This year my family and I will be participating again in the Autism Superhero 5k—so we need your help! Last year we brought in close to $4,000.00 in donations and are ready to start fundraising again for such a great cause that positively impacts the Autism community! We are so grateful for our village and all those who continue to support Luca.

If you choose to support Luca’s Pack in the 2023 Autism Superhero 5K—know that your donation will help fuel the vision of HMEA's Autism Resource Central: to be the center of the autism community in Central Massachusetts; a role they’ve held for more than 25 years. Today, that vision is realized through engagement with more than 4,000 children, adults, and families every year seeking resources, skill-building opportunities, and an understanding community. Your support is greatly appreciated, and your help in sharing the mission of the 2023 Autism Superhero 5K with your community is deeply valued.

Luca was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder in September of 2019. Luca has not let his diagnosis slow him down. He works incredibly hard every single day in all his therapies and is making such amazing progress. A year ago Luca had minimal verbal language. Today not only does he say my name, he says all his family members names. He knows his therapists names and some friends. He says his name and he spells it. He makes sentences!! He can count to 100, tell you all his letters. He will correct you if you tell him the wrong color or if the animal you think is a Wooly Mammoth is in-fact a Mastodon. He writes, he talks, he sings, he reads! The boy who was never supposed to do any of that now does.

Luca is Autistic and he uses his Autism as his superpower. He owns it and we couldn’t be more proud of him. The days aren‘t always easy but they are worth it. He works so incredibly hard. The “small” moments for most are our big moments and mean so much more. Saying mom for the first time, using the potty, hugging his sister; huge moments for us, the wins for our family.

Luca still has meltdowns when he can’t express what he needs or when we don’t understand what he wants. His system gets overloaded and he doesn‘t know how to cope. It is frustrating and heartbreaking at times. But, we get through it—together. Autism is not a dirty word over here. With spreading awareness our goal is for the rest of the world to accept him plus children and adults like him. As a mother I will NEVER stop fighting for my children. I hope for a world where Autism Acceptance is the standard.

So, if you see a person flapping their arms in excitement or using a technological device to communicate—think about Luca. If you see someone in public frustrated having a meltdown or wearing noise cancelling headphones—think about Luca. He’s an amazing boy who loves all animals; especially bears, lions and mammoths. If you let him he will tell you all about them. Luca may be the pickiest eater due to sensory challenges but he loves his penne with butter and cheese pizza! The pickiest easter who now tries new foods and drinks water all thanks to the hardwork and support from his feeding therapists. 

Luca, the boy who is full of emotion and love. The boy who has taught us that love needs no words. I tell him, “Luca, I love you buddy”. Luca comes over and gives me a kiss, that’s how he tells me he loves me. His love is much too big to be confined within three simple words. His love is much too big for words alone. He’s “labeled” as nonverbal, but he hears you. Just because Luca can’t speak like you or I doesn’t mean he can't communicate. And just because he can’t answer you in a way that you understand, doesn’t mean he doesn’t hear you or understand you. Think about how he has opened your eyes and shared with you his superpower of autism. Don’t be alarmed or afraid. Don’t judge because we sense that. If you see a stranger like my son I hope you will give them a reassuring smile or even say hello. Start conversations with those who come off as ignorant. Make them aware. Awareness turns into Acceptance and that’s all I can ask for. Luca may be different but he is not less 💙