Hi! I’m Madonna Mascarinas, Founder of Majalko.com
It all started in August 2024 when my mother called me, telling me that my nephew had asked if I was coming back that weekend. From mid-May to the last weekend of July, I had spent about 70–80% of my weekends in Chicago. That moment made me realize how much my presence meant to him.
I used to live at my sister’s house while going through nursing school. After gaining two years of nursing experience, I moved to Texas for a job. My nephew, my older and only sister’s firstborn, was about nine years old at the time. I used to take him and his little sister out to the park, hop on the train to downtown Chicago to explore, eat at fast food joints, or simply have fun in the yard.
Understanding My Nephew’s Autism Journey
You see, my nephew has autism. He was diagnosed a few years after the first signs became noticeable. Around the age of two, he stopped learning new words and became highly sensitive to loud noises. He had a habit of lining up his toys vertically and rarely made eye contact when spoken to. One of his biggest joys was listening to Ray Conniff’s Hawaiian Album—he would ask my dad to replay the vinyl record over and over every day between the ages of three and five. He has always been fascinated by trains, a passion that still holds strong today.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) early, so interventions didn’t begin until he was around five or six years old. Many people describe him as “high-functioning,” a term that, while not a medical diagnosis, is often used to describe individuals with autism who develop adaptive coping mechanisms. Despite their intelligence and sincerity, they still face social challenges, strong fixations, and repetitive behaviors.
Living in the same household with my nephew showed me firsthand that raising and caring for autistic children is not easy. But I also know they are an important part of our future. They deserve to thrive in society, not just survive. Like all of us, they have passions, strengths, and ambitions. My nephew will graduate from high school in June 2025, and I know he has a bright future ahead. Many autistic children like him have the potential to thrive—it’s up to us to help prepare them for success.
The Rising Prevalence of Autism
According to Google, the prevalence of autism in the 1950s was significantly lower than it is today. Currently, approximately 3% of children are born with autism. This increase may also be due to greater awareness and advancements in autism research. Regardless of the statistics, one thing remains clear—understanding and supporting autistic individuals is more important than ever.
Why I Started Majalko.com
I started this online store with the hope of creating another source of income that would allow me to spend more time with my family—especially my nephew. More than that, I wanted to connect with other parents and caregivers who are raising autistic children. I hope to gain insights, share experiences, and exchange valuable information that could help create a brighter future for autistic individuals.
A Family Rooted in Sacrifice and Love
My sister has always been like a second mother to me and my siblings. When we arrived in the U.S. from the Philippines in 1990, our mother (Nanay) worked tirelessly, juggling three jobs—two full-time positions on weekdays and a live-in caregiving job on weekends for over a year and a half. Our father (Tatay) worked odd hours to be able to drop off and pick up Nanay from one job to the next. My sister made sure we had dinner on the table while I entertained my four younger brothers so she wouldn’t be disturbed in the kitchen.
This is why I want to be there for her, for my nephew, and for my entire family. I am the only one among my six siblings who does not have the responsibility of raising dependent children, which gives me the freedom to offer my support in other ways. My family means everything to me, just as I know I mean the same to them.
Join the Conversation
I’m not a blogger, but this is my first blog post, and I’d love to hear from you. If you have experiences with autism—whether it’s with yourself, a loved one, or someone you know—please share your thoughts. The prevalence of adult autism is also rising, making this conversation more relevant than ever.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I look forward to connecting with you and learning from your experiences. Until next time, may peace dwell in your heart, mind, soul, and home, as well as with those you love and cherish.
Peace and good health be to you and your loved ones.