For Rocket Miller's first on-cam interview, Aubrey Miles and Troy Montero were nervous. "The most nerve-wracking interview for us, because we were worried how Rocket would react for her 1st ever TV interview. Will she sit still, cry, shout, get sleepy, everything naisip na namin. Surprisingly, Rocket was so behaved and looked at Korina in the eyes. She was listening the whole time. I want to cry and say, thank you Rocket. Ms. Korina is great with kids, and of course she made us feel comfortable,” wrote Aubrey on her Instagram.
Aubrey and Troy were nervous because Rocket is on the autism spectrum disorder. To make Rocket feel comfortable on the set, the production crew of Korina Sanchez’s show prepared all of Rocket’s favorite foods: french fries, mamon, banana, grapes and apples.
Upon introduction, Rocket looked directly into Korina’s eyes.
Korina then asked the couple about their openness in sharing Rocket’s ASD (autism spectrum disorder) journey. Troy answered, “For us we felt like we could get the best help and therapy just by being open. We didn’t want to exert extra effort into hiding, so I guess we just decided to go all out. If we want to inquire, or talk to someone, it could be easier.”
'Hindi na kami nadi-disappoint, ngayon it changed na. Wag na tayo ma-stress, wag na tayo mag-away,' -Aubrey Miles on Rocket's episodes
Aubrey added, “I think ngayon kasi mas tanggap na, and hindi ko alam kung may nakakaisip pa na nakakahiya. Everytime we share something, someone will message, and people will approach us at a mall or hotel, and tell us ‘Our child has ASD too’, and feeling ko minsan, close na agad kami. It’s different din yung time ngayon kasi medyo aware na din ang mga tao.”
The community of parents with children on the spectrum also shares tips with Troy and Aubrey, especially if their kids are older than Rocket. “They also help us, they share diet tips, what to expect when they turn to this age, they might do this. It’s really nice to have that kind of support,” Troy shared.
Korina asked the couple how their lives changed after Rocket’s diagnosis. “Our lives changed drastically, like a lot.” Aubrey shared, “For me, sa fitness. Before, I could just go and train for triathlons anytime. We can be gone for the whole day training, yun lang sakin. That’s why buti na lang may gym kami sa bahay, but still hindi pa din pwede na tuloy tuloy. Singit singit lang. I still try my best.”
RELATED: How Caring For His Daughter On The Spectrum Has Changed Troy Montero As Parent And Person
Troy also added, “What happens with us, whatever plans we have, we make sure that it could always change. For example this morning, I have things to shoot for social media, before she wakes up. Tapos may work-out pa. It just happened that she woke up with me at 6AM, which is not her normal waking time, so okay, change plans. Tomorrow na lang or whatever.”
"Hindi na kami nadi-disappoint, ngayon it changed na. Wag na tayo ma-stress, wag na tayo mag-away. Minsan may dinner kami, tapos nag-tantrums na siya or may episode siya, kahit nakaayos na ko, hindi na kami pwedeng umalis,” Aubrey continued to share.
The couple said that they are ready for whatever comes their way, “We can’t see the end, but we are just gonna go for it. Autism is always changing, it can always change and progress.”
Aubrey said, “Definitely no cure, it’s always gonna be there. But there’s always therapy.”
She added, “I’m really glad na ganito siya today, kasi pag nag-episode siya, iyak talaga, scattered and all, and medyo relaxed siya ngayon. First time niya talaga to. To be honest, sobrang nervous kami papunta dito because of her. What if ganito, what if ganyan. And we’re glad na ganito today.”
Autism came when they were 'ready', as stable, 'older' parents
“We created a Facebook page for awareness, and we get to meet a lot of parents because of it. And when we hear others talk about it, one thing we said was, it came when we were ready. If Rocket would have come when we were younger, who knows how we would have handled it. And they say parents of children on the spectrum don’t usually last.”
Korina jokes, “Baka si Rocket talaga ang glue ninyo?”
And Troy immediately agreed, “Definitely, it made our family even closer. Even with the Kuyas, because it really takes a team with her. Even at home, especially when we go out and travel. It’s like all hands on deck, even the Kuyas are prepared.”
Aubrey also shared, “Exact din ang timing because Rocket has two Kuyas, and it’s like having two bodyguards. Minsan aalis kami, sila ang mag-aalaga, just for a few hours. The timing is good din.
The couple shared their future plans for Rocket and Troy said, “There’s definitely planning, for example it’s continued therapy. Like what other parents told us, there’s always a change. Like when your child becomes a teen, same thing, but you just never know what’s going to happen. You never know if she can regress, you just have to prepare for anything that’s going to happen.”
Aubrey also added, “Siguro siya yung child na ready kami if ever, ‘No problem, sa amin ka na. It’s gonna be the three of us and we’re gonna get old together.’”
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