Julian's Story
Born: 2016
Country: United States
​
Journey to diagnosis
​
When Julian was three, we began noticing early signs of autism. By age four, he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) accompanied by language and intellectual impairments, as well as ADHD, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type. We quickly began a range of therapies—speech-language, occupational, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)—and Julian participated continuously until second grade. At that point, we noticed he was becoming overwhelmed, so we made the decision to take a break and shift our focus towards school, play, and social development.
In 2020, following Julian's ASD diagnosis, our family joined the SPARK Autism Research Study. In August 2024, we received further insights and learned that Julian has a CUL3-related neurodevelopmental disorder.
​
We are deeply grateful for the support of this community and for the opportunity to better understand CUL3, as well as to contribute to research that can benefit other families.
GET TO KNOW JULIAN
Julian has a natural ability to brighten any room he walks into, spreading warmth and joy wherever he goes. He’s adored by both his peers and adults, known for his deep empathy and kind heart. His creativity shines through in his imaginative play, and his grit and determination are truly inspiring.
​
Julian has a few favorite things that bring him joy—stuffed animals, hats, and video games top the list. When it comes to food, hot dogs and buttered noodles are his go-to. He loves listening to music, whether he's relaxing in his room or on a car ride, and cherishes time spent with his family, especially his big brother, Javi.
(Last Updated: In 2024; age 8)