Emma was almost three when her parents noticed that she wasn’t speaking like other children her age; instead, she would run back and forth across the house. Concerned, her mom and dad decided to get her tested. The diagnosis was ASD—Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“We went all in; to the point where I became an RBT,” Emma’s mom stated. Becoming a Registered Behavior Technician wasn’t easy, but it was the best way she knew to understand and help Emma. She immersed herself in learning and applied every strategy she could to support her daughter. With time, patience, and love, Emma’s progress was remarkable. She began to talk, her voice filling the house with words and laughter. She learned to trace and could write her name on her own.

Emma’s love for singing and Disney is unmatched; specifically singing Disney songs. Snacks were another passion. Cheese and fruit pouches, or as she calls them “pouchy,” were never far from her reach.

Despite the challenges, Emma’s spirit was unbreakable. Her mom described her as sassy but full of love. Every day, Emma showed more of her personality, filling their home with her unique brand of sunshine. Here at the center we describe Emma as “a mood”.

Emma’s journey is one full of consistent love, determination, and victories. Her family is behind her every step, no matter how small. With each word she spoke, each song she sang, and each letter she traced, Emma proved that she was capable of extraordinary things.

In a world that often didn’t understand her, Emma stood out, not just for her challenges, but for her incredible spirit and endless capacity for love.