Selveta Djokic
Director of Operations
Spectrum Support Services/
It is truly an honor to be here today, especially as an Albanian woman speaking to our Albanian community. I want to start by saying something very important:
There is no shame in having a child with a disability, and there is no shame in asking for help. For generations, families from many cultures have struggled with disability behind closed doors because of stigma, fear, or simply not knowing what resources were available.
One example that always stays with me is the Kennedy family and their daughter, Rosemary Kennedy, who had intellectual disabilities. Her story was kept private for many years, and tragically, she was subjected to a lobotomy that left her permanently incapacitated. Her sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, later became a powerful advocate for people with intellectual disabilities and founded the Special Olympics.
Why do I share this?
Because it reminds us how important it is to speak up, educate ourselves, and never hide our children. Our children deserve to be seen, supported, included, and given every opportunity to thrive. And I want every Albanian parent here to know:
I am here for you.
There are services and resources available for children with autism and developmental disabilities from early childhood through school age, adolescence, adulthood, and beyond. And remember—school is not always the only place services can happen. If your child struggles in a school environment or is resistant to receiving services there, ask about other options. Depending on your child’s eligibility and the program, services may be available in the home or another appropriate setting.
Sometimes our children learn better when they feel safe and comfortable. But I also want to encourage every parent: bring your child into the community. Take them to the store. Take them to the park. Take them to restaurants. Take them to family gatherings.
And if your child has behavioral challenges, don’t be embarrassed. Instead of asking, “How do I stop this behavior?” ask: “What is my child trying to tell me?” What triggered it? Was it noise? A crowd? A change in routine? Frustration? Difficulty communicating?
Start small. Take it step by step. Because our children need opportunities to experience the world and build independence. And as difficult as it is to say, we are not going to be here forever.
We want to protect our children, but we also have to prepare them for life—to communicate, make choices, ask for help, and participate in their community.
I recently spoke with a mother whose son was nonverbal. Her journey was not easy.
She spent years taking him to occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. She fought with the school district to make sure her son received the attention and services he deserved. It took time. It took learning. It took persistence. But she never gave up. That is advocacy.
And I want every parent here to use your voice. If your school isn’t meeting your child’s needs, ask questions. Request meetings. Speak to administrators. If necessary, take your concerns higher—to the superintendent, your school district, or your local representatives.
Don’t accept “no” without asking, “Why?” and “What is the next step?” I always say: No is not in my vocabulary. That doesn’t mean every request will automatically be approved. It means I don’t stop at the first closed door. And I don’t want you to either. To my Albanian community, especially, I want to say this:
Don’t worry about what the neighbors will say.
Don’t worry about what relatives will think.
Your child’s future is more important than anyone else’s opinion.
There is no shame in using resources. These programs exist to support our children and families. Learn about them. Use them. Advocate for your child.
And please know—you don’t have to navigate this system alone.
I am here.
I have my cards with me today. Reach out to me. Ask questions. If I don’t know the answer, I will help you find the person who does.
And while I am especially proud to be here for our Albanian families, this is not just an Albanian issue. Autism and developmental disabilities affect families from every culture.
So let’s stop being afraid to talk about it.
Let’s educate. Let’s advocate. Let’s empower.
Because when one parent becomes informed, a family becomes stronger.
When families become stronger, our community becomes stronger.
And I want you to leave here today remembering this:
Your child belongs. Your child deserves an opportunity. And you do not have to walk this journey alone.
Faleminderit shumë. Thank you.