Our autism journey began quietly with just a growing sense in our hearts that something wasn’t quite right. My son was born here in the United States, and like most new parents, we were filled with dreams and plans. When he turned one, we moved back to India to be closer to family. But as he grew, we began to notice delays in his development—he wasn’t responding to his name, making eye contact, or speaking like other toddlers. Trusting our instincts, we returned to the U.S. when he turned three, in search of answers and support.
Those early years were filled with confusion, worry, and a steep learning curve. He wasn’t diagnosed until age six, and until then, we didn’t even know what autism really was. Adding to our challenge was the fact that he was completely nonverbal until his diagnosis. As parents, we clung to small hopes—waiting for him to ask a question, say “Mom,” or even look into our eyes when we called his name. When he began ABA therapy at age seven, everything changed. That intervention became a cornerstone in his development, opening doors that once felt firmly closed.
Being part of the Indian diaspora added a unique layer of complexity to our journey. There was little awareness or understanding of autism in our community, both here and back home in India. Social pressures, generational expectations, and a culture that often equates success with academic achievement made it harder to navigate. Our last trip to India was emotionally overwhelming. The lack of awareness there made us feel isolated. While close family members grew in their understanding over time, others struggled to grasp the challenges we were facing. It was a lonely place to be, but it also lit a fire in me to advocate for families like ours.
Today, our son is 20 years old, and the little boy who once struggled to speak is now a student in community college—and he recently made the Dean’s List. He earned his driver’s license a year and a half ago, something we once thought might never happen. Though he still faces challenges in speech and social communication, he has come so far and made all of us stronger in the process. He loves geography, bargain shopping, biking, and playing board games. He gets along beautifully with adults, thrives in structured environments, and teaches us every day about patience and resilience.
Unbeknownst to us, while we were busy trying to support him, he was growing into our pillar of strength. He grounds our family, helps us see the world differently, and even helps out in ways we never expected. His sibling has been his biggest cheerleader and silent strength, and watching their bond grow has been one of the most comforting aspects of this journey. The two of them complement each other beautifully, and that gives me a bit more peace as I think about the future.
As for me, this journey has reshaped my life and purpose. I began blogging and sharing our experiences to bring awareness and break cultural silence. I trained as an autism interventionist, and over the years, I’ve counseled many parents—especially those from the Indian diaspora—who often find themselves overwhelmed, unheard, and unsure of where to turn. I also run a parent support group specifically focused on helping families from similar cultural backgrounds understand and navigate autism with confidence and hope.
Every milestone we’ve reached—whether it was the first word, the first hug, or his name on the Dean’s List—has been earned with relentless effort, unwavering faith, and an incredible support system of therapists, educators, and loved ones. We’ve had our share of setbacks, moments of grief, and times when the future looked uncertain. But slowly and steadily, we’ve built a new version of success—one that is measured in moments of connection, independence, and mutual respect.
I share our story today to offer both awareness and encouragement. To parents at the beginning of this road: it’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to not have all the answers. But please know that progress happens—even if it’s slow, even if it looks different than what you imagined. Our children are capable of incredible growth, and in many ways, they become our greatest teachers.
Archana Makineni
I’m a parent to a 20-year-old Autistic young man and a 15-year-old son, a blogger, and a counselor supporting families raising neurodivergent children.
Originally from India, I moved to the U.S. 25 years ago and now live in the Midwest. Through personal and professional experience, I’ve worked to bridge the gap between therapies, the special education system, and what parents truly need to feel understood and empowered.
As a former autism interventionist and current IEP advocate, I’ve guided many families through the challenges of raising differently wired kids. I’m also a proud (though occasionally exhausted) baseball mom—because, let’s face it, travel baseball is no joke!
Recently, I left my IT career to pursue life coaching, with the goal of supporting others through life’s transitions—whether it’s parenting, personal growth, or neurodivergence.