What started as an online resource for Valley parents with children on the autism spectrum eventually became much more.
“Ever since he was little, I’ve seen symptoms, called them ticks, and always thought it was autism,” said Arely Lara Hernandez, member of RGV Autism in my Life. .
Hernandez moved to the Valley from Tamaulipas in 2018 to find resources to help her son, Daniel, who has special needs.
Doctors diagnosed him with autism and he was feeling lonely. She joined her Facebook group for support, but she didn’t get a response because her request was in Spanish. That’s when her son’s daycare told her about her Autismo en mi Vida-my life with her RGV autism.
“I joined a group and constantly questioned if their children behaved like me. They also speak Spanish, so thank God this group responded.” said Hernandez.
After her second son was diagnosed, Hernandez said she felt more comfortable talking to group members instead of friends and family.
“The fact that they speak Spanish and know that I can express myself in my language is a guarantee that they will understand me and will help me,” Hernandez said. rice field.
As Hernandez says, finding support and resources in a language you understand can be difficult. There is now a new local nonprofit that provides resources in both languages for parents of children on the autism spectrum.
“I created the group because of the need that many people like me feel to have information in English,” said Aida Garcia, administrator of RGV Autism in my Life.
RGV Autism in my Life started as a Facebook group in 2018.
As parents got involved, we knew we needed to expand and provide more resources for parents.
One of the members helping out with the workshop donated to her nonprofit, but it never materialized.
Once the paperwork was completed, I received my official status.
“If you have just received a diagnosis, know that you are not alone and there are other parents going through the same thing. We are here to help you.
The nonprofit is based in Brownsville, but Valley Parents finds resources, offers workshops, and teaches the legal rights to protect children in both languages.
