Raising Hunter: A Mother’s Determination and Love

On the Unspecial podcast, Christina (“Autism Moms on a Mission”) discusses raising her nearly 4.5-year-old nonverbal son Hunter, including a near-drowning at a lake where he was revived after about three minutes unconscious with no brain damage, reinforcing her emphasis on swim lessons and water regulation. She highlights misconceptions about autism—especially assuming nonverbal children don’t understand—and shares parenting wins like potty training via the “naked method,” hand-leading communication, and Hunter saying “I love you” and “Mommy.” Christina recounts early feeding issues, projectile vomiting, extensive food therapy, and later diagnosis just before age three due to long waitlists. She details Hunter’s apraxia and intensive speech therapy, the challenges of school/IEPs and using advocates/attorneys, balancing therapy-heavy life with her younger daughter, and key resources: Regional Center, TACA, self-determination, respite, camps, and IHSS/Medi-Cal waiver.