For many children, scissor use emerges as a typical developmental milestone as early as age two. For Michael, this skill didn’t take shape until he was four. Yet, within months, he not only grasped it but mastered it. For me, his ability to use scissors signifies far more than just a developmental milestone. It reflects his self-driven approach to learning, his continued capacity to refine motor control, and, most importantly, his deep intrinsic motivation to master a skill entirely on his own terms. 🎬 Catch all the exclusive, on-the-go stories and insights into our daily approach to education and therapy on the Subscribers’ Page👑 📔eBook on Joint Attention & collection of activities, link in BIO 🔗 📔[NEW] eBook on a collection of activities for Speech Exercises, link in BIO 🔗 #heartwarming #cute #parenting #autism #nonverbal #nonspeaking #ASL #signlanguage #representationmatters #handsome #toddlermom #autismadvocate #autismparenting #inspiration #motivation #autismawareness

And with that, our journey to him fully responding to his name has been achieved—at 5 years old! 🎬 Catch all the exclusive, on-the-go stories and insights into our daily approach to education and therapy on the Subscribers’ Page👑 📔eBook on Joint Attention & collection of activities, link in BIO 🔗 📔[NEW] eBook on a collection of activities for Speech Exercises, link in BIO 🔗 #heartwarming #cute #parenting #autism #nonverbal #nonspeaking #ASL #signlanguage #representationmatters #handsome #toddlermom #autismadvocate #autismparenting #inspiration #motivation #autismawareness

It’s surreal to look back and realize that Michael was just one year old when he received his ASD diagnosis. Reflecting on how little he was at that time, it almost feels like a distant memory—so much has happened since then. Yet, I’m grateful we recognized the early signs and took action when we did, because those moments now feel like a blur, and I can only imagine how much harder it would have been to piece everything together in hindsight. Despite the many challenges we’ve faced and pushed through, one thing I’m especially proud of is maintaining our small cultural traditions. It’s so easy to let them slip away when bigger, more immediate concerns take priority. In the grand scheme of things, they might seem minor or inconsequential, but I truly believe that these traditions—no matter how small—hold meaning. Keeping them alive has not only given Michael a sense of consistency but also, in some way, a growing sense of his own identity. Whether he fully grasps it yet or not, I believe that these little rituals we’ve held onto will continue shaping his understanding of who he is and where he comes from. #happy #newyear #lunaryear everyone! 🧧 🎬 Catch all the exclusive, on-the-go stories and insights into our daily approach to education and therapy on the Subscribers’ Page👑 📔eBook on Joint Attention & collection of activities, link in BIO 🔗 📔[NEW] eBook on a collection of activities for Speech Exercises, link in BIO 🔗 #heartwarming #cute #parenting #autism #nonverbal #nonspeaking #ASL #signlanguage #representationmatters #handsome #toddlermom #autismadvocate #autismparenting #inspiration #motivation #autismawareness

Not all eye contact is the same when it comes to autism, yet there’s often a blanket narrative that nurturing eye contact is inherently “harmful,” particularly for a child with autism. The reality is that eye contact varies greatly in meaning, comfort level, and purpose from person to person. For some, it may feel natural, while for others, it can be overwhelming or even stressful. In many cases, eye contact isn’t necessarily an indicator of attention or connection—it’s a skill that can be gently nurtured over time in a way that respects individual needs and boundaries. Understanding this nuance was crucial in supporting meaningful communication for Michael, who faces challenges with language and speech, making every nonverbal communication skill an essential part of his expression. 📌 Continued at the end of Video… 🎬 Catch all the exclusive, on-the-go stories and insights into our daily approach to education and therapy on the Subscribers’ Page👑 📔eBook on Joint Attention & collection of activities, link in BIO 🔗 📔[NEW] eBook on a collection of activities for Speech Exercises, link in BIO 🔗 #heartwarming #cute #parenting #autism #nonverbal #nonspeaking #ASL #signlanguage #representationmatters #handsome #toddlermom #autismadvocate #autismparenting #inspiration #motivation #autismawareness

This was our family’s first IMAX immersive viewing experience, and like with any first, we carefully considered what Michael might or might not be prepared for. Yet, as with many new experiences, it often comes down to trial and error. The advanced projection system, which projects high-resolution visuals onto a curved surface to make viewers feel part of the action, paired with the surround sound system, creates a sensory-rich environment. While Michael has shown tolerance and enjoyment for such sensory stimulations in various other settings, full immersion wasn’t entirely possible for him this time. However, he did engage and communicate to a certain extent, which was encouraging. Ultimately, it became necessary for us to make the decision to leave the experience early, prioritizing Michael’s safety and comfort. 🎬 You can find our full mini-vlogs from the holiday gathering, along with more exclusive content, on the Subscribers page 👑. 📔eBook on Joint Attention & collection of activities, link in BIO 🔗 📔[NEW] eBook on a collection of activities for Speech Exercises, link in BIO 🔗 #heartwarming #cute #parenting #autism #nonverbal #nonspeaking #ASL #signlanguage #representationmatters #handsome #toddlermom #autismadvocate #autismparenting #inspiration #motivation #autismawareness

