The Diagnosis Diaries: Making the Invisible, Visible

Red, White, and Just-Right: Finding Our Fourth of July Rhythm with Colton Colton loves the Fourth of July. In fact, it’s his third favorite holiday. He loves the colors, the flags, the idea of celebration, and most of all—he loves fireworks. But not the crowds. Not the noise. Not the overstimulation that comes with packed parking lots, booming speakers, and fireworks exploding right overhead. When he was little, we tried taking him to a few big, city-run firework shows—back before we fully understood his diagnoses like sensory processing disorder. Like many new parents, we were eager to experience the tradition: a blanket on the grass, glow sticks in hand, and the classic “oohs and aahs” under the night sky. But for Colton, it quickly became too much. Every time, we had to leave just a few "oohs" in. The crowds, the loudness, the waiting—it was all just overwhelming. He would flip out, and we’d make a quick, heartbroken exit. We felt disappointed—not in him, but that our lit...

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...