LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – For many Spanish speaking families, finding support after an autism diagnosis can feel lonely and isolating.
One mom decided to change that by starting with a Facebook group and then growing to something much bigger.
Maria Ibarra started ’Nuestro Viaje con el Autismo’ in 2020 – an organization for parents of children with autism.
“We, as parents, don’t receive therapy, our children receive all kinds of therapy, but we really need it too because managing autism can be very hard,” Ibarra said in Spanish.
She explained the group connects 42 local families – and its more than just a place to talk. From ‘Coffee, Bread, and Friends’ meetups for moms to movie nights and birthday celebrations for their children – the goal is to create a space where no one feels judged.
“Our families can be at ease because there will be no judgement. No one will say ‘this kid is behaving badly’. All there is, is love and family.” Ibarra said in Spanish.
For Ibarra, the mission was personal. Her nine-year-old son Elias has severe nonverbal autism. The group was her way of fighting through isolation and helping others do the same
“We don’t really go to parties; we don’t have a social life. Just like our children struggle with socializing when our children receive their diagnosis, we as parents receive it too.”
Every event is held in Spanish – a choice Ibarra says was intentional, to reach families who often feel overlooked. And in a month dedicated to autism awareness – she hopes people take time to listen and learn.
“If people could please have more empathy with our families – we need that empathy.”
For more information on upcoming events and how to get involved with the organization visit the Nuestro Viaje con el Autismo page.
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