could, navigating typical environments may have become more difficult for him.
School activities, community outings, concerts, and showcases, you name it, this all and more has been a tremendous challenge for me as a mom of two other very active children. It was important for me to have all the siblings involved in each other’s life and activities— yes it may have been challenging but not impossible. I strived to have my child feel safe and included in any environment they were placed in. By experimenting with strategies and making accommodations, I was able to expose my youngest to these oftentimes overwhelming environments and make sure each sibling felt included and supported. Sure, I had to twist like a pretzel, but this allowed me to witness the resilience within my family.
So, throughout my journey, it is my belief that exposure was the best way to help my child navigate through typical environments. Makes sense right? All children grow and develop through exposure to family gatherings, playdates, sports, and sometimes if we have the budget, to an amusement park, museums, zoos, and even trips out of state. While this may be more challenging for an atypical child, like my youngest, these experiences are just as important for their physical and social development and their ability to navigate a typical environment with confidence.
As a parent of an Atypical child, I know firsthand the physical, mental, and economic challenges we have to face. Therefore, we strive to empower you in advocating for your child as well as supporting their success in whatever that means to your family. We believe that success is the happiness you get from life when you try your very best and never give up.
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