Beyond Autism

Welcome to Beyond Autism - Jayden and Jaxon's Journey

I have been wanting to share our story for a while now, but we were launched into the world of Autism and Epilepsy like a rocket ship without a flight plan.

I will never forget the appointment on that November morning in 2013 where I was officially told Jayden had Autism Spectrum Disorder and there was really no telling what his future would be. I thought I was prepared but my five-month pregnant self was in utter shock and I am so thankful my mom had come to the appointment with us since my husband was away fulfilling his duty to the US Navy.

I wish there was a way for me to have known that day in November 2013 all we would learn over the years.

I hope Jayden and Jaxon's Journey helps other families then sharing our story and our struggles will be worth it.

Jayden was evaluated and diagnosed by an experienced Developmental Pediatrician. He was very kind and took his time and afterward was very understanding of how emotional hearing the diagnosis was. However, I left that Naval Hospital with his diagnosis, a pit in my stomach and a single piece of paper with a list of things to do next. I am not kidding I still have that list.

Fast-forward to 2023 I am a full-time Autism Mom, Soccer Mom, Disability Rights Advocate, Education Advocate, Master IEP Coach, Co-Creator of Mastering Your IEP, Co-Author of IEP 101, and Podcast Co-Host.

I know more about IEPs than I thought possible.

It took me a while to have the acceptance I have today and I went through all stages to get here.

I was in denial for a long time. I remember my first conversations with the people closest to me and telling them it is not severe and he will start talking soon.

Then I became the therapy mom who enrolled my son in each and every therapy that I believed would help him.

I lived on google and I thought I could somehow fix him.

However, the biggest lesson I have learned through our family's journey is that Jayden is perfect.

My goal became to help him through life whatever that means for Jayden.

I had to close my eyes to the expectations of “typical children” and I learned to see the world a whole new way.

Most of the people I grew up with me remember me as an opinioned, outspoken, loud, and outgoing person.

I will even admit, I was very judgmental.

I am supposed to be some high powered Cooperate Lawyer climbing the ranks in Corporate America and I spent many years in college setting towards that goal, the goal I thought would make my life perfect and happy.

The greatest gift I have ever been given is my family and children.

The lessons Jayden has taught me outweigh every college course I ever took.

The joy I feel seeing him meet a milestone is nothing compared to winning a case in court and had my life been different I would still be that that opinioned, outspoken and sometimes inconsiderate person I once was.

Jayden lives his life with a smile on his face every day through any situation.

He has been hospitalized too many times to even count.

During every hospital stay, his smile stayed on his face.

He has changed me in a way I will never be able to put into words.

I never will look at another person and immediately have a judgmental thought in my head, instead, I lead with compassion.

Through our journey which has been a roller coaster ride that has lasted eight years, I have found my biggest challenges is navigating my way through the services Jayden needs for success and the available resources.

I want this to be a place where I can share our journey and the resources I have found along the way.

I want the next family that just receives a life-altering diagnosis to have a place to start, have hope, and know they are not alone e

Be sure to follow our journey on our Facebook and Instagram.