Progress is not always linear, and you’re going to find your own experiences may look different. When I look at progress, it’s not a one-size-fits-all. We’re all individuals, and so it might look different.

This is Practitioner Perspectives in Autism Care, a Neurosage Hub podcast. Building hope, walking together.

Welcome back to the Neurosage Hub podcast. I’m Justin Barton, grateful to be your host and excited to sit down once again with Ashley Tamayo as we continue this conversation. We’ve covered many questions and have several more to go. Ashley, before we jump in, tell us something in your life that’s important to you right now.

Thank you, Justin. Something exciting in my life is my kiddo. He’s six, almost seven, and has become quite the little athlete. We’ve got football, soccer, all the things. Last week was my first time doing more than one game in a day, and I’ll say it’s fun.

It’s fun and busy. That’s such a great stage of life. Thanks for sharing that. Let’s jump into today’s question, what does progress actually look like over time?

First, progress is not one-size-fits-all. Our children, just like us, are individuals. What I share here is only part of the experience. Each family will see progress in their own way.

When we talk about progress, we can look at communication. Maybe a child begins communicating more at home first, where it feels safe and familiar. Then we might see that carry into school, with teachers sharing observations. Progress may show up in social cues, interactions, and communication, and it will look different for every family.

Sometimes progress can feel very small from the outside. It can feel like it’s taking forever. How important is it to acknowledge and celebrate those moments?

Change is change, no matter how big or small. It’s individualized. What feels like a big celebration for one family might feel small to another, but families deserve to celebrate what is meaningful to them. If a child begins speaking at dinner, that could be a huge marker of progress.

And sometimes children don’t respond well to big celebrations. How do you approach that?

That’s a great point. Sometimes attention can work against us. One approach is visible tracking. A chart or visual system can help track progress. Instead of a big celebration, it might be a simple visual acknowledgment like a star. That can be a quiet win that still reinforces progress.

What are some other ways progress shows up over time?

Progress is not always linear. We have to look at regression and progression. For example, if a child is improving with sound sensitivity and then begins reacting more again, it may look like regression. But they could be adapting, finding new ways to regulate or respond.

Sometimes it doesn’t mean they’re going backwards. It may mean they are finding what works for them. Even therapy approaches may not fit perfectly, and children will adjust and discover what does. That is still progress.

That perspective is really important. It helps reframe how we view those moments.

Sometimes behaviors don’t disappear entirely. Progress often looks like decreasing or managing symptoms. It’s about learning how to adapt, use tools, and create an approach that works for that individual. That in itself is progress.

I love how Neurosage Hub supports that by organizing access and helping practitioners deliver care, especially between visits.

It’s a consistent process. Neurosage Hub provides ongoing tools and education. This journey isn’t overnight. It’s continuous, and the platform is designed to support families as they move through different stages and challenges.

That ongoing support makes a big difference.

Absolutely. It helps families stay engaged, supported, and guided as they move forward on their own path.

Before we wrap up, any final thoughts?

Progress is what we make of it. Families deserve individualized care that fits their needs, and I’m hopeful for what Neurosage Hub can provide.

Thank you, Ashley, for sharing your insights. And thank you to everyone listening. We look forward to continuing this journey together.