Anne’s Journey: Finding Hope, Strength, and a New Mission Through BRIDGES
Anne M. and her husband, Adias D., became BRIDGES members on March 7, 2024, alongside their young son, Arthur A. At the time, Anne was also pregnant with their second child, a daughter they would name Hadassa. During her pregnancy, Anne became increasingly concerned about Arthur’s behavior. He was unable to communicate, often making inaudible sounds, letting out loud screams, and moving his body in ways that felt confusing and frightening for both parents. Friends and family only added to their worry, warning that their unborn daughter might face similar challenges. Heartbroken and uncertain about how to help their son, Anne and Adias turned to BRIDGES for support—and it made all the difference.
Immediately after their intake, the BRIDGES Navigator connected Anne with our Child Development Specialist (CDS) to complete an Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) screening. Arthur’s results showed developmental concerns across all domains, prompting an immediate referral to early intervention services. Grateful for the guidance and support, Anne became an active participant in the BRIDGES community. Often walking to the office with her two children in tow, she attended every event and activity she could, eager to find answers and support.
BRIDGES helped connect Anne to FAU’s Owl Card program and provided her with culturally and linguistically appropriate resources about child development. Arthur was also assigned a social worker to ensure comprehensive support. Eventually, Arthur was diagnosed with Autism. While the diagnosis was difficult, Anne and Adias remained resilient. Anne approached the journey with determination, grace, and unwavering love for her son.
Over time, Arthur made incredible progress. After showing concern across every domain in the ASQ-3 from 30 to 48 months, his most recent screening showed significant improvement—scoring only in the monitoring range. It was a proud, joyful, and emotional moment for everyone involved. Today, Arthur speaks in full sentences, behaves like a little gentleman, and brings daily joy to his parents.
Inspired by her journey, Anne has made it her mission to help other parents facing similar challenges. She regularly refers families to BRIDGES and to the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, offering them the same hope and support she once sought. Anne has become a voice of encouragement and a source of peace for parents navigating uncertainty, proving that with the right support, transformation is possible.