Our Autism Journey: From Diagnosis to Love and Hope
When my family and I first heard the word “autism,” we didn’t know what to expect. We didn’t know what it would mean for our lives, hopes, or children’s dreams. We only knew we loved them and would do whatever it took to help them thrive.
In this post, I want to share our journey; the highs, the lows, the tears, and the victories, hoping to encourage someone else to walk a similar path. You’re not alone.
How Our Journey Started
Autism was very new to my family and me when my oldest son, Camren, was diagnosed. While he was in daycare and preschool, teachers and family members would often reach out, expressing concerns that something might be wrong. Deep down, I knew something was different too. By the age of one, he wasn’t responding to his name and barely spoke.
Thankfully, we were able to get help early. Camren was enrolled in an early intervention program where he received therapy both at school and at home twice a week. It made a huge difference. He was officially diagnosed with autism during my first deployment to Iraq, while he was living with my mother. I remember feeling so heartbroken when I heard the news. At the time, I blamed myself, thinking I must have done something wrong.
Looking back now, I realize how grateful I am that he was diagnosed early. It opened the door for him to get the support and therapies he needed to become the amazing young man he is today.
Our Early Struggles and Breakthroughs
After his diagnosis, Camren began speech therapy to help with his communication. At the time, he was nonverbal and could only express his needs through a PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) book. He also attended occupational therapy and saw a neurologist regularly.
Even with these therapies, we faced challenges. Any disruption to his routine — at home or at school — could lead to daily outbursts. I would get phone calls almost every day because he was crying, throwing things, or hitting, unable to tell anyone what was wrong. It was heartbreaking.
One of his teachers suggested we try ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy. After working with his medical provider to get the paperwork approved, we enrolled him — and within just a few weeks, it felt like we had a new child. Camren started communicating more. We finally understood his routines and needs better, and his behavior at school improved dramatically.
ABA therapy truly changed our lives. Thanks to the hard work of his therapists, he went from being nonverbal to talking more and more. As a military family, every time we PCS’d (moved), we made sure he was immediately enrolled in ABA therapy wherever we went.
By 10th grade, Camren had graduated from the ABA program and transitioned from special education classes into general education. It wasn’t easy at first, but he kept pushing forward.
Facing Doubts & Defying Expectations
I’ll never forget one particularly hard moment during his 8th-grade IEP meeting in South Carolina. His teachers told me he would likely only earn a certificate of completion — not a high school diploma. I was devastated. But once we moved to Texas, everything changed. His new teachers believed in him. They gave him the support he needed, and Camren even worked hard at home, studying online to improve his grades.
Eventually, he moved fully into general education classes. In 2024, Camren graduated high school with a real diploma! I was the proudest mom that day. Now, he’s looking into colleges that offer support services for students with special needs, and he plans to major in video production.
I will never stop believing in his abilities, and I thank God every day for watching over him.
Our Journey with Our Youngest Son
Our younger son has a different experience with autism, along with ADHD. He was officially diagnosed with both autism and ADHD at age 8. Unlike Camren, he spoke more at a young age, but he was noticeably delayed compared to his peers. He’s an incredibly smart child; you can show him something once, and he’ll catch on immediately.
However, focusing at school is a big challenge for him. His autism and ADHD often make it hard for him to stay on task. My husband and I have been going back and forth about whether we should try ADHD medication. We’ve heard all the horror stories about finding the right dosage, and honestly, it’s scary. We continue to pray and ask God for guidance on what’s best for him.
Our youngest also went through ABA therapy, but he graduated from the program quickly. His psychiatrist believes he has a mild case of autism and may even grow out of it.
He doesn’t have the same outbursts Camren had, but he prefers to play by himself or occasionally with his sister. He’s currently in 5th grade and has always been in general education classes. I’m thankful for the progress he’s made and the support he continues to receive at school.
The Emotional Side of Autism
Raising children with autism has been both deeply rewarding and deeply emotional.
I remember so many nights when Camren would scream, cry, and kick at bedtime. It was like clockwork, every night. As a single mom at the time, it took a real toll on me. Many nights, I cried right along with him, feeling helpless.
But through the support of friends, family, teachers, and therapists, I made it through. And so did he. I’m so grateful for the people who stood by us during those hard times.
You Are Not Alone
I’m sharing my story because I want other families walking a similar path to know: you are not alone. Every child is different, but with early intervention, proper support, and unconditional love, your child can make incredible progress, too.
Both of my boys are smart, funny, loving, and full of life. They keep me laughing every day, and I wouldn’t change them for anything.
Conclusion
Our journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been filled with growth, blessings, and hope. Autism doesn’t define my children; it’s just one part of their beautiful stories. I’m proud of every hurdle they’ve overcome and every milestone they’ve reached.
If you are raising a child with autism (or know someone who is), I’d love to hear your story too!
What challenges have you faced? What victories are you celebrating?
Please feel free to share your experiences in the comments; your story might encourage someone else who needs it today.
Helpful Resources That Supported Our Journey
- Autism Speaks Website – This website provides information on autism, toolkits, and support services.
- What is ABA Therapy? – Learn how ABA therapy works and why it’s widely recommended.
- Weighted Blanket – My oldest son used a weighted blanket to help calm him during nap time at school.
- Weighted Vest – This helped my oldest son when he struggled to calm down after a meltdown.
- PECS Communication Book – This is how my son communicated before he started speaking. It was a lifesaver in those early years.
Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend items that we’ve personally used and found helpful in our family’s autism journey.
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