When I first heard the words “autism spectrum disorder” from my son’s bilingual speech pathologist, I felt like the ground disappeared beneath me.
We had just moved to a new state, far from family and friends. My two-year-old wasn’t speaking, and although loved ones said, “boys talk later,” something in me knew we needed help. The recommendation for an evaluation confirmed it.
As a Hispanic mom, I clung to familiar cultural beliefs. But soon, I realized that to support my son, I needed more than hope—I needed information, community, and action.
If you’re here after receiving a diagnosis, please know:
You’re not alone.
Here’s what helped me take my first steps forward—tools, truths, and support that I hope bring you comfort and direction.
- Give Yourself Time to Process
A diagnosis comes with emotions: fear, grief, confusion, relief. Let yourself feel it all. There's no “right” way to respond.
Tip: Talk to someone—another parent, a counselor, or a trusted friend. Online support groups can also help you feel seen. - Contact Your Insurance Provider
One of my best decisions was calling our provider early. In Colorado, Anthem connected me with a case manager who guided us through coverage and services.
Tip: Ask your insurance about autism support programs and case managers. Many plans cover therapies like speech, OT, and ABA—often fully. - Use Early Intervention Services
If your child is under three, you may qualify for free developmental services. We worked with Rocky Mountain Human Services in Denver, and they started therapy within weeks.
Tip: Search “[your county] early intervention” or call your local health department to get started. - Seek Out Local Resources
Don’t navigate this alone. I found comfort and direction through:
Parent to Parent of Colorado
Soar Autism Center
Autism Speaks local groups
These connections made a world of difference.
Tip: Join bilingual or local Facebook groups where parents share resources and emotional support. - Learn About Neurodiversity
Autism isn’t something to fix—it’s a different way of seeing and interacting with the world. Once I embraced that, everything changed. My son’s strengths began to shine.
Tip: Explore books (Uniquely Human is a favorite!) and videos on neurodiversity, and share them with loved ones to build a supportive environment. - Build Your Support System
Connecting with other parents—especially those who understand your cultural background—can ease the isolation.
Tip: Follow autism advocates or bilingual moms on Instagram or join parenting communities on WhatsApp or Discord. - Take Care of Yourself
You can’t pour from an empty cup. After nearly three years, my husband and I finally started scheduling time for ourselves again—and it made us stronger parents.
Tip: Even 15 minutes for a walk, journaling, or counseling counts. You matter too.
Final Thoughts:
This journey is filled with unknowns—but also full of discovery, strength, and love.
Every child is unique. Every step—no matter how small—is a milestone.
If you’ve just received a diagnosis, know that you are not alone. There are people, programs, and communities ready to walk this path with you.
