Why This Mom Chose to Share Her Daughter's Autism Journey Online

With almost two million followers on various social media platforms, Mommy Maria Lourdes Bravante, also known as Mommy Bam, has made great strides in sharing her real-life experiences of raising her daughter with autism.

Her third and youngest daughter is a minor diagnosed with Level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder. Due to these conditions, she struggles to express her needs and emotions, and she requires substantial support in her daily life.

Because of her daughter's condition, Bam turned to vlogging to find comfort and connection online. In two years, her videos have gained thousands to millions of views, all of which aim to raise autism awareness.

'Walang sayang' sa batang masayahin, puno ng pagmamahal, at nagbibigay ng inspirasyon sa iba.' —Maria Lourdes Bravante on her daughter with autism

"Yung first post ko was about her diagnosis—mixed emotions talaga. Takot, kaba, at lungkot, pero mas nangingibabaw 'yung pagmamahal at desire na i-share ang journey namin para makatulong sa iba. At first, I wasn't sure kung tama bang i-open up sa public, pero noong may mga nag-message na nakaka-relate at na-inspire, doon ko na-realize: sharing our story has a purpose."

Sharing their everyday life to raise autism awareness

In an exclusive interview with Smart Parenting, Bam shared that their journey wasn't always easy. Living in Naga City, Camarines Sur, they often had to travel to Laguna and Manila for her daughter's therapy sessions. Her daughter is now a teen who feels comfortable engaging in activities for children ages 1 to 3. Having tried different options for her daughter to learn, Bam chose what would make her daughter calm and happy. 

"Lahat ng bata may kanya-kanyang timing. Kahit iba ang pace niya, she's growing in her own beautiful way," she wrote in an Instagram post.

Bam regularly shares a peek into their everyday life: Her daughter learning to eat independently, doing simple activities, strolling in the mall, and attending events and parties. These videos not only document her daughter's milestones, they also reflect a portion of Bam's journey through motherhood.

"Nagsimula akong mag-share ng journey namin para mag-spread ng awareness at magbigay ng pag-asa sa ibang parents na may ausome kids. Gusto kong ipakita na hindi sila nag-iisa, at na ang mga batang may autism ay deserving ng pagmamahal, pag-unawa, at respeto." Bam told Smart Parenting. Her goal was simple: to inspire, educate, and create a safe space for families like theirs.

Beyond awareness, their content brings joy to netizens and helps other ausome families feel seen and understood.

Parenting is a work in progress

Bam often shares older videos to show how far her daughter has come. When she was seven, her daughter struggled with the mall environment and was prone to sensory overload and even hallucinations. Looking at her videos now, it can be seen that her daughter loves interacting with other people, especially with little kids.

'Autism doesn’t make her less—it just makes her different. At sobrang proud kami sa kanya, just the way she is.' —Maria Lourdes Bravante on her youngest daughter

"Simula pa lang noong maliit pa siya, sobrang fascinated na siya sa babies at sa mga little girls—lalo na 'yung naka-dress at naka-ponytail. Minsan marinig pa lang niya 'yung sounds nila, hahanapin na niya, sasabihin niya, 'Where are they?' Pero dati, hirap talaga siya i-handle 'yung excitement niya. Madalas, kapag lumalapit siya, napapahila siya ng buhok or nasasaktan niya ’yung mga bata. Hindi naman niya sinasadya, pero malala minsan."

To help her learn emotional regulation, they initially kept her away from children and slowly exposed her to more interactions. "Dumating ang time na we exposed her slowly, araw-araw, sa mga tao at kids around her. Little by little, natuto siya. Hanggang ngayon, love na love pa rin niya ang mga bata—pero may care na, at gentle na siya. Wala na siyang nasasaktan," she shared. 

Facing criticisms with grace

While many netizens praise Bam for being transparent about raising her daughter, they are not spared from receiving negative comments. Some say that while her daughter is very pretty, she is 'sayang' because she is neurodiverse.

"Since she was young, madalas na naming marinig ang 'sayang' dahil may autism daw. Pero para sa amin, walang sayang sa batang masayahin, puno ng pagmamahal, at nagbibigay ng inspirasyon sa iba. Autism doesn’t make her less—it just makes her different. At sobrang proud kami sa kanya, just the way she is," said Bam.

Despite this, Bam remains focused on her mission. She hopes to build the House of Hopes, a safe, inclusive space where indigent children with autism can socialize and learn basic skills for free.

While the project remains a vision, Bam calls on everyone's help to pool in funds and equipment to build this center in Naga City. They plan to start with 20 children, "Ito po ay isang community-based daycare—hindi po therapy o academic center, kundi isang House of Hopes kung saan ang mga batang may mas matinding pangangailangan tulad ng anak ko ay makakahanap ng ligtas na espasyo para matuto, maglaro, at makihalubilo sa paraang akma sa kanila."

To fund the center, Bam plans to sell merchandise like shirts and tote bags while calling on kind-hearted donors for supplies like tables, chairs, and educational toys.

No regrets

Despite the judgment that comes with putting their lives in the public eye, Bam has no regrets. She believes their openness has helped reduce the stigma surrounding people with autism. Ultimately, she says, "Mas malaki yung saya at tulong na naibabahagi namin sa ibang families. Para sa akin, worth it lahat ng pagsisikap at pag-open up."

With every video uploaded, she hopes to reach parents who may feel isolated after their child's diagnosis, "Mahirap at puno ng challenges, pero puno rin ito ng pagmamahal, pag-asa, at mga maliliit na tagumpay. Importante na maging patient at supportive kayo sa inyong anak. Hanapin ang tamang suporta at palaging ipaalala sa kanila na sila ay mahalaga at espesyal. Huwag matakot magtanong, mag-share, at maghanap ng community na makakaintindi sa inyo."

Her message to fellow parents: "Tiwala lang, bawat araw ay may progreso, at ang pagmamahal ninyo ang pinakamalaking hugutan ng lakas ng inyong anak," she adds.

Filled with hope, Bam has a simple dream for her daughter: that she lives a life full of love, and be surrounded by people who love and accept her.