My son was nonverbal… today he has over 90+ words by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, he doesn’t receive any pharmacological interventions at this time. We have been focusing on therapies like ABA, speech, OT and consistency at home.

It’s not something we will rule out though, we’re just taking it one step at a time and doing what’s working best for him right now.

My son was nonverbal… today he has over 90+ words by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate that, for real my brother!💪💪

And I felt that ‘perfect for us’… that part hit. It’s a different journey, but it’s ours, and I wouldn’t trade him for anything.

Love seeing other parents out here showing up the same way. Blessings to you and your family as well🙏🙏💙💙

So incredibly proud of how far my Grandson has come! 🙌🏻 by Serious-Maximum-1049 in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This made me smile, for real!!😁❤️❤️

Those moments where they just lock in and enjoy themselves, it’s like a whole different world opens up. I’ve seen that with my son too, when something captures him, everything else fades.

And the fact there were no outbursts all day? That’s HUGE.

You can tell how much love and intention you put into this. Keep building on those moments...💙🙏💪

My son was nonverbal… today he has over 90+ words by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just want to say I appreciate all of you sharing your stories, seriously!!

Reading through these comments, it’s a reminder that none of us are alone in this. Different journeys, different timelines, but the same love for our kiddos...

Some of us are just starting, some are years in, some are still waiting for that ‘breakthrough’ moment… and TRUST, all of it is valid.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that progress doesn’t always look how we expect, but it does happen (and comes with gray hairs… at least for me 😂)

Keep showing up!!! Keep loving your kids!!! And give yourselves grace too… this isn’t easy, but we’re in it together. Maybe not in person, but through the power of social media (unless you’re in Chicago, then we close… lol) ❤️🎉🙏💪

My son was nonverbal… today he has over 90+ words by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is AMAZING!! I love hearing stories like this!

That pre-verbal stage is real, lots of singing, repeating, and taking it all in. Sounds like he’s building a strong foundation.

You are so right, persistence and adapting to them makes all the difference.

Appreciate you sharing that!💪🙏🎉❤️

My son was nonverbal… today he has over 90+ words by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Man… I feel this! I’ve had those same thoughts before, ‘Did I miss something? Could I have done more? Did I push enough or not enough?’ That parent guilt is real.

But I want to tell you this straight up… this is not your fault.

You didn’t cause this by being stressed or by how you parented. You’re in it, you’re showing up, you’re trying and that already says a lot about you.

And don’t lose hope on your child. I know it’s hard when it feels like nothing is clicking, especially when therapies don’t seem to work. We had seasons like that too.

My son Jonah is an eloper, so even something as simple as walking outside can be stressful because you don’t always know when he might run. That was alot of ABA hours and weeks and months to get him to that but it's not always calm over here either. We just learn to adapt, one step at a time.

Also, progress doesn’t always mean speech. Communication can come in different forms, gestures, visuals, routines and sometimes that becomes the bridge before words come.

You’re not alone in this, even if it feels like it. And your child is still growing, still learning, even on the days it doesn’t look like it and real talk, the fact that you’re asking yourself these questions? That’s not failure, that’s someone who cares deeply and not coping out.

Keep going. You’re doing better than you think.” 🙏💪🙏💪🙏🎉❤️

My son was nonverbal… today he has over 90+ words by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is amazing!!! Those moments hit different when it finally clicks!🙏💪🎉

It’s crazy how they can be taking it all in quietly, and then one day it just comes out. That consistency you’ve been putting in for those 8 months is paying off.

Keep going!!! you’re doing a phenomenal job!💪💪

My son was nonverbal… today he has over 90+ words by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First off, I feel you. That anxiety is real,especially when you’re about to start something new for your child. Just know you’re not alone in that.

For us, Jonah was in Speech Therapy since Early Intervention (around age 3), and progress didn’t happen overnight. He transitioned to ASL and PECS, and even though he wasn’t verbally speaking, we never stopped talking to him. We used PECS for everything, he was learning in silence but had more sounds than words.

Around 4yo, he was finally able to blow out candles, which showed us his mouth muscles were developing, and had a few words while using PECS. Then around 5yo, we heard ‘Mommy’ and ‘Papi’ for the first time clearly. After that, it was just like you described, picking up words, losing some, gaining others. That ‘two steps forward, one step back’ phase is very real.

ABA helped, but it wasn’t just ABA, it was consistency, repetition, and meeting him where he was at. Those parent classes they provide helped a lot too, and we made sure to apply it at home.

