Mom, Whose Son Was Just Diagnosed with Autism, in Tears After Best Friend Leaves Message on Doorstep (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Leah Herod and her son, Kai.Photo:Leah Herod

Leah Herod

One Ohio mom received a thoughtful surprise from her best friend after receiving some news, and decided to share the sweet gesture with the world.

In a video posted to TikTok on Jan. 13, a woman named Leah Herod (whose username is@LeahHerod) films herself opening the door to a letter and bouquet of flowers, with the caption, “POV: your son just got his official autism diagnosis and your bestie said something was at your door.”

Earlier that day, Leah had received the news that, after years of speech and occupational therapy, and a lot of waiting, her son Kai has autism.

In the card, Leah’s best friend, Gillian, writes, “Cheers to fresh starts! I’m so proud of the mama that you are today. You’re such a loving and amazing mom. The kids are lucky to have you.”

Gillian, who met Leah in 2017, adds that she is proud of Leah and her family, writing, “Forever will be here for you guys.”

Leah Herod and her friend, Gillian.Leah Herod

Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE, Leah shares that, after receiving her son Kai’s diagnosis, she called Gillian to tell her the news. “A few hours later, I saw on my Ring Camera that she [was] dropping something off.” Leah shares. “I immediately knew she was doing something sweet for me because that is who she is.”

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“A lot of people in the video thought I was crying because of [Kai’s] diagnosis,” Leah adds of her emotional reaction. “In reality, I was crying because of how much that gesture meant.”

Though Leah has felt “a mixture of emotions” since receiving Kai’s official diagnosis, she tells PEOPLE, “This diagnosis doesn’t change my child, it changes nothing. This just opened him up to additional resources and tools.”

She explains, “It’s been a rough journey as a parent only because I wanted answers for my son and was willing to do anything I could for him.” Though she “initially felt upset that [Kai] has to go through these [hurdles],” she shares that she “also felt a sense of relief” when she received the final diagnosis.

Leah Herod’s son, Kai.Leah Herod

“[Gillian] went out of her way to support me and my family when she didn’t have to do anything,” Leah says. “Motherhood can be so lonely and to find a friend like that is so rare and I don’t take it for granted.”

For anyone who is looking for ways to support loved ones in a similar situation, Leah says her biggest piece of advice would be “hold space for them.”

“It can be hard to sustain friendships while learning how to navigate becoming a [special] needs parent,” Leah explains. “[Kai] is my number one priority always, but especially in these hard years where we are trying to figure out what is best for him and how to help him thrive.”

She adds, “Always check in on your mom friends. Offer an extra hand, offer to bring coffee, or offer an ear to listen to whatever they might be working through.”

source: people.com