Parent Perspective: When Your Child is New to UCP

Written By: Natassia Ferguson, UCP School Business Manager & UCP Parent

Natassia—known to many as Nat—is one of UCP Charter School’s Business Managers and a proud UCP parent. Drawing on both her professional experience and her journey as a mom, she shares her personal story for families navigating a new diagnosis or experiencing UCP for the first time, along with reflections she wishes she’d known at the start.

From the beginning

I remember the day we received my son’s autism diagnosis, my world shifted. I didn’t know what it meant for him or for us as a family. I wanted to advocate for my child, but I felt completely lost. Every choice, therapy, preschool, even how to talk to friends and family, felt heavy. I kept asking myself, “Is this the right decision?” over and over again. But then we found UCP, and I finally felt like I could breathe.

If you’re new to UCP and carrying the weight of the unknown, this is what I wish I was shared with me at the beginning:

• It’s okay to feel everything, all at once. Walking into a new school or therapy clinic can bring up many emotions: hope, fear, guilt, and relief. It’s a lot, and it’s okay to feel all of it. Every feeling is valid. Parenting a neurodiverse child often means carrying invisible weight, but you don’t have to carry it alone. UCP was built for families like yours.

• Your child is more than a diagnosis; UCP sees that. In the early days, I was consumed by milestones, goals, and red flags. I forgot to just see my son, his curiosity, his humor, his spark. UCP reminded me. They see the whole child, and they’ll help you see it too.

  
  

• You don’t have to know everything right now. The acronyms, appointments, and systems can be overwhelming. But you’ll learn what you need in time. And the best part - you’re not expected to do it alone. UCP has experts who will walk with you every step of the way. Ask anything. Especially the “silly” stuff.

  
  

• We’re partners, not replacements. No one knows your child like you do. At UCP, that is highly valued. The campus team works with you. They listen, adapt, and check in because your insight is key to your child’s progress.

  
  

• The small wins are the big wins. The first eye contact. A two-word sentence. Sitting through circle time. Braving playgrounds, trying new foods, making friends… These are moments worth celebrating, and UCP celebrates them all with you! Every step forward matters. And your child’s pace is perfect.

  
  

• This is more than just a school; UCP is a community. You’ll find support groups, training, family events, and staff who genuinely care. I’ve met parents, teachers, and therapists who became my lifelines. Sometimes, just one conversation with them can change my whole day. 

  
  

• You are doing enough. Even when you’re tired. Even when it’s messy. Even when you’re doubting yourself. You’re showing up, loving, advocating - and that will always be enough.

To every new UCP parent: I see you. I’ve been where you are. And I can tell you, it gets easier. This path may be different, but it’s filled with hope, progress, and people who truly care. Trust us. We’re cheering for you. Every single step.

-A fellow UCP mom and UCP Team Member

Natassia Ferguson