Celebrating World Autism Day by Centering the Heart of the Journey—The Parents

Philadelphia, PA – On this World Autism Day, Unorthodox Therapy honors the unsung heroes in every household raising a child on the spectrum—the parents. As a nonprofit rooted in lived experience, we understand the emotional complexity that comes with parenting a child with intellectual, developmental, or physical differences.

Founded by a mother of two children on the autism spectrum and a caretaker to another, Unorthodox Therapy was born from real-life resilience. We recognize the silent frustration, the unexpected joy, and the deep loneliness that parents often navigate in silence. Our founder’s personal journey inspired a commitment to walk alongside families—not ahead of them, not behind them, but with them.

That's why, every fifth Friday of the month, Unorthodox Therapy hosts a dedicated program for parents of children with special needs. These gatherings serve as safe spaces where parents can take a breath, find community, and receive real tools—not just tips—for navigating their unique parenting journeys.

This World Autism Day, we celebrate the beauty of neurodivergence and the strength of the families who show up every day, even when it's hard. We see you. We stand with you. And we are here for you—not just today, but all year long.