The year was 2000. Our three-year-old son, RJ, had just been diagnosed with autism.

That day—the day we now call “Never Day”—the developmental pediatrician gave us a list of all the things RJ would supposedly never do:

Mainstream in school. Interact socially. Make friends. Go to college. Live independently. Drive. Maintain meaningful employment. Travel in comfort or be in public spaces effortlessly.

We were gutted. My husband Rodney and I wondered what dark crystal ball this doctor was looking into – after all, RJ was only three years old.

But like parents, we refused to give up. We rolled up our sleeves and vowed to challenge every “never” on this list, one by one.

Later that year, RJ was expelled from the preschool, which called him “unattainable”.

Air travel became a gauntlet of unfriendly passengers and flight crews, with RJ often overwhelmed by sensory overload. At times I felt like the “never”s were turning into “forevers”.

But fast forward 24 years and RJ’s story is a testament to perseverance, love and the power of belief in possibility.

Today, at age 27, RJ defies almost every prediction on this list. Two of those “never’s”—airplane travel and meaningful employment—are now central to his life.

RJ has spent the past nine seasons as a clubhouse attendant for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the reigning 2024 World Series champions. This job has given RJ dignity, purpose and a paycheck that has empowered him to advocate for himself.

Even more, it gave him something he struggled to find as a child: community. RJ went from having almost no friends to being surrounded by an entire clubhouse of supportive “brothers”.

To celebrate the Dodgers’ incredible championship win, as well as a belated 60th birthday trip, RJ and I took mother and son to two dream destinations: the Maldives and Dubai. The trip was nothing short of magical.

Our trip began with a long flight to the Maldives, including an eight-hour layover in Istanbul, a city that was on both of our bucket lists.

It was a full circle moment watching RJ, who once struggled so much navigating airports, now sail through them with confidence.

As someone with autism, RJ found airports inundated with sensory overload—from the chaotic sounds to the unpredictable pace of travel. But over years of practice and determination, RJ has turned into my personal travel agency.

He now knows airport layouts and airplane seat maps better than most seasoned travelers. It can identify the best seats on each plane, what services are offered and which gates connect flights most efficiently.

After a short seaplane ride from Male, we arrived at the stunning Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, where we were greeted by turquoise waters and overwater bungalows. Our glass-bottomed bathtub villa felt like a slice of paradise.

An avid swimmer and lover of all things aquatic, RJ spent hours snorkeling in the warm azure waters, earning the nickname “the fish whisperer” as the colorful fish chased him. We admired stingrays, sharks, turtles and an endless display of vibrant marine life.

Meanwhile, I stepped out of my comfort zone by taking a ballet class offered at the resort with a talented guest dancer named Karis Scarlette. Despite my rusty skills (I hadn’t been to ballet since I was six!), Karis made me feel like a graceful swan for a brief moment, unlocking a joy I hadn’t experienced in years.

After soaking up the beauty of the Maldives, we headed to Dubai, a city of breathtaking architecture, world-class hospitality and endless surprises.

Our first stop was Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, where we were greeted with a grand welcome, including a chocolate “film reel” of my Hallmark Channel movies.

The lagoon-style pool in front of our villa glowed with a peaceful blue light every night, and RJ and I shared memorable meals while dissecting every moment of the Dodgers playoffs.

One of the highlights of the trip was reconnecting with my dear friend Isti, whom I hadn’t seen in over a decade. Inspired by her own journey of raising a child with special needs, Isti founded Dubai Heights Academy, an inclusive school where children of all abilities learn together.

RJ and I had the privilege of reading our children’s book, My brother Charlieto a group of curious and surprisingly observant four- and five-year-old children. It was a deeply moving experience to witness Isti’s vision in action.

We ended our Dubai adventure at the Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort, an extraordinary property offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. Our two-story private pool villa felt like pure luxury.

We explored nearby peacock bird sanctuaries, swam in a remarkable black bottom pool, marveled at dreamy liquid sunsets and even visited the iconic Burj Khalifa.

Last but not least, we were both blissfully restored with tension-melting island lava shell massages at the Anantara Spa. The experience was rejuvenating and grounding, the perfect way to soak up the serenity of this unique resort.

This trip was more than a vacation – it was a celebration of how far RJ has come and a reminder of the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. From the “never” list that once loomed so large, RJ ticked off milestone after milestone.

And as we reflect on this journey, one thing is clear: the “Never’s” that once defined our lives are now nothing more than fuel for RJ’s ever-expanding dreams. I always say I wouldn’t trade RJ for the world, but I will always try to trade the world for RJ!

More milestones, more adventures and unforgettable moments await you.

Holly Robinson Peete is an actress, writer and philanthropist.

All opinions expressed are the author’s own.