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 watched Cortland grow and develop in his unique way. His strengths became more apparent, and I learned to celebrate every milestone, big or small.

In 2019, we faced a new challenge: mainstream school. Cortland entered a private mainstream education system, and I found myself becoming a fierce advocate for inclusive education. However, after just a month, it became clear that this environment wasn't the right fit for Cortland's needs. In a pivotal decision, we moved to homeschooling. This shift allowed me to tailor Cortland's education to his unique learning style and needs, while also providing a more comfortable and flexible environment for him to thrive.

The transition to homeschooling was a year of triumphs and setbacks, of educating others and being educated myself. I learned the importance of flexibility and personalized learning approaches to create an environment where Cortland could truly flourish.

Then came 2020, and with it, a global pandemic that turned everyone's world upside down. For us, it meant a complete shift in how we accessed services and support for Cortland. Virtual therapies, adjusting our homeschool routines, and finding new ways to socialize became our reality. This period tested my resilience but also showed me how adaptable we could be. I discovered new ways to support Cortland's development at home and found strength in connecting with other families facing similar challenges.

Through all of these experiences - the early concerns, the diagnosis, the brief stint in mainstream school, transitioning to homeschooling, and adapting to a global crisis - I've grown not just as an individual, but as a parent. I've learned to embrace neurodiversity, to see the world through Cortland's eyes, and to appreciate the unique perspective he brings to our lives.

Our journey has taught me that acceptance isn't just about tolerating differences; it's about celebrating them. It's about recognizing that Cortland's autism is an integral part of who he is, not something to be "fixed" or changed. 

As I look to the future, I'm filled with hope and determination. My experiences have inspired me to reach out to other families on similar journeys. I want to share what I've learned, offer support, and continue advocating for a world that not only accepts but embraces neurodiversity.

This path hasn't always been easy, but it has always been worthwhile. Every challenge has made me stronger, every success has brought us joy, and every day with Cortland reminds me of the beauty of embracing autism unapologetically.

Our journey continues, and I'm excited to see where it leads us next.