This is Us

The moment Joey was placed in my arms, tears streamed down my face. (And believe me, I'm not usually one to cry!) I was a bit dazed by the medication, but in that moment, I felt like the happiest mama in the world. We connected instantly, and as the weeks passed, that bond only deepened. Yet, amidst the joy, I couldn't shake my growing concerns. He struggled to hold his head up and didn't seem to have the typical control over his limbs, and it felt like an eternity before I could coax a smile from him. 

I voiced my worries to my husband, our pediatrician, and even my mother, and they shared a reassuring consensus: "He's just fine! You're just being overly anxious." They meant well, of course. I understood they were trying to soothe my nerves, but this wasn't my first rodeo. This journey has taught me invaluable lessons about myself—lessons ingrained in my very being. The first was as a mother when he was born, I was gifted with intuition, and I needed to listen to what it was telling me.

Make no mistake, I will turn this world upside down to ensure my child is happy and can be his best self. 

It isn't always easy—some days have been incredibly challenging, filled with scratches, hair pulling, meltdowns, sleepless nights, track meets, and uncomfortable games of charades. But the good moments? They are pure gold— trips to the farmers market, where Joey's laughter and curiosity enchant everyone around us, or our outings to Target, where he proudly walks beside me, helping with the shopping.

He's thriving. He has an amazing ABA, and school team, and nanny. It took us a bit to pull it all together, but we are seeing so much growth. 

We aren't specialists or doctors, but we do understand the real world of parenting a child with autism. We'd love to share our journey with you, along with some tips and tricks. We want to hear your stories and ideas. What's keeping you up at night? Maybe we can brainstorm some ideas together.

The moment Joey entered the world, everything transformed. I became a father for the fifth time, yet it felt like a monumental first. As I watched him struggle to breathe, relying on the nurses for that crucial first gasp, I felt a rush of emotions — fear, hope, and an unshakeable certainty that this tiny being would alter my life in ways I couldn’t yet comprehend. Since that day, he has inspired a profound change in me, shaping my existence in ways I never imagined possible.

As a dad, my instinct was to fix, protect, and lead. However, I quickly realized how much I needed to learn, unlearn, and relearn to truly support Joey. I didn't always recognize the signs immediately; my hope and love often clouded my perception. Luckily, my wife's intuition surpassed my need for reassurance, enabling us to take the necessary steps for Joey's growth and well-being.

We've experienced challenging days—days that test our patience, marriages, and confidence. Yet, we've also celebrated unforgettable victories, like when Joey learns a new skill, such as riding a bike with training wheels or using a new word. There are also moments that really stand out, like when he quietly grabs my hand without me reaching for it as we walk into a store. Those moments feel different; they hold more significance—things I once took for granted.

I’m not a therapist or a specialist—I’m a dad doing my best every day to understand, adapt, and lead with love. I’m here to connect with other parents who are on a similar journey. My professional background is in leadership, where I focused on coaching individuals to achieve success. Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis, seeking support, or just need a place to take a breath, I see you.

We are all in this together, and I can't wait to learn from you.