When April Jazlyn came into our lives, we didn’t expect the unique journey that would unfold just a few years later. In her earlier days, she hardly responded when we called her name and avoided eye contact altogether. She expressed herself in ways that were hard to manage—throwing objects at the television until it broke, or damaging furniture like chairs. Books never lasted long around her, as she would often tear their pages.
We knew we needed help. Through recommendations from specialists, we were introduced to the support and therapy that April receives today. And slowly, things began to change.
April is now able to request for what she wants—sometimes by pointing, sometimes using words. Her understanding has also grown; she can follow simple instructions, though occasionally she still needs a bit of guidance. She has become calmer and more comfortable in her surroundings. With the people she’s familiar with, there’s a warmth in the way she interacts—something we’re truly grateful for. Her tantrums, once overwhelming, are now much easier to manage.
One of the biggest milestones for us has been hearing her speak using more than two words. She can now play with children her age and with her cousins—something that didn’t happen before. There was a time when her cousins were unsure and hesitant to be around her, and it felt as though April was being left out, as if she were in a world separate from theirs. Now, she’s part of that world.
She’s also able to join in activities at KAA, which has given her more opportunities to grow socially. At home, she can manage toileting independently and is learning to dress herself—though gentle reminders are still helpful from time to time. These are steps that we once could only hope for, and seeing them become reality is something we don’t take for granted.
To other parents who may be walking a similar path: don’t wait to seek support once a diagnosis is confirmed. Early help makes a difference, and along the way, you might even discover something special in your child that you hadn’t noticed before. There may be moments when you feel stuck or overwhelmed, but try to find calmness in your heart and accept your child fully—including the parts that may feel challenging. Growth comes when we allow space for both effort and understanding.