I met Mel and her family while on location for a photo shoot. I was the wardrobe stylist on set and Mel, the photographer. It was a casual shoot at a beach and so her son and good friend joined her. We connected instantly and I fell in love with her son, Jude. This was a couple of years before I would become a mom, but I found myself observing how Mel interacted with her Jude and all of the sweet moments they shared while at the beach. A year later, I would catch up with Mel and learn that her son had since been diagnosed with Autism. Not skipping a beat, Mel jumped into action becoming her son’s biggest advocate and in turn, demonstrating the strength and depth of a mother’s love to all of her followers. She tells her story, his story, her family’s story through her beautiful photos and I knew it was a story to share. We don’t know how the cards will fall when we have children but knowing that there are families out there learning, growing, and celebrating differences, remind us that we will all be ok. Mel was kind enough to share some of these intimate moments along with resources and tips should you find yourself on a similar journey. For more on Mel and her beautiful family, follow along at @mel_cole.
Image by Michelle Gardella
Tell us about your beautiful family.
What is the Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Image by Mel Cole
Your son Jude, who I have had the pleasure of spending time with, is 5 years old and on the spectrum. At what age did you realize this about Jude?
Did you see early signs of what would eventually be Jude’s diagnosis of autism?

What were your immediate feelings?
How important is early intervention?
What is Easter Seals?
What does an autism evaluation look like?
It starts with a phone call. They ask you many questions over the phone about your child. They ask about your pregnancy and delivery, whether you delivered early, late, by c section, was your child a preemie, etc. They then sent over an occupational and speech pathologist to our home and spent an hour playing with Jude. They observed him in his own atmosphere and they talked and asked us questions. After the evaluation process, they called to let us know Jude did qualify for speech and occupational therapy and the reasons why. If you are in the Easter Seals program with plans to transition into the school district at 3 years of age, they help set up all the tests and evaluation process through the school district which is super helpful.
Image by Mel Cole
How did all of this change impact your life and relationships?

You are Jude’s biggest advocate.
What advice would you give to families whose children have recently been diagnosed with a developmental disability?
What were your go-to resources when you needed information and support?
How has motherhood changed you?
Image by Mel Cole
Tell us about the relationship with Jude and his baby brother River.
Tell us about your hope for Jude’s future.
