Dear Parent Who is Just Starting This Journey,
I see you. I know the swirl of emotions you’re feeling right now because I’ve been there too. The moment you realize your child needs therapy—whether it’s for motor delays, speech challenges, feeding struggles, or something else entirely—comes with a flood of thoughts. Maybe you saw it coming. Maybe it hit you like a ton of bricks. Either way, it’s okay to feel however you’re feeling right now.
I remember the exhaustion, the uncertainty, the late nights spent researching, wondering if I was doing enough, if I had missed something, if I was somehow failing my child. Let me tell you this now, as someone a few steps ahead on this path: you are not failing. You are showing up. And that is everything.
You might feel overwhelmed by the appointments, the evaluations, the acronyms you suddenly need to learn. Maybe you’re trying to process advice from well-meaning family and friends who don’t quite understand. Maybe you’re already feeling the weight of trying to advocate for your child in a system that isn’t always easy to navigate. It’s a lot. And it’s okay to admit that.
Here’s what I want you to know:
It’s okay to grieve and be grateful at the same time. You can hold space for the love and joy you have for your child while also mourning the expectations you once had. Both can exist together.
You don’t have to have all the answers today. You are learning. You are adjusting. Your child’s journey will unfold in their own time, and yours will too.
Find your people. Seek out therapists who truly listen. Connect with other parents who get it. Lean on those who support you without judgment.
Progress won’t always look the way you expect. It might not follow the timelines in the books, and that’s okay. A skill that takes another child weeks to learn might take months or years—but when it happens, it will feel like magic.
Celebrate the small wins. The first time they make eye contact, the first word, the first step, the first time they try a new food—these are victories worth holding onto.
Give yourself grace. You will have days where you feel strong and capable, and days where you feel like you’re falling apart. Both are part of the journey.
Most of all, I want you to know that you are not alone. There will be challenges, but there will also be joy, growth, and moments of incredible pride. One day, you’ll look back and realize how far you and your child have come—and you’ll be in awe of the strength you didn’t even know you had.
You’ve got this. And if you ever need to hear it again, I’ll be right here reminding you.
-Amy
