Belqui Ortiz Millili on Parenting a Nonverbal Autistic Teen, Advocacy, and Building Support Host Tony Mantor welcomes Belqui Ortiz Millili to Why Not Me: Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide. She shares that she is the mother of a nearly 17-year-old nonverbal autistic son with high support needs, born extremely premature at six months gestation, and describes early concerns when milestones lagged compared to her older child. She recounts pushing for answers despite being told delays were due to prematurity or gender, and discusses common public misunderstandings about autism, including lack of awareness of the spectrum and confusion over changing diagnostic labels and levels. She explains how her son’s diagnosis led her into advocacy, including earning a life coaching certification to support newly diagnosed families, initially offering help for free after seeing the financial burden of therapies not fully covered by insurance. She talks about burnout, the impact autism-related stress can have on marriage, and how she and her husband navigate different parenting approaches while prioritizing their son’s happiness. The conversation covers isolation experienced by families of nonverbal autistic children, shifting support networks as children age, and her current challenges planning for adulthood, conservatorship, and lifelong caregiving responsibilities. She emphasizes the need for broader education and inclusion starting in early school years, more opportunities and job pathways for autistic people, and practical guidance for parents on accessing state and insurance services—citing Arizona’s DDD supports, long-term care, therapy coverage, and respite/habilitation hours. Belqui closes by encouraging parents to build a village, protect their relationships, and reclaim parts of their own lives beyond autism while continuing to support their child. Welcome to ‘Why Not Me’ — Autism & Mental Health Stories That Connect Us Meet Host Tony Mantor + Today’s Guest: Blquuii Ortiz Millili Belqui’s Autism Journey Begins: Her Nonverbal Son & High Support Needs Early Signs, Premature Birth, and Fighting to Be Heard by Doctors What People Get Wrong About Autism: The Spectrum, Stereotypes, and ‘Levels’ From Parenting to Advocacy: Becoming an Autism Support Coach Burnout Is Real: Resilience, Support Systems, and Surviving the Hard Days Marriage Under Pressure: Different Parenting Styles & Keeping the Family Together Identity and Strength: How Autism Changed How She Sees Herself Nonverbal Autism Realities: Communication, Safety, and Feeling ‘Trapped’ at Home The Hardest Season: Teen Years, Adulthood Planning, and Conservatorship Support, Community, and Friendships: What Helps (and What Falls Away) Over Time The Next 5–10 Years: Awareness in Schools and Real Opportunities for Autistic Adults Newly Diagnosed? First Steps, State Services, and How to Avoid Overwhelm Taking Care of Yourself Too: Building a Village and Reclaiming Your Life Final Thanks + How to Share the Show and Get Involved INTRO/OUTRO: T. Wild Mantor Music BMI The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.