04/02/2026
π Autism Awareness Day π
At Hopes & Dreams Speech Therapy, we are so incredibly thankful for every child with autism who has walked through our doors and gave us the privilege to be their therapists. Each one has touched our hearts and taught us more than we could ever put into words.
I am constantly amazed by the unique strengths these children have. From being musically gifted and able to hear a tune once and play it back perfectly on the piano, having an incredible sense of direction, solving math problems faster than I ever could, remembering every single personβs name after hearing it just once, hitting every note in a song, mastering complex puzzles, reading far beyond their age, telling you every species of dinosaur without hesitation, or communicating in the most creative ways.
Beyond all of those amazing abilities, what stands out the most is their strength and the strength of their families.
Can you imagine how frustrating and difficult it would be to have so much you want to say, but your brain and body simply wonβt let you. Feeling constant pressure from the world around you speak and βuse your words.β While also having a sensory processing disorder making everyday sounds, textures, and smells overwhelming and overstimulating.
I have seen children become overwhelmed and frustrated, with tears in their eyes, and still show more emotional regulation than many adults. Iβve watched kids pause, take a breath, and count to 10 when they every right to be frustrated.
They teach me patience and what true strength looks like every single day.
I will never stop learning, growing, and advocating so I can be the best therapist possible for these children and their families.
Most importantly, may we choose to see the strengths in these amazing, unique individuals, not just their differences. π