• Autism, Family Stories, Parenting Tips, Social Development

    Our story of hope and perseverance.

    Hello Parents, Raising our two incredible boys, Adrián and Guillermo, has been a journey full of twists and turns, challenges, and triumphs. Some days, I wake up feeling overwhelmed, wanting nothing more than to stay in bed and let the world keep spinning without me thinking about it. On those days, the weight of parenthood feels heavier, the uncertainty of what the day will bring, the struggles, the meltdowns. But then I see them – Adrián’s smile lighting up the room, Guillermo’s infectious laughter – and something inside me shifts. Their happiness, their progress, and the little victories remind me why we keep moving forward.

    Love is everything.

    Luis and I have learned to take one day at a time. With two boys on the autism spectrum, no two days are the same. Some days are filled with breakthroughs, while others come with moments where we feel lost or uncertain. But each day, we face together, as a family, united by love and the deep bond we share.

    Adrián and Guillermo have very different personalities. Adrián is curious, thoughtful, and loves to explore the world through his own unique lens. Guillermo is energetic, playful, very musical, and full of life. These two little souls have taught us more than we ever imagined about patience, unconditional love, and what it means to truly open your heart and mind to new perspectives.

    In the beginning, we were scared. Scared of what the future might hold, scared of the unknown. But as time has passed, we’ve grown stronger. We’ve discovered a strength we didn’t know we had and a love so deep it transcends any challenges we face. We’ve learned to let go of expectations and to embrace the beauty of their uniqueness.

    Our journey with Adrián and Guillermo has shown us that life is not about comparing them to others or wishing things were different. It’s about celebrating their victories, no matter how small, and finding joy in the moments where they thrive. Watching them flourish, watching them be happy and healthy, has been the greatest reward.

    There are still days when I feel overwhelmed, when the tears flow, and when I question if I’m doing enough as a parent. But I know that Luis and I are doing the best we can. Together, we are stronger. And with our boys by our side, we face each day with courage, knowing that no matter what, we are giving them all the love and support they need to be the best versions of themselves.

    Adrián and Guillermo came into our lives to teach us something important – that love isn’t about perfection. It’s about embracing the journey, with all its ups and downs, and appreciating the beautiful moments of growth, connection, and happiness along the way.

    So here we are, taking one day at a time, cherishing every milestone, and learning to live in the present. We’re grateful for the lessons our boys have taught us, and for the way they continue to inspire us every single day. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. And together, as a family, we will keep moving forward, stronger and more united than ever.

    TEA-mo,

    Dalisse

  • Autism, Family Stories, Parenting Tips, Social Development

    Effective resources to enhance social skills.

    As parents, we all want to see our children thrive socially, to watch them make friends, communicate confidently, and build meaningful connections. For parents of children with autism, this journey can sometimes feel like an uphill climb. We’ve been there – unsure of how to best support our boys, Adrián and Guillermo, as they navigated a world that often didn’t make sense to them.

    But through trial, error, and an abundance of love, we’ve learned that with the right tools and a lot of patience, we can help our children develop the social skills they need to connect with the world around them. It’s a journey, and it’s not always easy, but each small step forward is a victory. And today, we want to share with you the tools and strategies that have empowered us, and that we hope will empower you too.

    1. Social Stories

    Social stories have been a game changer for us. These simple, visual narratives help explain everyday situations and social interactions in a way that our children can understand. Whether it’s preparing them for a trip to the park, explaining how to greet a new friend, or outlining the steps of a classroom routine, social stories provide a clear, predictable framework for situations that might otherwise feel overwhelming. We’ve seen firsthand how these stories can help reduce anxiety and build confidence in social settings. This is why we have created our book series to help them navigate social settings using social stories.

    2. Role-Playing and Practice

    Practice makes perfect, right? Well, in our home, we’ve found that practicing social interactions in a safe, controlled environment helps prepare Adrián and Guillermo for the real world. Role-playing simple scenarios – like taking turns in a game or asking someone to play – has helped them develop the confidence to try these skills with others. It’s amazing to see how much progress can come from something as simple as pretending to be at a playground in the comfort of your own living room!

    3. Positive Reinforcement

    One thing that never fails is the power of positive reinforcement. Celebrating small wins and acknowledging the effort our children put into trying new things is so important. Whether it’s making eye contact during a conversation or saying “hello” to a peer, we make sure to show how proud we are of their achievements, no matter how small. It’s not about perfection – it’s about progress. And every step forward is worth celebrating.

    4. Playdates with a Purpose

    Structured playdates have been another fantastic tool for us. Inviting one or two friends over for a low-pressure, structured play session has given Adrián and Guillermo a chance to practice their social skills in a familiar environment. We keep these playdates short and sweet, focusing on activities we know they’ll enjoy, and we stay close by to guide interactions if needed. It’s all about setting them up for success, one positive experience at a time. We even managed to host multiple pool parties with their closest friends and so far they have been a success.

