Why it worked
The post resonated with viewers by sharing a personal and vulnerable journey of a parent navigating their child's autism diagnosis. The use of relatable signs, clear explanations, and a supportive tone created a strong sense of community and shared experience, encouraging saves and follows.
Summary
This is a photo post detailing signs of Level 2 autism observed in a toddler named PJ. The creator, Dana, shares personal experiences and observations about her son's development, including speech delays, sensory preferences, and repetitive behaviors. She aims to provide support and community for other parents on a similar journey.
Structure
- 1Introduction to autism signs in a toddler
- 2Clarification that some behaviors are normal, but multiple signs indicated autism
- 3Specific examples of behaviors: not responding to name, hyperfixation on routines, auditory feedback with toys
- 4Sensory preferences and repetitive movements
- 5Regression of words, speech delay, and autism diagnosis timeline
- 6Creator's personal journey and offer of support
Call to action
Save this video and follow along so you're not as lost in when I first started this journey. If you need more help, let's have a personal chat from one mama to another.
On-screen text
Autism level 2 signs we saw
and still see in our toddler.
🧩...
First and foremost, yes all
babies do these behaviors.
It's the multiple things that
indicated autism for PJ. 💙
Although PJ always had eye
contact, he wouldn't respond
to his name.
He now responds when he
hears PJ. 🥺
He was hyperfixated on
routines and ways of doing
things.
He played with toys but only
clicked them for auditory
feedback.
PJ always had a sensory
preference for tags.
Tags of blankets, shirts, basically
anything with a tag, the softer
the better. 🥺
PJ has always loved to run,
pace, and spin.
He does laps around our counter
and gets 10k steps a day.
PJ had a regression of words at a
year and was referred for a
speech evaluation at 18 months.
He was diagnosed with a speech
delay at 20 months and was
referred for an autism
evaluation.
PJ was diagnosed with level 2
autism in February 2026.
We are learning and unlearning. I
have to believe everything is
going to be ok.
My name is Dana and I have been sharing
about my son's autism and speech delay
journey. I share daily content with tips,
support, and PJ in the wild. 🥹
Save this video and follow along so you're
not as lost in when I first started this
journey.
Biggest reminder: your child is the
same child they were before you
found out there was any delay.
🧩💙... ✨
If you need more help, let's have a personal
chat from one mama to another.