Photography By: Felecia Causey
Josiah’s journey didn’t begin with a diagnosis it began with a feeling. A quiet tug in my spirit that something was different, something I couldn’t ignore. Around his first birthday, I started noticing things that didn’t feel typical. He walked late. He rocked often. He walked on his tiptoes. I brought my concerns to his provider, but they were brushed off. I was told not to worry.
But a mother knows. And I couldn’t shake that feeling.
Everything shifted after we moved him to HSW Learning Academy. One conversation with his teacher, changed the entire direction of our lives. I opened up about what I had been noticing, and she gently asked if I had ever considered getting him tested. That moment gave me the courage I needed.
I found him a new provider someone who listened. Someone who didn’t dismiss me. The nurse practitioner immediately referred us to Sunshine Pediatrics to begin evaluations. At the same time, she connected us with Early Intervention, and they came into our home to support Josiah until he turned three.
Seven to eight months of appointments, evaluations, paperwork, and waiting finally led to answers: Level 2 autism. Developmental delay. Speech delay. Sleep pattern challenges.
It wasn’t the news I expected, but it was the clarity we needed.
Since then, our journey has been one of learning, advocating, and loving him exactly as he is. Right now, we’re in a temporary pause with services because of transportation issues, but this is just a season not our story. Josiah is full of joy, full of life, and most himself when he’s doing what he loves like jumping on his trampoline with the biggest smile you’ve ever seen.
From a parent’s point of view, this journey has been emotional, eye‑opening, and full of lessons. We’re learning as we go figuring out what works for him, how to support him, and how to navigate a world that doesn’t always understand him. Some days are heavy. Some days are uncertain. Some days are overwhelming.
People look at Josiah and see a “typical” child. They don’t always see the stimming, the sensory needs, the chewy necklace, the moments when he needs space or structure. They don’t see the work behind the scenes. They don’t see the strength it takes for him to move through the world.
But we do.
And me I’m his voice in a different way. I’m the one making the calls, asking the questions, pushing for answers, and making sure he gets what he needs. I’ve had moments where I blamed myself, wondering if I did something wrong during pregnancy. That thought creeps in sometimes. But I’m learning to give myself grace. This isn’t about blame. This is about understanding, love, and showing up for our child.
Routine is everything for Josiah. If his routine is off, his whole day can fall apart. So yes 6AM wake‑ups on Saturdays, naps around 12:30 or 1, bath at 7:30, bed by 8:30. Structure brings him peace.
And patience… patience is a must.
He’s three, and we’re still working through potty training because he can’t always express when he needs to go. But he understands more than people realize. He knows when it’s time to cut his nails. Something that used to be a battle has turned into progress. Now he’ll sit in his bath, play with his toys, try to wash himself, and even dry off afterward.
It’s the little things. The growth. The moments people don’t see.
For parents who are in this same place or just starting this journey trust what you feel. If you notice something, speak up. Advocate for your child because nobody knows them like you do. Give yourself grace. You’re learning just like your child is. Take the time to teach them their likes, dislikes, triggers, and how to tell the difference between stimming and overwhelm.
Use your resources. Get help. And if you need to create an Amazon wish list, do it. There is no shame in that. We did, and our village showed up for us.
If you can get them into therapy, do it. Early support makes a difference. And take time for yourself too. That’s something I’m still learning. Lean on your village when you need a break. For me, my sisters Shay and Nisha are my people when it comes to Josiah they understand him, especially Nisha, and I trust them completely.
And let’s be real… sometimes WE be the reason they overwhelmed too.
Your child may not be “typical” to the world, but they are perfectly themselves. They are normal in their own way. We’re still learning what Josiah’s superpower is, but one thing we know for sure he’s a superhero.
And if there’s one message, I want every parent to take from our story, it’s this:
Don’t be scared of the diagnosis. Especially at this age, there is help, there is support, and there is so much room for growth.
Keep going. Keep loving. Keep advocating.
Your child is worth every step of the journey.
