When Rhianna’s firstborn son began showing developmental delays, her instincts immediately went to autism. As an EEG technician, she has years of experience working with individuals with neurological disorders.
“Working with the brain, I’ve learned a lot about neurological disorders such as autism,” she says. “I’ve had many patients on the spectrum, which helped shape how I understood and approached getting my boys diagnosed. Even working in epilepsy, I always kept an eye out for any clinical signs of seizures, which are fairly common in kids on the spectrum.”
Her husband, a police officer, brought his own experience to the table as well.
“As a police officer, my husband is trained to interact with kids on the spectrum—recognizing sensory needs, nonverbal cues, and understanding how to approach emergencies with patience. That understanding has been a huge help with our boys,” she says.
Aiden’s Diagnosis
When their oldest son, Aiden, began showing speech delays and other early signs, Rhianna raised her concerns at his one-year check-up. A few months later, their provider recommended an evaluation, and he received his official diagnosis just before turning two.
“Heartbreak sums that time up pretty well,” Rhianna remembers. “You cry a lot. All the ‘what ifs’ and ‘will my child be able to…’ scenarios run through your mind. You realize nothing can fully prepare you for knowing your child may face more struggles than most.”
After learning about SARRC’s new Kathryn G. Bosco Mesa Campus, the family enrolled Aiden in the Community School, SARRC’s inclusive preschool program for children up to age 5, which features a unique model for young learners with and without autism.
A Year of Growth
Just one year later, the transformation has been remarkable.
“Aiden has made huge strides in every aspect, even getting fully potty trained!” Rhianna shares. “His social skills, communication, imagination and comprehension have blossomed. I’m ecstatic to see his progress this coming year.”
She also reports that his imagination has flourished. “He used to play with toys only functionally and repetitively, but now he asks us to play cars with him or wants to play ‘restaurant’ or ‘teacher.’ Hearing him say ‘I’m pretending’ is amazing.”
Kaison’s Journey
Before long, Rhianna noticed similar signs in her younger son, Kaison. This time, thanks to experience, she trusted her instincts immediately.
“With Aiden, I was told to ‘wait and see.’ I didn’t do that this time,” she says. “I assumed Kai was autistic before he was one, and we moved quickly. SARRC [Diagnostic Services] took care of everything efficiently, got him diagnosed, and soon he joined the Community School with his brother.”
Kaison is now thriving too, building skills alongside peers in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Support That Extends
For Rhianna, SARRC’s impact is felt far beyond the classroom.
“SARRC’s team has been phenomenal,” she says. “From the start, they’ve been kind, helpful, and efficient with both boys. Their teachers are wonderful. Parent meetings and trainings help us understand new goals and track progress, and they offer resources and ideas for any challenges we’re facing. I’ve never felt judged or alone, and that is so crucial in this journey.”
Now expecting her third child, Rhianna feels a newfound sense of confidence.
“After two on the spectrum, I feel confident in the diagnosis process and knowing what signs to look for,” she shares. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say my biggest hope is that she’s not on the spectrum. But even if she is, she’ll be with the right family who knows what to do and what resources she’ll need. And programs like SARRC’s Milestones give me peace of mind—trained professionals watching for early signs so I’m not doing this alone.”
One of the moments that fills Rhianna with the most pride is reading her boys’ end-of-quarter reports from the Community School.
“It’s extremely encouraging and gives me so much hope,” she says. “Seeing their success and knowing they’re right where they’re expected to be for their age makes me so proud of how far they’ve come.”
Advice for Families Just Beginning Their Journey
For parents who are at the beginning of an autism diagnosis, Rhianna offers heartfelt reassurance.
“You’re not alone. There are so many resources to guide you. It’s overwhelming; autism is not for the weak. It challenges you daily. But you advocate and fight for your child when they can’t, because they deserve everything this life has to offer and more.
“We get to celebrate all the small wins and milestones as major accomplishments. There are so many support groups and sensory-friendly events around the Valley—I take my kids to as many as possible. Talking to others who simply ‘get it’ is life-changing. That connection and understanding can’t be beat.”
With each step forward, Rhianna sees something powerful happening in her boys. “Seeing their confidence grow gives me so much hope,” she says. “They’re right where they’re expected to be for their age. And I’m so proud of how far they’ve come.”