Every child is different. These are simply some of the things we noticed looking back — the small moments that seemed random at the time, but eventually helped us understand Luca better. Some signs were obvious. Most weren’t.

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Before Diagnoses (Diagnosed at 18 Months):

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• Playing with toys differently than we expected (spinning everything)

• Loving movement — jumping, spinning, climbing, running

• Watching things move over and over again

• Hand flapping during excitement or joy

•Becoming deeply focused on certain activities or interests

•Seeming happiest in movement, repetition, or predictability

• Exhaustion after sensory seeking or big movement days

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Some looked quirky.

Some looked like personality.

Some looked like phases.

Some just felt… different.

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Looking back, they were pieces of a bigger picture.

The biggest thing we’ve learned:

These behaviors weren’t “bad.”

They weren’t things that needed fixing.

Often they were communication.

Joy.

Comfort.

Regulation.

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A way of experiencing the world differently.

If you’re here because you’re wondering, worried, overwhelmed, or simply curious:

You are not alone.

And whatever your journey looks like, your child is still your child — worthy, capable, and deeply lovable exactly as they are. 🤍