Hopes for Her Future
I hope that Lisha’s future gets easier—especially emotionally. That the world becomes more accepting. That people learn to see her not as a “disobedient child,” but as a human being with her own way of expressing her emotions and experiences. She has a different language, a different rhythm—and that should be met with understanding, not judgment.
Autistic children, Deaf children, and their families often find themselves isolated from social events, public spaces, and even communities that were meant to be inclusive. Families of speaking & nonspeaking autistic children navigate a world not built for their child’s way of communicating. Families of Deaf children face barriers in a hearing world that doesn’t slow down or accommodate. I want to see that change—not just for Lisha and her family, but for all families navigating autism, Deaf culture, or both. We are all human, and we all have the same fundamental need: to feel loved, included, and valued.
The Deaf community has been incredibly warm and inclusive toward her, and I will never stop being grateful for that. It means the world to her—and to me.
Because the truth is: it’s hard not to love Lisha.
She is incredible. She’s clever and full of life and full of surprises. She just needs a little extra help navigating this world. And her family does too—because loving and supporting Lisha is a lifelong journey.
One I’m honored to be a part of.