A home filled with warmth and laughter is all anyone could want. For Nelson, his wife Ibis, and their son Nelson Jr., this is what they had. Amongst the warmth and laughter however, there were some factors in little Nelson’s behaviors that didn’t align with milestone’s met by other kids his age. At nearly two years old, Nelson Jr. did not make regular eye contact, remained non-vocal, and at times seemed distant. Nelson Sr. was concerned not only for his son but for his wife whom he did not want to worry unnecessarily. To protect her, he took Nelson Jr. to the doctor to express his concerns but did not tell her. The doctor mentioned the possibility of autism and although this news was overwhelming, it provided clarity and a path forward.

Even after the visit to the doctor, it was not until a visit to family in Canada, where Nelson Jr. experienced a meltdown that Ibis recognized the urgency of the situation. Following this revelation, they sought a formal diagnosis. At just over two years old, Nelson Jr. was diagnosed with ASD. Despite the initial shock, Ibis and Nelson Sr. were persistent in their determination to provide their son with the best possible future. Their aspirations for Nelson Jr. were simple yet profound they wanted him to find happiness and achieve independence. With unwavering love and dedication, they embarked on a journey to ensure he received the support and resources necessary to flourish. They started ABA therapy, and their dedication was evident in how far Nelson Jr. thrived.

One of their favorite activities became going on walks together, exploring the wonders of the outdoors. Nelson Jr. found solace and joy in the natural world, his fascination with the beauty around him evident in his bright blue eyes and infectious laughter. In the kitchen, Nelson Jr. delighted in the flavors of his favorite foods chorizo, arroz amarillo, chicken, and "papitas," as he affectionately called them. His parents cherished these moments, savoring each shared meal as a testament to their bond.

Ibis and Nelson Sr. lovingly describe their son as loving yet rambunctious, funny yet empathetic, curious yet happy. With every milestone reached and every obstacle overcome, they found strength in their unity as a family, knowing that together, they could conquer any challenge that comes their way.