April is Autism Awareness Month, but for many families in Fort Wayne, understanding autism is a year-round effort. Golden Steps ABA is stepping up with guidance, reassurance, and real support for parents trying to make sense of an overwhelming diagnosis.

From breaking down dense medical lingo to helping families build a path forward, the organization is focusing this month on something often overlooked—emotional clarity.

Diagnosis Day Is Often Just the Beginning

Let’s be honest—getting that diagnosis can feel like a punch in the gut.

Parents walk into an appointment hoping for answers and leave with a binder full of unfamiliar words, a stack of pamphlets, and more questions than they came with.

Krista Lee, a board-certified behavior analyst with Golden Steps ABA, knows that moment all too well.

“It’s a flood,” she says. “You’re given all this information, and most of it feels foreign. It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed. You’re suddenly thinking about your child’s entire future, and you realize—there’s a lot you don’t know.”

That sense of helplessness? It’s common. But it doesn’t last forever.

What Golden Steps ABA Actually Does

So what does Golden Steps ABA offer?

They provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, yes—but that’s just the technical term. What they really offer is presence. Real humans. A shoulder. A team.

With locations across the Fort Wayne region, the group works one-on-one with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They develop personalized therapy programs and guide families through what can otherwise feel like a maze of appointments, specialists, and forms.

One paragraph is enough here.

A Parent’s Guidepost, Not Just a Provider

The people at Golden Steps aren’t just clinicians—they’re sounding boards.

Krista Lee emphasizes that every child is different, and so is every parent’s experience. That’s why they focus on:

• Listening first, before recommending any plans or therapy paths

• Breaking down complex terminology so that parents actually understand what’s happening

• Building trust, not just in the child’s growth, but in the parents’ ability to guide them

“There’s a grieving process sometimes,” Lee explains. “And we’re not here to rush that. We’re here to help parents see the potential—because it’s there.”

It’s not just about therapy. It’s about creating calm after chaos.

A Community That Doesn’t Judge

Autism, like any diagnosis, can feel isolating.

People start second-guessing their parenting. Friends don’t always get it. Strangers make assumptions. And some schools aren’t equipped.

That’s where Golden Steps tries to change the script. They offer more than just clinical appointments—they offer connection. Support groups, casual Q&As, even informal meetups where parents can talk without feeling judged.

“You need to know you’re not the only one Googling acronyms at 2 a.m.,” one parent said, laughing softly through tears.

Fort Wayne has a tight-knit feel, and that’s been an advantage. Word-of-mouth referrals have helped Golden Steps build trust—not just as a service provider, but as a place where families feel seen.

Sometimes, one sentence is all it takes.

Growing Demand, Growing Response

Autism diagnoses are increasing—and it’s not just due to better detection.

The CDC reports that roughly 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is now diagnosed with ASD, up from 1 in 44 just a few years ago. That number is even higher among boys.

In Indiana, more families are seeking help earlier, which is key. Early intervention makes a big difference. But it also means organizations like Golden Steps have to scale up—fast.

Here’s a look at how that growth is unfolding:

The takeaway? More families are seeking help—and more are finding it.

Autism Awareness Month Hits Different This Year

Each April, there’s a new theme. More hashtags. New merchandise. Awareness is important—but Golden Steps wants to keep things grounded.

They’re focusing less on slogans and more on substance. Less on ribbons, more on resources.

Krista Lee says their goal this month isn’t to “raise awareness” in the vague sense. It’s to make sure parents know they have someone to call. A real number. A real place.

One dad put it like this: “I don’t need a poster. I need someone to explain what ‘sensory processing issues’ actually means.”

That’s where Golden Steps steps in.