Navigating your son's Unique Journey

Books, Therapy, and a Parent’s Learning Curve

It all started with books. At just 18 months old, our son was glued to the pages, decoding words he’d never seen or heard before. There he was, sprawled on the sofa, tiny fingers flipping through stories, his eyes alight with focus. I glanced at my husband, my heart swelling with awe but tinged with a quiet unease. “Something’s different,” I said. He looked back, pride shining in his eyes, but also a flicker of denial. We didn’t have a name for it yet, but we knew our bright little boy was on a path unlike any we’d expected.

By 2.5 years old, we had a formal diagnosis. So young, yet the signs were undeniable. The developmental checklists came with a string of “no, no, no” answers, confirming what we’d already sensed: our son didn’t fit into the mold of “typical” milestones or society’s expectations. Holding his beloved book, he was radiant, brilliant in his own way. But the world handed us a new reality, one filled with recommendations for therapy after therapy after therapy.

So, where do you start?

The Therapy Whirlwind

The list felt endless: Intensive Interaction, ABA, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Hanen, and more. In just five years, our son’s weekly schedule became a marathon, packed from morning to night. We tried so many approaches, each with its own promise of progress. But the question lingered: Was he happy? Were we seeing progress?

It’s a hard question to answer. Every new technique was a leap of faith, supported wholeheartedly by my husband, who trusted my instinct to keep searching for what worked. Starting one therapy often meant pausing another, a constant balancing act. So much depended on the therapist, our son’s ever-changing needs, and the connection they formed. Rarely did we find a single approach or therapist that stayed with us for years. As our son grew, his needs shifted, and we had to adapt alongside him.

A Parent’s Role in the Journey

From day one, I made a choice: I would be there in every therapy session, even if just in the corner of the room. I wasn’t just observing, I was learning. I wanted to understand the techniques, the strategies, the why behind what the therapists did. This meant diving into continuously training myself—courses on RBT, ABA, hyperlexia, Intensive Interaction, and more. Each one gave me tools to bring therapy into our home, to weave it into our daily routines, and to foster communication within our family.

One approach that stood out was Floortime. It taught me to meet our son where he was, to accept how he processes the world, and to build on his unique strengths. It wasn’t just about “fixing” milestones; it was about connecting with him, celebrating his brilliance, and helping him navigate his challenges.

Therapy Starts at Home

Yes, outside support is crucial at times, but I’ve come to believe that therapy truly begins in the everyday moments, at home, in the environment where your child feels safest. It’s in the way we adapt our routines, the patience we practice, and the small victories we celebrate. As parents, we’re not just facilitators; we’re the constant in our child’s ever-evolving world.

Our son’s journey is far from linear. It’s a rolling ball, and we’ve learned to stay on top of it, adapting as he grows. The books he loves are still his anchor, a reminder of the bright, curious boy who started it all. For any parent stepping into this world of therapies and diagnoses, my advice is this: trust your instincts, learn alongside your child, and never underestimate the power of the love and connection you build at home.

Tips for Parents Starting This Journey:

• • Be present in therapy sessions (if you can) Learn the techniques so you can reinforce them at home.

• • Explore training opportunities. Courses on specific therapies or approaches can empower you to support your child effectively.

• • Stay flexible. What works today may not work tomorrow—be ready to adapt.

• • Celebrate your child’s uniqueness. Their strengths are your guide, not just the milestones they haven’t met.

• • Build a support network. Connect with other parents, therapists, or communities who understand your journey.