    5. Creating Safe Spaces

    For our boys, social interactions can sometimes become overwhelming. That’s why creating a safe space – a quiet, comforting place they can retreat to if they feel anxious – has been key. Whether it’s a special corner in their room or a favorite cozy chair, this space gives them the chance to regulate their emotions and regroup before trying again. It’s a gentle reminder that it’s okay to take a break when things feel too much.

    6. Patience and Compassion

    Perhaps the most important tool we’ve found on this journey is patience. Social development doesn’t happen overnight, and there will be bumps along the way. Some days, progress feels slow, and it’s easy to get discouraged. But in those moments, it’s important to remind ourselves that every child develops at their own pace. We’ve learned to offer our boys compassion and understanding when things don’t go as planned, and to give ourselves the same grace. Parenting is tough, but we’re all in this together.

    7. Embracing Differences

    One of the most beautiful things we’ve come to realize is that social development doesn’t look the same for every child – and that’s okay. Adrián and Guillermo have taught us to embrace their differences and to find joy in the way they uniquely interact with the world. It’s not about fitting into a mold; it’s about giving our children the tools they need to express themselves in their own way. And when we let go of expectations, we open our hearts to the incredible potential within them.

    A Journey of Love and Growth

    At the end of the day, supporting our children’s social development is a journey – one that requires love, patience, and an openness to learning along the way. As parents, we may not have all the answers, but we do have the power to create environments where our children feel safe, valued, and understood. By offering them the tools they need to grow, we give them the greatest gift: the confidence to connect with the world around them, one step at a time.

    Remember, you are not alone in this. We are walking this path with you, celebrating the victories and holding each other up through the challenges. Together, we can empower our children to thrive – because with the right support, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.

    TEA-mo,

    Dalisse

  • Family Stories, Parenting Tips, Social Development

    Practical strategies to ease social challenges.

    Hi everyone!

    I’m Dalisse, and I’m the proud mom of two amazing boys, Adrián (10) and Guillermo (4), who are both on the autism spectrum. As parents of two boys with autism, we know social gatherings can be a source of both excitement and anxiety. We want our kids to have fun and make friends, but navigating the sensory overload and social complexities can be daunting. Our worries extend beyond what gift to take; we’re concerned about the entire event, from the lead-up to the aftermath.

    We know social gatherings are a great opportunity to show our children the benefits of having friends and a good time. But for some children, this isn’t always the case.

    A Parent’s Perspective: The “What-ifs”

    As parents, it’s natural to worry about how our children will handle social situations. We might ask ourselves:

    • Will they feel overwhelmed by the noise and crowds?
    • Will they be able to understand and follow social cues, especially in games with specific rules?
    • Will they be able to make friends and have fun?

    These “what-ifs” can be stressful, but it’s important to remember that every child with autism is unique. What works for one child may not work for another. We’re fortunate that our children are being included in parties, so we need to prepare them to enjoy and have tons of fun.

    A Child’s Perspective: The Anxiety

    For many children with autism, social gatherings can be a source of anxiety. They may worry about:

    • Sensory overload: Loud noises, bright lights, and unfamiliar smells can be overwhelming.
    • Social expectations: Understanding and following social rules can be challenging.
    • Uncertainty: The unpredictability of social events can be stressful.

    Every Child is Different

    It’s important to remember that every child with autism is different. What works for one child may not work for another. Some children may thrive at social gatherings, while others may find them overwhelming. The key is to find what works best for your child and to support them in their own way.

    Tips for Supporting Your Child at Social Gatherings

    • Plan Ahead: Discuss the event with your child beforehand and provide them with a visual schedule.
    • Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment: If possible, request a quiet area where your child can take breaks if needed.
    • Practice Social Skills: Role-play social situations to help your child feel more prepared.
    • Celebrate Small Victories: Focus on the progress, not perfection. Every positive interaction is a step in the right direction.
    • Consider Social Skills Groups: If your child struggles with social interactions, consider enrolling them in a social skills group. These groups can provide a safe and supportive environment for children to learn and practice social skills.

    Remember, you are not alone!

    Raising children on the spectrum comes with its own set of challenges, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding journey.

    My New Book: Party Time for Adrián!

    Cover of 'Party Time for Adrián: Making Friends One by One', a children's book about social skills and friendship for kids with autism.

    Inspired by Adrián’s experiences, I’ve written a children’s book titled “Party Time for Adrián: Making Friends One by One.” This heartwarming story follows Adrián as he navigates a birthday party with the help of his friends, supportive family, and a few key social strategies.

    “Party Time for Adrián” is a valuable resource for parents, caregivers, and educators. It helps children on the spectrum understand and prepare for social situations, promoting inclusion and friendship.

    Check out the book here: [Link to your book]

    Let’s Connect!

    Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! I’d love to hear from other parents and caregivers.

    Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment where our children with autism can thrive socially.

    TEA-mo,

    Dalisse