Laughing Through the Chaos: One Mom’s Journey with Autism

The alarm clock goes off, and I start getting ready for the morning routine with my two kids. But then I remember—there’s really no such thing as a “routine” in my house. Even when I wake up with a mental checklist of what needs to get done before school, I’ve come to accept that something will definitely throw a wrench in the plan. What’s that saying? “We make plans and God laughs?” Yeah—this is life with a three-year-old on the Autism spectrum. And over time, I’ve learned to laugh along too. Sometimes even louder than the universe.

In the U.S., about 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Knowing that number has been a comfort—because it means I’m not alone. ASD is said to be nearly four times more common in boys than girls, so imagine my surprise when my daughter, Alanna, was diagnosed. That was probably my first real “laugh” on this journey. It was early 2023 when we started noticing she wasn’t communicating the way other babies her age were. She wouldn’t respond to her name, avoided eye contact, had EPIC tantrums, and these little “quirks” that made her totally unique in our family.

At 18 months, we got her started with Early Intervention—and honestly, that was such a blessing. She received Speech Therapy, Feeding Therapy, Special Instruction… the works. Eventually, she aged into ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapy, which also included Physical and Occupational Therapy. It wasn’t always easy finding services, but we had help. With a great Service Coordinator and a supportive school district, we were able to get her into a Center-Based Program when she turned three.

Her school supports children up to age five who are considered “Preschoolers with a Disability.” And every time I visit, I’m reminded of just how wide the Autism spectrum really is. Some of her classmates need a lot more support, others are just as quirky and spunky as she is. The program has introduced us to a bunch of new techniques for her therapeutic diet and sensory needs—not everything has stuck, but some have made a huge difference.

This April will be the first time I truly embrace Autism Awareness Month—not because I ever felt ashamed or embarrassed, but because it took me a little longer to fully understand what Alanna’s diagnosis meant for our family. It’s not just about one child. It changes everything—your outlook, your expectations, your patience, your priorities.

But what I’ve found along the way has been beautiful. There is so much support out there: parent groups, advocacy organizations, educators, and lawmakers all working to raise awareness and create space for families like mine. And I’ve decided I’m not just going to be “aware” in April. This is my life every day. And I want others to understand that Autism doesn’t look the same for everyone. It really is a spectrum—and it touches every family differently.

So, if you’re reading this, I hope you’ll take a moment this month to learn something new about ASD. Ask questions. Be curious. Be kind. And maybe even embrace the non-routine in your own life—because sometimes, that’s where joy lives.