This small, seemingly insignificant moment is actually a reflection of his social growth. Michael used to run straight to the playground, happy to play on his own without a second thought. 👉🏻 But now, he pauses. He waits. He looks around, hoping for other kids to join him. It’s a small shift, but a powerful one. What was once independent play has turned into something more—anticipation, awareness, a desire to connect. He’s learning that play doesn’t have to be just him and the playground; it can be something shared. 💛 And that’s a pretty beautiful thing to witness. 🎬 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

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