This April, I'm honoring the father figures, stepdads, and quiet champions who step into the lives of kids with autism — plus how to navigate resource fairs and why every non-speaking individual deserves to be heard.

There's a moment every parent remembers — when someone shows up for your child in a way that changes everything.

For me, that moment came when the man who would become my stepdad asked me and my sisters if it was okay if he married our mom. We weren't just part of the deal — we were the deal. And he knew it.

This week marked my parents' anniversary, and it got me thinking about the quiet superheroes who step into families impacted by autism and disability. The ones who don't just accept the diagnosis — they embrace the whole child, the whole family, and the whole beautiful, complicated journey.

I recently learned about a stepdad who married a woman with a special needs child and didn't just show up — he became her anchor. He supported her businesses. He helped her grow a nonprofit serving kids with disabilities. He became the kind of steady, protective presence that makes big dreams feel possible.

That's exactly how I see my stepdad. A protector. An anchor. A superhero in disguise.

But here's what I've learned: Not every family has a dad in the household. And that's okay.

Because the question isn't whether there's a traditional father figure — the question is: Who shows up?

Who is the father figure for your kids?

Who in your life helps make an impact in your child's world?

My mom could have done everything on her own. She's a fighter. She's strong. She's unstoppable. But I can't deny that having that extra support gave us stability and opened doors that wouldn't have been possible otherwise.

So today, I'm honoring the stepdads, the father figures, the mentors, and the quiet champions who step into the lives of kids with autism. You are truly superheroes in disguise.

And to the parents reading this who are doing it alone — or who are searching for that support — you are already enough. You've earned the right to dream bigger. And the people who show up for you and your child? They're out there. Sometimes they're already in your life. Sometimes they arrive when you least expect it.

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I went to a home show in our city. I had two things on my list to research — hot tubs for our vacation rental, and something else I never did find.

But you know what we did find? Free buckets, small knick-knacks, and a really nice set of pots. We zigzagged every row, learning something new at each booth.

April being Autism Awareness Month, and across the country, there are events just like that home show — resource fairs, summits, and family events designed to connect families with supports that make the autism journey a little less heavy.

These gatherings offer sensory-friendly activities, vendor booths, networking opportunities, and the chance to finally meet face-to-face with providers you've been trying to reach.

But let's be honest — crowds and overstimulation are real challenges.

Here's how to maximize and prepare for autism resource fairs and crowded events:

You'll probably find free bags and pens at the event, but bring one just in case. Before you walk in, ask yourself:

What resources am I looking for right now? Have 3-5 in mind.

Will staff from places I've been trying to reach be there? Sometimes you can make contact with a key person who can connect you to the right office.

Who is this service for?

Can I schedule an appointment at the event to visit the provider soon?

How do I get started or access it? (Certification process? Booking steps? Costs?)

Do they provide free guides or materials?

When I attend events, I write the date and the person's name on every flyer or business card I collect. I add an extra number if available and put a star next to the ones I want to review later.

Once I get home, I do a quick keep/toss sweep, take pictures of the keepers, and file them in a folder on my phone or enter the info into my contacts. If I really need to talk to someone, I email them right away so I don't forget. Sometimes I put a follow-up reminder on my calendar with details.

Building small systems like this helps me stay a little more organized. (it’s ok if you don’t visit EVERY booth)

Here are some nationwide organizations that may be holding events near you (but please check your local autism groups too):

And if you're in Tucson on April 25th, come and see me at the All in for Autism event! It's a day dedicated to celebrating autism acceptance, connecting with resources, and building community. I'd love to meet you there.

Reply and tell me: What's the #1 resource you're hunting for this month? Have you been to an autism resource fair before? What was your experience? I'd love to hear from you!

How many individuals with autism are misunderstood — not because they lack thoughts, but because the world only understands what can be heard or seen?

Today I want you to meet Isaiah Grewal.

Isaiah could not speak and was diagnosed with autism. His parents couldn't tell if he understood them. Every once in a while, he'd spell words with fridge magnets, but it wasn't until he was 13 years old that a communication therapist taught him to spell on letter boards.

One of the first things he spelled out was: "I want to eat off a menu like a normal teen."

He totally wanted to eat the food. He just didn't have motor control to do it. He is a man after my own heart — his first fancy restaurant choice? Lobster and mac and cheese!

A neuroscientist at the University of Toronto said, "People assume that if a person can't speak, they must be intellectually impaired."

But Isaiah proved them wrong. He now holds a graduate fellowship through Stony Brook University. He communicates fluently via keyboard. He hangs out online with friends, trash talks, and eats pizza. He loves classical music and jazz. He wants his shoes to be red.

Isaiah describes finally being able to communicate as "freedom from prison."

Every non-speaking individual deserves lobster and mac and cheese if they choose it.

Give them the opportunity to show you they are smart, that they can choose. Let them tell you what music they want to listen to and what they want to do. Including hanging out with friends.

YES!!! That is possible!

Apraxia makes it hard, but it is possible.

Today I want to celebrate all my non-speaking friends. This is personal for me — I've seen firsthand the brilliance, humor, and heart that lives inside young adults who have been underestimated.

Whether you're celebrating the father figures who show up, navigating resource fairs to find the right supports, or advocating for your non-speaking loved one to be seen and heard — you're not alone in this.

At Gathering Memories Travel, I design sensory and autism-friendly travel experiences that honor your family exactly as you are.

Because this isn't just my business. It's personal — because I'm a mom who gets it.

Ready to start planning the adventure your family deserves? Let's talk about what's possible for you. Book a complimentary discovery call and let's dream bigger together.

Book Your Discovery Call →

We’d love your feedback! Let Us Know What You Think! Email [email protected]

Many women over 40 say the most frustrating part of weight gain is how quickly it appears. One year your jeans fit perfectly. The next the scale creeps up, your waist feels thicker, and you wake up tired even after a full night of sleep.

Read the report on the nightly habit researchers are studying.

Learn More Today.