Mother. Advocate. Fighter.



Mother. Advocate. Fighter.

I never expected to become a fighter.

But motherhood changes everything.

My name is Stephanie, and I’m the mother of an extraordinary little boy — Colton. He’s funny, gentle, brilliantly unique, and full of curiosity. He also happens to be autistic, with multiple complex medical and developmental conditions that took years to fully uncover.

Once a business professional in corporate America, then a 6-figure entrepreneur, I currently find myself a full-time medical mom and advocate for my child. 

advocate
/ˈad-və-ˌkāt/ (noun)
1. A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause, policy, or individual.
Example: She became a passionate advocate for autism awareness.

2. Someone who speaks or acts in support of another’s needs, rights, or interests, especially when that person cannot easily do so themselves.
Example: As a parent, he served as an advocate for his child in medical and educational settings.

It started with a simple comment from Colton’s longtime occupational therapist. She told me I should be proud of how well I had advocated for him. Honestly, until that moment, I don’t think it had even occurred to me that’s what I was doing — I was just being his mom. But as Colton’s medical complexities grew, more and more professionals began to say the same. From therapists to specialists, and eventually even the President of the entire health care system where my son receives his care — they all recognized it. That’s when I began to realize: I wasn’t just a mom. I was an advocate. A voice. A fighter.  I realized that was the only way he was going to get to where he needed to be.

This blog is the space I wish had existed for me when everything felt uncertain, when doctors shrugged, when I was told "he’ll grow out of it," or "he's fine" It’s a place for parents still searching for answers, families on similar paths, and anyone trying to make sense of the hidden struggles behind the smiles of our beautiful children.

Who This Blog is For

This blog is the space I wish had existed for me when everything felt uncertain, when I was unsure of what was normal development vs not, when doctors ignored my concerns, when I was told "he’ll grow out of it," or "he’s fine." It’s a place for parents still searching for answers, families on similar paths, and anyone trying to make sense of the hidden struggles behind the smiles of our beautiful children.

If you’ve ever been dismissed, doubted, or overlooked by professionals…

If your child doesn’t fit the textbook definitions…

If you’re parenting a child with subtle signs, mixed symptoms, or multiple diagnoses…

If you’re tired of fighting for basic support, basic understanding, basic compassion…

You're not alone.

Here, I’ll be sharing:

  • Our long road to Colton’s autism diagnosis (Level 1, with co-occurring conditions like apraxia, language disorder, sensory processing issues, auditory processing disorder and more)

  • The challenges and triumphs of navigating school systems, specialists, evaluations, and more

  • The emotional side of being a parent advocate — the grief, the guilt, the strength, and the pride

  • Resources, tips, and real talk on everything from diagnosis to daily life

Why I’m Writing

Because autism doesn’t always look how people expect it to.

Because missed signs and subtle symptoms can delay support for years.

Because every child deserves to be seen, understood, and helped early — and every parent deserves to be heard- and have someone to relate too. 

This is our journey. Not perfect. Not finished. But honest, fierce, and full of love.

Welcome to The Diagnosis Diaries:  Making the Invisible, Visible. 

We’re just getting started.

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