At 39, I eagerly awaited the arrival of my second child. Unlike my first, who met developmental milestones early, my second wasn't walking, babbling, or eating solids by eighteen months. This is were our journey began. Finally at age 3.6 years, we received a diagnosis of Autism, known then as Pervasive Developmental Delay, Not Otherwise Specified. We were counselled to to start therapies which included Speech Pathology, ABA, and find opportunities where they could play with peers.  Community based programs wouldn't accept them due to lack of speech and  behaviour that were deemed out of the norm. Thankfully, The Little Red Playhouse nursery school made an exception.
 
Around the same time, my eldest son had a transformative experience at the MacKay Centre School in their reverse integration program. This model inspired me.  When The Little Red Playhouse announced it would be closing its doors in a few months, at first this was devastating news, but that transformed into a new  opportunity. In 2008, I took over the lease, rebranded the program as as an integrated preschool and early intervention facility. We were all on a new trajectory. In 2009, Charities Directorate accepted my application as a not for profit children's charity which we named after my youngest's nickname Coco. Almost two decades later, the mission has evolved to include the advocacy, research work and projects that all rely on parent/caregiver expertise coupled with evidenced based practices to continue to offer support. Today, Coco, now a young adult, is a self-advocate and a Board member. Our journey has been challenging, but it has shaped our reality and inspired us to build a community to make lives better.
Parents who I have met along this journey all have a point in time that they connect with.  Their "Life Before Autism" and where they are today. I an honestly recount that my corporate career was fulfilling, but balancing it with Coco's needs was life-changing. When I think back to how we got here and why I continue to remain dedicated there is one simple truth, my family's needs will remain my driving  motivation until our society changes and inclusion in budgeted for and a right as it is given to all citizens.