This short introduction is a glimpse into the heart behind the podcast—a father’s honest perspective on raising a child with autism and navigating the struggles, victories, fears, laughter, and unforgettable moments along the way.

This isn’t a show about having all the answers. It’s about sharing our family’s real experiences, connecting with other parents, and reminding families walking a similar road that there are others walking it too.

Welcome to our journey.

This short introduction is a glimpse into the heart behind the podcast—a father’s honest perspective on raising a child with autism and navigating the struggles, victories, fears, laughter, and unforgettable moments along the way.

This isn’t a show about having all the answers. It’s about sharing our family’s real experiences, connecting with other parents, and reminding families walking a similar road that there are others walking it too.

Welcome to our journey.

Exploring the emotional rollercoaster of discovering parenthood.

The journey to parenthood is filled with emotions that can’t be easily expressed. In our inaugural episode titled Before We Knew, Kevin shares his personal experience of finding out he was about to become a father.

Kevin recounts the moment he and his partner discovered they were expecting. It's a whirlwind of emotions, from joy to anxiety. "It's a feeling that I don't think could ever be duplicated by something else," he reflects. The news came during Christmas—a time typically filled with cheer, now amplified by the prospect of a new life.

Telling family and friends was a moment of mixed emotions. Kevin describes the chaotic yet joyful family meeting where his partner shared the news, saying, "I'm pregnant." The unexpected delivery of the news led to a flood of excitement from both sides of the family, marking the beginning of their journey into parenthood.

As preparations for the baby began, Kevin dove into setting up a nursery filled with love and creativity. He describes the joy of picking decorations and setting up the crib, though he humorously notes, "Once he was born, he never stepped one foot in the crib for very long." This sentiment captures the unpredictable nature of parenting, where plans often shift.

The path was not without its hurdles. Just days before their baby shower, Kevin's partner experienced a car accident. Despite the scare and uncertainty, they were relieved to find out that both mom and baby were fine. This moment illustrates the resilience of parents-to-be and the emotional rollercoaster they navigate.

As the doctor appointments stack up, check ups turn into documenting little signs and characteristics that start pointing in the direction of a autism diagnosis. As new parents navigating the unknown in the search for answers starts to begin. One sleepless night turns into two, turn into many, as frustration mounts for both the child and the parents, the inability to communicate deepens. Heartache and fear over the unknown starts to settle in....

A parent's journey of discovering their son's autism, the search for answers, and the evaluation process. The evaluation process for a child with developmental concerns can be challenging for parents, who grapple with uncertainty, fear, and the need to let their child be themselves during the evaluation. The process raises questions about the child's future, financial concerns, and the emotional impact on the parents. Despite the search for answers, the journey is ongoing, and a diagnosis does not change the love and support for the child.

Takeaways

• Autism diagnosis journey
• Research and evaluation process Parental concerns during the evaluation process
• The emotional impact of the evaluation on parents
• The ongoing journey of understanding and supporting a child with developmental concerns

A parent's journey in understanding and coping with their son's autism diagnosis and the search for answers.

Takeaways

• Parenting challenges
• Emotional impact of diagnosis

Join me as I recount the experience of navigating this new reality after the diagnosis was received and absorbed and the steps we’ve taken to ensure our son receives the care he needs. Our story is one of hope, learning, and the profound impact of understanding.

I invite you to reflect on your own experiences or insights related to this journey. Every step we take together in understanding autism paves the way for a brighter future.

Stay tuned for the upcoming third episode of The Diagnosis on When We First Noticed.