Our Early Childhood Intervention Journey

When my son Julio was born with Down syndrome in 2002 like many parents receiving a new diagnosis, we suddenly found ourselves learning an entirely new language.

Developmental milestones.

Therapists.

Evaluations.

Medical specialists.

Referrals.

Everyone handed me information, and I was doing my best to absorb it while caring for a newborn and adjusting to a future I hadn't expected.

Looking back now, more than two decades later, I wish someone had simply looked me in the eyes and said:

"You don't have to figure this out by yourself."

Early Childhood Intervention became became one of the first communities that helped our family believe we could do this.

In Texas, Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) provides developmental services for infants and toddlers under age three who have developmental delays, disabilities, or certain medical diagnoses.

When someone explained that therapists would actually come into our home, I wasn't sure what to expect.

Would they judge our house?

Would I be expected to know what to do?

Would every visit remind me of everything Julio couldn't do?

Instead, they walked through our front door with encouragement.

They celebrated tiny milestones that I probably would have overlooked.

They answered questions I didn't even know I was allowed to ask.

They reminded me that progress doesn't always happen in giant leaps.

Sometimes it happens one smile, one movement, one new sound at a time.

Little by little, our home became a place where learning felt natural instead of intimidating.

One of the biggest surprises was realizing that Early Childhood Intervention wasn't only about my son. My daughter, his older sister, was included in playful activities whenever it made sense.

I didn't need to turn my home into a therapy clinic.

Those early months were still hard.

Some days I felt hopeful.

Other days I questioned every decision.

I worried whether I was doing enough.

If your child has recently received a diagnosis, please hear this:

Those feelings are normal.

Overwhelm isn't a sign that you're failing.

It's a sign that you're carrying a tremendous amount while loving your child deeply.

One of the most important things ECI gave me wasn't just information.

It gave me permission to learn one step at a time.

I learned that our family were important members of Julio's support team.

If I could go back to my younger self I'd tell her to slow down and enjoy her baby.

Why I'm Sharing Our Story

Our Early Childhood Intervention journey began in 2002.

Today, Julio is an adult.

I'm also a bilingual special educator, Texas Rising Star Presenter, and The Special Needs Parent Coach.

I've spent decades supporting families professionally, but some of my most valuable lessons didn't come from graduate school.

They came from sitting exactly where many parents are sitting today.

Holding a baby.

Wondering what comes next.

Trying to be brave.

That's why I'm sharing our story now.

Because somewhere, another parent has just received a diagnosis.

Maybe they're sitting at their kitchen table with a folder full of paperwork.

Maybe they're wondering if they'll ever feel confident again.

I want them to know what I eventually learned.

They don't have to walk this journey alone.

Early Childhood Intervention wasn't just one of the services that helped Julio.

It was one of the first communities that helped our family believe we could do this.

Practical Next Steps If Your Child Is Starting Early Childhood Intervention

If your child has recently been referred to ECI, here are a few gentle reminders:

• Ask questions whenever something isn't clear.

• Celebrate small milestones—they often become the foundation for bigger ones.

• Give yourself grace as you adjust to your family's new normal.

Progress isn't measured by perfection.

It's measured one meaningful step at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)?

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is a statewide program that provides developmental services for infants and toddlers under age three who have developmental delays, disabilities, or qualifying medical conditions. Services are family-centered and designed to support children within their everyday routines.

Why are you sharing your family's story?

Because stories create hope. Information helps families understand services, but hearing from another parent who has walked the path can make the journey feel less lonely. If our experience helps even one family feel more confident about taking the next step, sharing it is worthwhile. The Family Stories Project is recruiting. Consider sharing yours. Be a lighthouse to families whose children are born after yours.