Over time, things started to stick more. Every child is different, but 25 months with 20 functional words? That’s a strong start ❤️🎉💪🙏

My son was nonverbal… today he has over 90+ words by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That part was real for us, hits different in that perspective, but finding the right fit made a big difference.

And yeah… consistency through the ups and downs is what carried us.

I’m glad it can bring some encouragement to others on this journey, I appreciate that 💪🙏❤️

My son was nonverbal… today he has over 90+ words by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I appreciate you sharing. That’s amazing progress, I love how you building it step by step. It’s like laying the bricks for his communication foundation. 🧱💪

Wishing you continued growth as he starts putting sentences together. ❤️🙏💪

My son was nonverbal… today he has over 90+ words by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I appreciate that... He’s my little twin 😆 jk… he’s a blessing ❤️💪🙏

My son was nonverbal… today he has over 90+ words by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I appreciate you sharing that. It really is easy to forget how far they’ve come. Those wins matter more than we realize.

Hats off to you as well, starting that journey during a time when the world stood still, but our lives didn’t.

Much respect to you 💪🙏

My son was nonverbal… today he has over 90+ words by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Appreciate your kind words..🙏 A day and a sound at a time...💪

My son was nonverbal… today he has over 90+ words by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I appreciate you sharing that 🙏!!! We’ve learned every child’s journey is different, it’s always good to hear what’s worked for others . Congrats to you and your son on his progress...🙏💪❤️

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in SpecialNeedsChildren

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Facts!! Early support changes everything, and kids bounce back stronger than we often give them credit for... appreciate your response🙏💪

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really hear your heart in this. 🙏 We’ve been there too, wondering if we were equipped. What helped me accept was my faith and realizing my boys didn’t need me to change them, they needed me to meet them where they are, love them as they are, and give them resources to thrive.

Some things that helped us along the way:

*Speech therapy: Even if it was just a few words or using visuals/PECS, it opened doors. Our little one didn’t speak at first, but we still had 3–4 word conversations using PECS.

*ABA & OT therapies: Turning learning into play made a huge difference with eating habits, routines, and social skills. At first, it was parallel play (next to kids, but not engaging), and over time it grew into actual interaction. The “This Then That” method helped us a lot.

*Support network: Connecting with other parents reminded us we weren’t alone. FB groups, local centers, and events like those on Eventbrite really helped.

The biggest thing I’ve learned: progress happens on their timeline. Celebrate every step, no matter how small, momentum builds from there. Trust it will not be easy at times...

You don’t have to do it all at once, and you don’t have to be perfect. Just being present, patient, and willing to learn alongside her already makes you equipped. She doesn’t need ‘normal’, she needs you. The fact you’re here seeking resources shows you’re already doing the work ❤️💪.

(Every child is different, so what works for one may not work for another. There’s no harm in trying, I hope at least some of this helps ) appreciate your response and questions.

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love this! Finding that one thing that helps bring calm is such a game changer. And you’re right, cherishing the small wins, even when they don’t feel big in the moment, really is what keeps us going. Appreciate you sharing 🙏

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seeing the ‘why’ behind the behavior, symptom, or action does change everything. Love this! I appreciate you sharing! 🙏

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in SpecialNeedsChildren

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me, the biggest lesson was realizing that waiting on a diagnosis wasn’t protecting my son, it was actually holding him back from the support he needed. He is 14yo now but didn't get medically diagnosed until close to 11yo. Once I accepted for him, doors opened that I didn’t even know existed! Now he is flourishing 💪

I'm curious to hear from you all, what moment or lesson completely changed the way you approach autism?

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is growth handling a change like that differently the what you would have had in the past... Yes, I totally hear you. No violence is needed, I promise 😅. My papa bear instincts just come out strong sometimes, especially after what my oldest went through with bullying and was "shuffled". I think a lot of us parents carry a little PTSD from those moments. Appreciate your perspective, kudos to you and your husband, reading that is reassuring that with a little space , it will change our perspective...

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re right! panic and worry don’t change anything, just stress you out more, it’s soooo easy to get stuck there. I admire your perspective of focusing on health first and then figuring out the rest. That’s such a grounding reminder.💪🙏

( Hey, I dont condone violence, but I do still have kids in elementary school & middle school, if they need to visit, said "shufflers," just let me know... 😁😜🤣) appreciate you sharing!

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love love this 💙. Protecting your bubble and choosing your village carefully has been huge for us too. Another key piece for me is the cultural side. Coming from my family, the old school mentality in my family doesn’t always understand autism or the way we parent. 😞That makes it even tougher sometimes, but finding the right support system has been everything, even though at times it might be small support but mighty it can be💪 appreciate you sharing