DiagKNOWsis

In the messy, unpredictable journey of life, nothing has tested my strength more than the moment my youngest daughter was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. That diagnosis didn’t just change things for her—it was a turning point for me, too. It pushed me into a place where I had to make a choice: to speak my truth, openly and without shame.

There’s something powerful about seeing the world through a neurodivergent lens, and now, as a mother, I’ve found myself in this unexpected role—an interpreter and advocate for my daughter’s experiences. My daughter’s doctor has become one of those rare people who listens—not just out of obligation, but with genuine interest. She often comments on how I can explain the nuances of our lives in a way that connects the dots between what we do and what’s going on in our minds.

Every time we talk, it’s like we’re putting together a puzzle that only we have the pieces for. The things I share aren’t just random observations—they’re snapshots of a world that might seem confusing to some, but makes perfect sense to us. These moments, when I describe the link between our actions and what’s happening inside our heads, remind me of the deep connection I have with my daughter—a connection that goes beyond words, into a space of shared understanding.

Choosing to speak up hasn’t been easy. It’s about standing firm in the belief that our neurodivergent perspectives aren’t just valid—they’re crucial for understanding the “why” behind our behaviors. We’re not just quirky; we’re expressing who we are in ways that deserve respect, not dismissal.

And this openness? It’s not just about me and my daughter. It’s about breaking down barriers and building bridges between those of us who live with neurodivergence and those who want to understand us better. Every time I share a piece of our world, I’m not just advocating for her—I’m adding to a conversation that needs to happen. It’s a small thing, but I know those ripples matter, even if I never see where they land.

As my daughter grows up and starts to figure out the world on her own terms, I’ll keep telling our story—hers and mine. I’ll keep pushing for a world that sees her uniqueness not just as something to be accepted, but celebrated. She deserves to thrive on her own terms, in her own way, guided by the beauty of who she is.

This journey isn’t just mine—it’s a call to embrace neurodiversity in all its messy, beautiful forms. To really listen, to see the value in the different ways we all experience life. My voice, which used to be so hesitant, now carries weight. I speak with a purpose, knowing that our experiences can light the way, teach, and inspire those who are ready to listen.

Key Takeaways:

1. Personal Advocacy: Speaking openly about neurodiversity, especially as a mother, is a powerful act of advocacy that can lead to greater understanding and respect for neurodiverse experiences.

2. Interpreting Neurodiversity: As a neurodiverse parent, I provide unique insights that help bridge the gap between my daughter’s experiences and the world’s understanding of autism.

3. Building Bridges: Open dialogue about the inner workings of neurodiverse minds helps dismantle barriers and fosters a broader, more inclusive conversation about diversity in thought and perception.