I received a call from a mother who was just informed by her pediatrician that her son may have autism. She nervously shared that her son was referred for autism testing and speech therapy. I listened to the fear in her voice as she spoke in short, fast breathes; often repeating her timidly rehearsed phrases.

She was scared.

While I have experienced this conversation with many parents over the years, it has never become easy or routine. As I steady my heart and listen attentively, my goal remains the same for every parent. I want to bring comfort to their hearts, calm their spirts and inspire them as they embark upon their new journey of raising a child with special needs. I want to welcome them into this community with love, patience, and kindness. By the end of our conversation, I want them to feel valued, emboldened, inspired and hopeful of the beauty that lies within their child.

Allow me to share a few of my key discussion points with you.

• If you are afraid of the diagnosis. Wait for it. DO THE WORK. Speech therapy is a major frontline requirement when children present with speech delays for any reason. As a speech pathologist, I work to increase the language skills of each child I work with regardless if they have received a diagnosis or not. Language development is language development. While I am over-simplifying the process, I will educate you, your family, and encourage the strategies necessary for your child to be successful. Let us DO THE WORK together.

• Speech therapy is powerful. The earlier we can work with a child; the sooner change is made. DO NOT WAIT TO BEGIN SPEECH THERAPY SERVICES.

• Children change. Everyday. A child’s brain can be shaped. Therapy is the shaping process. As a speech pathologist, I have worked with children has young as the age of 2, who have increased their language and social skills so significantly that their neurologist removed their autism diagnosis. While this is not the story for every child, every child can make positive changes and improve their skill levels.

• Parents are integral to the development of their child. The therapeutic process allows you to connect to your child in a loving, safe, and supportive environment. Your child is waiting for you to find the key that unlocks their world.

While this is a live-changing moment, it is just that - a moment. Therapy strengthens both you and your child to grow through this initial moment together. In so doing, you will witness your child blossoming as you discover this world together.

Move through your fear to the magical world of action. Your speech therapist is here to comfort and guide you throughout this journey.