Senior year is supposed to be a time for celebrating the end of high school—the most pivotal moment of being “young, wild, and free.” But for me, it unfolded very differently. Imagine your whole world shifting just as you’re about to step into what should be the most carefree and memorable chapter of your life. Only a month into my senior year, I discovered I was pregnant. My heart sank. I immediately thought about the stigma surrounding teen mothers and felt my dreams for a perfect senior year slipping away. I mourned the experiences I thought I had lost. I cried, I laughed, and I persevered. And somehow, I did the unthinkable.
The morning after walking across the stage and receiving my diploma, I arrived at the hospital—7 centimeters dilated. Hours later, I gave birth naturally to a beautiful baby boy. That day, I met my sweet Zayden, the little soul who had grown in my belly for nine months, tugging at my heart long before I held him in my arms. He was perfect. In that moment, I saw no flaws, only a lifetime of possibilities ahead. Just one day past my high school graduation, I became responsible for an entirely new life. I made a promise to myself and to him: I would continue my education and build a bright future for us. I believed I was in control of our path… until life reminded me otherwise.
By the time Zayden was 17 months old, he had a unique personality. He was a popular little loner—his cousins begged to play with him every day, yet he struggled to engage fully. He would flap his hands repetitively and make repetitive sounds. Initially, I brushed it off, hoping he would “grow out of it.” But then came another concern: his speech delay. One day he was calling me “mama,” and the next, it stopped entirely. As a mother, watching these moments slip away filled me with guilt and fear. I knew I couldn’t ignore it; my son depended on me to be his voice until he could find his own again.
Those early signs pushed me to take action. I spoke to his pediatrician, who referred us to a psychologist for evaluation. That’s when I heard the words I had dreaded: my son has autism. I was angry and confused. Was it something I did? Had I failed him as a parent? I knew dwelling on blame wouldn’t help Zayden—I had to be proactive. He deserved early intervention and all the love and support I could give. I still had my highs and lows. I am far from perfect, but I reminded myself that being present mentally and emotionally for him mattered more than anything else.
Nearly a year has passed since that diagnosis, and what a whirlwind it has been. Life has been busier than I ever imagined, but also more rewarding than I could have dreamed. I chose to be better, not bitter; to turn tragedy into triumph, and let my test become my testimony. I am determined to help Zayden overcome adversity. Twice a week, I drive 30 minutes to his therapy sessions, sacrificing pieces of the life I once imagined to ensure he has the best opportunities. Every sacrifice is worth it.
At 20, I’ve matured in ways I never expected. I wouldn’t trade my life for anything. I now have a platform, and I am committed to helping other mothers in similar situations find hope and encouragement. This year, I began expressing my journey in writing, sharing the raw emotions I feel along the way. What started as an outpouring of thoughts into my phone has become something I’m proud to share. My book, I Love You Beyond Words, tells the story of a little boy who may not communicate like other children, but is just as special, just as “au-some,” and just as loved.
Receiving a diagnosis of autism can spark fear, uncertainty, and countless questions: “Why my child? How will we handle this? Will my child ever be like their classmates?” I had the same fears. But I chose gratitude over grief, thankfulness over worry, and love over fear. I am beyond grateful that I was chosen to be Zayden’s mother, his sacrificial protector and advocate.
I created the book not only to show Zayden the depth of my unconditional love but also to encourage other parents walking similar paths. Since its release on May 19, it has been flourishing, and so has Zayden. The love and support he receives is overwhelming, and it fuels my mission to raise awareness and continue being a voice for the voiceless. This journey has taught me that while life rarely goes as planned, love, perseverance, and faith can turn any challenge into a story worth sharing.
