Conducting these interviews over the last 6 weeks has been one of the most meaningful parts of my research so far. This topic is deeply personal to me because I have seen how stigma and misunderstanding can affect neurodivergent children and their families. Hearing caregivers speak honestly about their experiences has made the research feel much more real. Their stories are not just data. They represent years of love, frustration, sacrifice, fear, and advocacy.

I am especially grateful that participants have trusted me with such personal parts of their lives. Many have shared moments that were painful or difficult to revisit. They have spoken about feeling judged, dismissed, or unsupported while trying to do what was best for their children. Listening to them has taught me how important it is to approach research with patience and care. It has also reminded me that every family’s experience is different and deserves to be heard without judgment.

This process has changed me as both a researcher and a person. I have become more compassionate and more aware of the emotional weight that caregivers carry. I now understand that research can be more than identifying patterns or producing findings. It can create space for people to feel seen and understood. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to learn from these families. Their honesty has strengthened my commitment to making this work thoughtful, respectful, and useful.

I cannot wait to put everything I have learned into action next summer and to present my poster. Looking back on my Laidlaw experience as a whole, I feel deeply grateful for how much it has helped me grow in confidence, empathy, and purpose.