Understanding Autism Through Jaxon's Eyes: A Grandmother's Story

April is Autism Awareness Month, and this year, I want to share something deeply personal—the story of my grandson, Jaxon.

Jaxon is 8 years old, nonverbal, and one of the most joyful souls I know. For the past couple of years, he's been attending ABA therapy, where he's made incredible progress. He can say his ABCs, count, say "bye," ask for "french fries," and just this past weekend while I was babysitting, he taught me a new word: "zepa" (zipper). Every new word is a celebration.

Jaxon's World of Wonder

Jaxon has his own unique way of experiencing joy. He loves bubbles, baths, swimming, and Mickey Mouse. One of his favorite activities is watching things float—dog hair, styrofoam, tiny pieces of paper, grass, leaves—anything he can tear up or split apart that will drift through water or air. To him, it's magic. To us, it's a window into how beautifully different his mind works.

He's learned to associate my car with adventure and fun—the pool, the beach, trampoline parks. When he sees my car, his face lights up because he knows we're going somewhere exciting.

The Moments That Break Your Heart

But autism also comes with challenges that the outside world doesn't always understand. When Jaxon gets overstimulated—especially in crowds—he can act out, cry loudly, scratch his face, or hit himself. And in those moments, I've witnessed something that breaks my heart even more than his distress: the reactions of strangers.

The stares. The whispers. The comments.

"Control your kid."

"What kind of mother is she?" "What kind of grandmother are you?"

Jaxon doesn't listen to commands the way neurotypical children do—he's in his own world, processing sensory input we can't even imagine. And I don't know how many times I've watched my daughter cry because of the judgment, the cruelty, the complete lack of compassion from people who simply don't understand.

The Walmart Bathtub Story

Sometimes, though, Jaxon's pure, unfiltered joy creates moments that are equal parts hilarious and humbling. One day, my daughter took him to Walmart, and there happened to be a bathtub on display. Before anyone could stop him, Jaxon got completely naked and climbed right in.

Because to Jaxon, a bathtub means one thing: pure happiness. It didn't matter that it was in the middle of a store. He saw something he loved, and he went for it.

We can laugh about it now, but in the moment, it was another reminder of how differently Jaxon experiences the world—and how much patience, understanding, and love it takes to guide him through it.

What I Want You to Know

If you see a child having a meltdown in public, please pause before you judge. You don't know if that child is autistic, anxious, overwhelmed, or struggling with something invisible. You don't know how hard that parent or caregiver is working just to get through the day.

A kind smile, a patient moment, or simply minding your own business can mean the world.

Jaxon has taught our family so much about unconditional love, patience, and finding joy in the smallest things. Yes, autism brings challenges—but it also brings a perspective on life that is honest, pure, and beautiful.

This Autism Awareness Month, I hope Jaxon's story helps you see a little more clearly, judge a little less quickly, and love a little more deeply.

💙 From our family to yours.