Our Journey: From Diagnosis to Acceptance
When my son Cortland was born in 2014, I was filled with joy and excitement for the future. Little did I know that our journey would take us on a path of growth, learning, and ultimately, a deep appreciation for neurodiversity. In 2016, when Cortland was just two years old, I received news that would shape our family's future. During a routine check-up, he was pre-screened and identified as being at risk for autism. This early identification was a turning point for us. I immediately began early intervention services, taking my first tentative steps into a world I knew little about. The following year, in 2017, Cortland received an official diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. At three years old, my bright-eyed boy was given a label that, at first, seemed daunting. But I quickly learned that this diagnosis wasn't an end - it was a beginning. It opened doors to understanding, support, and a new perspective on neurodiversity. As I navigated therapies and support services, I wa...