When Belqui Ortiz-Millili drops off her teenage son, Connor, at Lexington Life Academy Gateway, he has a smile on his face. For Ortiz-Millili, an autism advocate, author and mother of two sons on the spectrum, that smile means everything.
“There’s nothing better for the parent of a nonverbal child than seeing that joy when they go to school,” she said.
Now 16 and in his first year at Lexington Life as a ninth grader, Connor is joyful and, as his mom describes, at his best when swimming or listening to music.
Connor’s educational journey has taken him through schools in New Jersey and now Arizona. Not all were the right fit. After trying both public and private settings, Ortiz-Millili discovered Lexington Life through fellow autism moms. A visit to the Gateway campus, and a warm welcome from staff member Marnie, confirmed her decision.
“Everyone was smiling, kids looked happy and the staff seemed to know every student,” she said. “You could feel the good energy. That matters.”
While she describes Connor as steady, self-aware and content, his happiness at school has been a game-changer. “He’s happier, more social and he looks forward to school every day. That means a lot.”
One surprise came during a school assessment, when Connor tested at a fourth- to fifth-grade reading level. That discovery inspired Ortiz-Millili to write a book, “Through Your Eyes, My Son,” specifically for him, tailored to his ability.
Her hopes for Connor focus on self-sufficiency and steady progress. “My goal is for him to be as independent as he can be, whether that means having a job or just handling more daily tasks. He already helps around the house: puts things away, turns off lights, closes doors. We’re working on simple things like making his bed.”
She’s especially excited about the school’s focus on life skills and vocational training as Connor progresses through high school.
Ortiz-Millili’s dedication to the autism community runs deep. She has worked with the Organization for Autism Research, is a certified autism support coach and contributed to “For the Love of Autism,” a collection of stories by parents, teachers and professionals. Her next book, written from the perspective of a nonverbal child, aims to help readers better understand what it’s like to be seen but not always heard. “It’s a message the world needs,” she said.
Having navigated schools across multiple states, Ortiz-Millili encourages parents to trust their instincts. “Don’t come in with preconceived notions. Go see the school. Feel the vibe. Everyone’s experience is different, and curriculum is tailored to each student’s needs.”
She also cautions against relying too heavily on online reviews. “Happy parents don’t always post online. But one frustrated post can stick around forever and may not reflect your experience.”
As long as Connor keeps smiling, Ortiz-Millili said, “That’s what matters most.”