What do you do when life doesn’t quite go as planned?

For Chelsea Bray, that came when her little man Archie got an autism diagnosis and right away, all of the future expectations she took for granted that he would have were in the air. In this conversation, Chelsea gets real about those first raw days after the diagnosis, what helped her move from grief into ‘mama bear mode,’ and how the whole thing gave rise to Adventures Down Autism Avenue.

You’ll learn the honest milestones that led to Archie’s diagnosis, the daily struggles and victories that their family faces, and the inclusivity lessons that all parents, teachers, and leaders in the community need to hear.

By the end of it, you’ll leave with new insight on autism, parenting, and what inclusivity really looks like in creating a world in which all kids belong.

What You’ll Learn:

• How one mom turned her son’s autism diagnosis into a mission of hope
• How a supportive “village” can be all the difference to families with special needs
• What Archie’s story shows of the power of inclusivity in early life
• How small acts of kindness can transform a child’s experience
• What the autism spectrum can teach us about getting past labels
• Why advocating for your child’s unique needs is so important
• How the story of one family can teach a community to accept neurodiversity

Key Moments:

0:45 Chelsea’s Story As A Mom
2:30 Early Signs Of Autism
5:40 Receiving The Diagnosis
8:15 From Grief To Mama Bear Mode
16:50 Early Intervention And Services
19:40 Inclusion And Friendships In School
27:10 Writing Adventures Down Autism Avenue
44:20 Snack Under The Table And Inclusion

Facing the Diagnosis

When your child receives an autism diagnosis, it can feel overwhelming. For many parents, the first response is grief, not because of the child, but because of the expectations and dreams you had built around their future. It’s important to allow yourself to process those emotions. Once you move past the shock, you’ll discover that a diagnosis doesn’t define your child. Instead, it provides valuable information about how they experience the world and how you can best support them.

Turning Grief Into Action

You have a choice after diagnosis: remain stuck in fear, or step into action. Chelsea Bray shares how she shifted into “mama bear mode,” determined to give her son Archie the resources and love he needed to thrive. That meant researching therapies, connecting with other parents, and surrounding him with support. Progress didn’t come overnight, but her determination turned a moment of devastation into a mission of empowerment.

Recognizing the Signs Early

Every child on the spectrum is different, but some early markers can help you seek support sooner. Delayed or absent speech, unusual play patterns, sensory sensitivities, difficulty with transitions, or inconsistent eye contact are all potential red flags. These don’t automatically mean autism, but they are signals worth paying attention to. Early intervention matters, and the sooner your child receives services, the better the outcomes can be.

Education Is Empowerment

One of the most powerful tools a parent can have is education. Learn as much as you can through books, therapists, support groups, and trial and error with your child. Ask questions, lean on professionals, and connect with other families walking the same path. You don’t need to be a specialist to become an expert on your own child. The more you learn, the more confidently you can advocate for them.

The Power of Inclusion

Inclusion isn’t just a concept for schools. It’s a way of life. Children with autism deserve to be welcomed in every space, from classrooms to playgrounds. Sometimes inclusion is as simple as friends joining Archie under the picnic table, meeting him in the way he feels most comfortable. These small acts teach children (and adults) that being different isn’t something to fear. It’s something to embrace. True inclusion comes from flexibility, compassion, and the willingness to see the world through someone else’s perspective.

Building Your Village

No parent should have to do this alone. Surround yourself with a community that loves and accepts your child for who they are. Family, friends, teachers, therapists, and even neighbors can become part of that village. Sometimes it’s the small gestures, like a friend stocking your child’s favorite snacks, that make a huge difference. A strong support system doesn’t just help your child thrive, it also sustains you as a parent.

Celebrating Neurodiversity

Autism is part of the broader spectrum of neurodiversity, and that diversity enriches our world. Different ways of thinking, perceiving, and problem-solving can bring fresh insights and unique strengths. Instead of focusing on limitations, look for the talents, perspectives, and joy your child brings into your life. In Archie’s case, his positive outlook has been a daily reminder that happiness isn’t tied to fitting into a narrow mold. It comes from being authentically yourself.

Moving Forward Together

Autism is not a family secret to be hidden. It’s a story of resilience, love, and growth. By sharing experiences, advocating for inclusion, and celebrating differences, parents like Chelsea are creating a more accepting world for their children. If you’re just starting this journey, remember: the diagnosis is not the end of your child’s potential. It’s the beginning of a new way to see their strengths, support their needs, and build a future filled with hope.

About Chelsea Bray

Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/AdventuresDownAutismAvenue

Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556216596882

Website https://www.adventuresdownautismavenue.com/

Chelsea’s Book – Adventures Down Autism Avenue – A Trip to the Farm: A Story for Kids to Learn about Acceptance, Inclusion, and Friendship. Buy on Amazon. 

The Todd Leonard Show puts the spotlight on those who are truly making a difference in lifting up the community and helping others in need. If you know of anyone who is giving back to the community and helping others in need, please send us an email at todd@toddleonardshow.com or call us at (973) 920-7900 so they can appear on the show. To listen to other uplifting and inspirational podcasts, please visit https://toddleonardshow.com.

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