More Than Words: How Teacher Joie Supports Neurodivergent Families—At Work and at Home
Through online therapy, lived experience, and education, Joie Brillantes helps families navigate neurodiversity with empathy and hope
By the time Joie Brillantes found her calling, she already learned one of life’s biggest parenting lessons: sometimes, purpose doesn’t arrive fully formed—it grows with you.
Unlike those who mapped out their futures early on, she admits she entered adulthood without a clear career direction.
“Nung nag-graduate ako ng high school, ang goal ko lang talaga was makapasok ng UP,” she shared with Modern Parenting.
It was her uncle, then studying at the University of the Philippines – Manila, who first introduced her to Speech Pathology. Encouraged by her mom to try it out, Joie took a leap of faith—one that would shape not just her profession, but also her journey as a mother.
“Nakapasok naman—and the rest is history,” she said with a smile.
Today, known fondly as Teacher Joie, she works as a speech pathologist providing therapy and online consultations for children in the neurodivergent spectrum—while also navigating motherhood herself.
An Unexpected Calling
What began as a practical decision gradually evolved into something more profound. As Teacher Joie progressed through her studies, she found her connection to the profession changing.
“Nung na-complete ko yung course, doon ko nakita na grabe pala itong napasok kong profession. Para siyang naging calling—meant to be.”
The more she learned, the more her passion expanded beyond therapy sessions.
“Nag-evolve siya—from helping kids, to helping families, to understanding the bigger picture of how support systems really matter.”
In ways she couldn’t have predicted, this “accidental” path would prepare her for her own life as a parent raising her child.
Raising a Child with Special Needs—From a Distance
Teacher Joie, a single parent, was working in the UAE when she first noticed something different about her eldest daughter. Her daughter was over two years old when she finally said her first word.
“Her first word was around two years and six months. May video na habang pinapanood niya ako sa tablet, bigla na lang niyang sinabi ‘mommy,’ habang nire-record ng tatay ko. That was her first ever word.”
At the time, her daughter was being cared for by Joie’s parents, with the help of her daughter’s godmothers—women who became an emotional and practical lifeline.
“Sila talaga yung isa sa naging support system ko. They would visit my parents, check in regularly, and give advice on what to do.”
Her family stepped in fully—her parents, her brother, and the wider village that helped raise her children while she worked abroad.
“Parang tatlo kaming parents nila. Even my kuya helped, especially with giving them a father figure,” she said.
Today, Teacher Joie is a mother of two children – her daughter and son, both of whom excel in their activities and in school.
Why Online Therapy Changed Everything
Today, technology allows Teacher Joie to show up more fully—not just as a therapist, but as a mom as she gets to spend time with her two kids.
“Nawala yung mga unnecessary things like commuting and traffic. Pag turn off ko ng last session, I can instantly switch to mommy duties.”
Even as in-person services reopened, Joie chose to stay online. For Joie, flexibility isn’t just a perk—it’s a parenting tool.
The Joy and Reality of Working with Neurodivergent Kids
Like any profession, speech therapy comes with challenges. But for Teacher Joie, the rewards far outweigh them.
“Yung simple lang na may parent na magsasabi, ‘Teacher, nasabi na niya ito,’ sobrang fulfilling na.”
One moment still stands out for Teacher Joie to this date.
“There was a child I worked with for months. One day, sinabi niya for the first time, ‘I love you, mommy.’ I was in the UAE then, and parang lahat ng pagod, worth it.”
Still, the work requires emotional and physical resilience.
“Ikaw yung therapist, ikaw yung tiga salo nun,” she said, referring to the reactions kids may exhibit during therapy. “Isa yun sa mga challenges – yung therapists na who work with neurodivergent kids. Kasama na iyon sa description na sometimes, you will be hurt physically depending on the situation and how you’ll be able to manage it.”
How Her Profession Shapes Her Parenting
Being both a speech pathologist, online speech therapist, and a solo parent means constant self-reflection.
“I’m always faced with that challenge—kamusta ba talaga ako bilang nanay?”
Her work has taught her to regularly check in with herself.
It’s a balance she continues to learn—one grounded in intention, not perfection.
Educating Parents, One Conversation at a Time
While awareness around autism and neurodivergence has grown, Teacher Joie believes education must be ongoing.
“Number one is exposure. Follow credible sources.”
What parents see daily—on their feeds, in their communities—shapes how they understand their children.
“Kapag educated ka, mas naiintindihan mo kung bakit sila nagta-tantrum, kung kailan sila overwhelmed, or hungry.”
She emphasizes that neurodivergence simply means difference.
“Neuro refers to the brain. Diversity means difference. So may brain-based difference sila.”
And difference does not mean less.
“We’ve moved away from the idea of ‘normal.’ We now use neurotypical and neurodivergent—not to label, but to understand.”
“Yes, marami akong natutulungan. But kamusta yung quality time ko with my kids? How am I really showing up for them?”
Aside from online therapy, Teacher Joie continues to educate through free webinars, talks, and online discussions through organizations, including Autism PH, a Facebook group she is actively part of, along with other parents and advocates.
Advocacy Starts at Home
For Teacher Joie, the strongest advocate a neurodivergent child can have is an open, willing parent.
“Kapag ang magulang ay willing matuto at umintindi, doon nagsisimula ang empowered communities.”
Therapy, she admits, can be expensive and demanding—but it’s transformative.
“Mahaba ang proseso. But early intervention has a huge impact on how they grow throughout their life.”
And for parents who worry they’ve started too late?
“May pag-asa—as long as parents are willing to learn and follow through at home.”
At the heart of neurodiversity isn’t a diagnosis—it’s the belief that every child deserves to be understood, supported, and seen.
To reach out to Teacher Joie for consultation, check her Facebook and Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teacher Joie Brillantes is a licensed speech pathologist, online speech therapist, educator, and single mother. She specializes in working with neurodivergent children and supporting their families through therapy, consultations, and parent education.
Teacher Joie provides online speech therapy, parent coaching, and consultations for children on the neurodivergent spectrum. Beyond therapy sessions, she also educates parents through webinars, talks, and online communities, helping families better understand and support their children.
Raising a neurodivergent child herself gave Teacher Joie a deeper understanding of the emotional, practical, and mental challenges parents face. Her lived experience allows her to approach families with empathy, patience, and realism—bridging clinical knowledge with real-life parenting.
Online therapy allows flexibility for both families and therapists. For Teacher Joie, it eliminates long commutes and enables her to transition seamlessly from work to motherhood. For parents, it makes therapy more accessible, especially for those with limited resources or busy schedules.
Yes, when done properly and with active parent involvement. Teacher Joie emphasizes that online therapy can be highly effective, especially when parents follow through with strategies at home and maintain consistency.
The work can be emotionally and physically demanding. Therapists often absorb children’s frustrations, meltdowns, and sensory responses. However, Teacher Joie shares that the breakthroughs—no matter how small—make the challenges worthwhile.
