Celebrating First Steps: A Personal Journey and an Award of Gratitude

This month, I had the honor of receiving the Parents of Power Award from Central Indiana First Steps. The recognition is incredibly meaningful to me—not just as an advocate, but as a mom who has walked this path for years alongside some truly extraordinary therapists.

For those unfamiliar, First Steps is Indiana’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. The support they provide—through speech therapy, occupational therapy, developmental therapy, and more—is life-changing for families like mine. And in our case, it has been deeply personal.

My family has been part of the First Steps community through both of my autistic sons. Over the years, we’ve worked with dedicated developmental therapists, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists who have walked beside us through early milestones, tough moments, and everyday wins. One of our most trusted SLPs was so impactful with our oldest son that we requested her again when our middle son qualified for services. She's more than a therapist—she's family now.

That’s the thing about early intervention therapists. They don’t just show up with a plan or a set of goals. They show up with heart. They meet your child exactly where they are and partner with you to build trust, connection, and progress. They listen to the parent perspective, adapt to each child’s unique needs, and help families feel seen and supported.

Receiving this award feels like a shared celebration—with every therapist who’s knelt down on our playroom floor, listened without judgment, or cheered for small steps that only we knew were big. The Parents of Power Award honors parents who elevate family voices in the planning and delivery of services through First Steps. I’m proud to play a small part in that effort, and even prouder to uplift the incredible professionals who do this work every day.

To the First Steps team and all the therapists making a difference—thank you. You’re more than service providers. You’re a lifeline, a village, and a vital part of so many families' stories, including ours.