Danny Federico
editor@riverbendnews.org
The sound of fireworks sent Adrian running for cover.
While other children laughed and watched the sky light up on New Year’s Eve, Adrian covered his ears and retreated inside, overwhelmed by the noise. For his mother, Johana Cruz, that moment marked the beginning of a journey she never expected.
Adrian, now 3, is one of three children in the Davila-Cruz family. Described by his mother as active, loving and full of personality, he shows affection freely, often running up to people to offer hugs and kisses. However, behind those joyful moments is a path shaped by challenges and growth.
Looking back, Johana said there were early signs. Adrian experienced speech delays, and certain behaviors gradually became more noticeable. Still, like many parents, she held onto hope.
“I felt frustrated. I was blaming myself for what was happening to him,” she said. “Even though I had a feeling, I still hoped the doctor would say everything was fine.”
When the diagnosis of autism came, it was difficult to process.
“It was very hard for me for months,” she said.
Today, Johana speaks about that time from a different perspective, one that was shaped by acceptance and a fierce determination to help her son succeed.
Each day in the Davila-Cruz household follows a structured routine, something that helps Adrian feel safe and secure. Mornings begin with simple, familiar steps – brushing teeth, getting dressed and eating breakfast – before transitioning into playtime and, on certain days, school and therapy.
“We try to keep him in familiar environments so he feels safe,” Johana said.
That sense of stability is important, especially as the family navigates one of their biggest challenges: the unpredictability of how Adrian may respond to busy or noisy environments.
“We don’t go out often because we don’t know how he’s going to react to noise or crowds,” she said.
In the past, those outings could be especially difficult. Without the ability to communicate his needs, Adrian would often become overwhelmed, leading to moments that were hard for both him and his family to manage in public spaces.
But progress has come, and with it a growing sense of hope.
“Now he’s talking,” Johana said. “He can say ‘mom,’ ‘dad’ and tell us when he’s hurt or hungry. Before, he couldn’t communicate that.”
Though they may seem small to others, those milestones represent important breakthroughs for the Davila-Cruz family. Being able to express pain, hunger or discomfort has made a meaningful difference in Adrian’s daily life.
Adrian currently attends school and receives additional support, including therapy services that help with communication and development. However, accessing those services has not been easy.
Each week, the family travels to Gainesville for occupational and speech therapy, a round-trip commitment that totals roughly four hours on the road. The distance stresses a larger issue Johana has encountered since moving to Live Oak in 2022.
“There are very few resources here for families like ours,” she said. “It was devastating.”
What began as a search for a quieter, slower-paced life quickly revealed gaps in support for children with autism and their families. For Johana, the realization was not just frustrating; it was a turning point.
“One day, I woke up and thought, ‘I’m not the only one going through this’,” she said.
That realization led to action. Motivated by her own experiences, Johana and her family began working toward creating a space in the community for children like Adrian – a place where families can access support and feel understood.
That vision became Amazing Development Care, an organization focused on providing specialized services for children with autism and other developmental needs. Co-led by Johana and her husband, Luis Davila, the center offers support, including applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, parent training, life skills development and early intervention programs for young children. Built on a child-centered approach, the organization works closely with families to create a supportive environment where each milestone, no matter how small, is celebrated. It also plans to incorporate speech and occupational therapy so families can find everything they need all in one place.
Families interested in learning more can visit www.amazingdevelopmentcare.com or contact the organization at info@amazingdevelopmentcare.com.
“Because of him, we’re going to help other families,” she said. “This community is going to have a place where they can feel safe.”
Through it all, Adrian remains at the center of everything. His journey has not only shaped his own future but also changed his mother’s outlook on life.
“Having a child with autism changed everything for me,” Johana said.
Like many parents, she often thinks about what lies ahead. Her hopes are simple, yet meaningful.
“As a mom, you always think about what will happen when you’re not here,” she said. “I just want him to be independent one day.”
For now, that future is built one step at a time through routines, therapy, patience and unwavering support.
Johana also hopes that by sharing her family’s story, others will better understand the importance of early intervention and awareness.
“Don’t ignore the signs,” she said. “Every minute counts. Every moment without the therapies and resources they need can make a difference in their development.”
It is a message rooted in experience, and one she hopes will resonate with other families who may be at the beginning of a similar journey.
As Adrian continues to grow, so does the impact of his story. What began as a moment of uncertainty has become a source of strength, not only for his family but for a community that may soon be better equipped to support children like him
“He’s my superstar,” Johana said.
And through him, she is helping ensure that others will not have to walk the same path alone.