🎉#Happy #newyear , everyone! Wishing you all a bright and joyful start to the year. I hope you enjoy this adorable handshake as much as I do—it’s one of my many favorite moments from our Christmas reunion. 🎬 You can find our full mini-vlogs from the holiday gathering, along with more exclusive content, on the Subscribers page 👑. Thank you for being part of our journey, and here’s to an amazing year ahead! 🥂 📔eBook on Joint Attention & collection of activities, link in BIO 🔗 📔[NEW] eBook on a collection of activities for Speech Exercises, link in BIO 🔗 #heartwarming #cute #parenting #autism #nonverbal #nonspeaking #ASL #signlanguage #representationmatters #handsome #toddlermom #autismadvocate #autismparenting #inspiration #motivation #autismawareness

By incorporating gift unwrapping into his routine year-round since he was a toddler—not just on special occasions—and pairing it with screen content while introducing one new participatory element each Christmas season, such as traditions centered around the tree or his stocking, we’ve gradually helped Michael build his understanding of Christmas to where it is today, even though he doesn’t fully comprehend it yet. The repetition of decorating the tree, unwrapping gifts, and exploring his stocking has allowed him to engage with the holiday in ways that bring him meaningful joy. Next year, we’re looking forward to introducing another small tradition while preserving the consistent routines of previous years, continuing to nurture his love for Christmas. 👑 Catch all the exclusive, on-the-go stories and insights into our daily approach to education and therapy on the Subscribers’ Page. 📔eBook on Joint Attention & collection of activities, link in BIO 🔗 📔[NEW] eBook on a collection of activities for Speech Exercises, link in BIO 🔗 #heartwarming #parenting #autism #nonverbal #nonspeaking #ASL #signlanguage #representationmatters #handsome #toddlermom #autismadvocate #autismparenting #inspiration #motivation #autismawareness

Michael is beginning to blend vowel and consonant sounds into simple syllables and words! This is an important milestone in his language skills as he works toward more complex speech and his ability to articulate and form sounds together. 📌Many people ask me why I still co-sleep with Michael, and this is one of the many reasons why. From the moment he wakes up until we go to sleep, there’s always that “one more thing” I don’t want to miss—whether it’s a new word, a small breakthrough, or a meaningful moment of connection. Some studies and parenting philosophies, particularly those rooted in attachment theory, suggest that co-sleeping can be beneficial and safe until the age of 7, as long as both the child and parents are comfortable with it. Ultimately, it’s a choice that reflects both his needs and my commitment to ensuring the maximum benefit for his emotional growth and development. 👑 Catch all the exclusive, on-the-go stories and insights into our daily approach to education and therapy on the Instagram Subscribers’ Page. 📔eBook on Joint Attention & collection of activities, link in BIO 🔗 📔[NEW] eBook on a collection of activities for Speech Exercises, link in BIO 🔗 #heartwarming #parenting #autism #nonverbal #nonspeaking #ASL #signlanguage #representationmatters #handsome #autismadvocate #autismparenting #inspiration #motivation #autismawareness

This is a glimpse into what LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) means to us and why we chose the path we’re on today. For us, LRE isn’t just a principle—it’s a core approach that influences every decision we make, from his education to his therapy and daily life. We believe that true learning and growth occur in environments that encourage independence, foster authentic interactions, and reflect real-world experiences. 📌 Our choice wasn’t about following conventional methods, but about finding what truly supports his development and empowers him to thrive in a world that often prioritizes standardization and conformity. This means that we often learn alongside him, navigating life and its challenges together as we go. While this path comes with its challenges too, we are confident it offers him the best opportunity to reach his full potential. 👑 Catch all the exclusive, on-the-go stories and insights into our daily approach to education and therapy on the Instagram Subscribers’ Page. 📔eBook on Joint Attention & collection of activities, link in BIO 🔗 📔[NEW] eBook on a collection of activities for Speech Exercises, link in BIO 🔗 #heartwarming #parenting #autism #nonverbal #nonspeaking #ASL #signlanguage #representationmatters #handsome #autismadvocate #autismparenting #inspiration #motivation #autismawareness

Semantics awareness involves understanding how language conveys meaning in various contexts, making it a significant milestone in language and communication for Michael. By beginning to develop this skill, Michael can better grasp the deeper meaning of words, sentences, and context, enabling more effective interactions and comprehension. This awareness can be broken down into three key areas: 1. Linguistic Semantics: Focuses on the meaning of words and their combinations in sentences. This includes: • Word Meaning: Understanding individual words, such as synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms. • Sentence Meaning: Recognizing how word order and sentence structure affect interpretation. • Contextual Meaning: Identifying how meanings change based on the situation or context. 2. Formal Semantics: Uses logical and mathematical frameworks to analyze meaning, such as understanding how sentences represent truth and how words relate to objects or concepts in the real world. 3. Pragmatic Semantics: Examines how meaning is shaped by tone, intent, and situational context, extending beyond literal word meanings. For Michael, gaining semantic awareness is not only about understanding language—it’s about building a bridge to more meaningful connections with others, greater self-expression, and fully participating in conversations, making it a crucial part of his communication journey. 👑 Catch all the exclusive, on-the-go stories and insights into our daily approach to education and therapy on the Instagram Subscribers’ Page. 📔eBook on Joint Attention & collection of activities, link in BIO 🔗 📔[NEW] eBook on a collection of activities for Speech Exercises, link in BIO 🔗 #heartwarming #parenting #autism #nonverbal #nonspeaking #ASL #signlanguage #representationmatters #handsome #autismadvocate #autismparenting #inspiration #motivation #autismawareness #language #milestones