One Child, One Family, CCAM

For what felt like an eternity, ZiZi searched for a place where her daughter, Olla, would not only be understood, but truly supported in reaching her full potential. One year turned into two, then three, as ZiZi navigated waitlist after waitlist, holding onto hope.

Olla had always experienced the world a little differently. She was bright, adventurous, and curious about everything around her—but she sometimes struggled with emotional regulation and behavioral challenges. As her mother, ZiZi felt a fierce instinct to protect her daughter, paired with an equally strong desire to help her grow, connect with others, and pursue her dreams.

Everything began to change after a recommendation from Olla’s primary care provider led them to Metrocare’s Center for Children with Autism (CCAM) clinic in DeSoto.

“When we went to tour the facility, I felt really comfortable bringing my child there,” ZiZi recalls. “And once she started attending, I saw so much improvement. Every single day she was crushing her goals. The team at Metrocare did an amazing job with Olla.”

At CCAM, Olla began to find her voice. Although communication had once been a challenge, she gradually started expressing her needs and emotions more clearly. For  ZiZi, watching her daughter gain confidence was nothing short of transformative.

With a background in science and the medical field, ZiZi had a foundational understanding of autism—but she quickly learned that no amount of professional knowledge can fully prepare you for navigating it within your own children.

“I had to learn patience,” she says. “These kids are just wired differently, that’s all. It doesn’t mean anything else. Some people don’t want to talk about it. They want to hide it or sweep it under the carpet, but that’s not the way to handle it.”

She continues, “They may need extra help, but that doesn’t mean they can’t achieve or even surpass their goals. Walk with them. Be patient. It’s difficult sometimes, but one day, it works. There’s really nothing they cannot do.”

When Olla progressed enough to transition from CCAM to another school, the Metrocare team celebrated her with a special graduation ceremony—recognizing her dedication, her growth, and the strong partnership between Olla, her family, and her Metrocare team.

Today, Olla enjoys swimming and staying active through sports like track and field and basketball. ZiZi’s pride is evident when she talks about the young person her daughter is becoming.

“I’m so grateful to the Metrocare team,” she says. “They loved my daughter like she was their own. I just want to say thank you to everyone who worked with Olla. You are amazing people.”

This Autism Awareness Month, we celebrate stories like Olla’s—stories of progress, patience, and possibility. At Metrocare, every child, adult, and family’s journey is honored, and every milestone matters. Our team is proud to walk alongside families every step of the way.