A big-hearted couple who adopted five siblings got a shock when tests revealed that one of their kids was autistic, and then realised as they learned about the condition that they were too.
The discovery has become a central part of their story, which they now share online to encourage adoption and promote autism awareness.
Jeniffer Aparecida Amaral Souza de Oliveira, an educator, and Julio Cesar Soares de Oliveira, a financial consultant, live in Telemaco Borba, in the state of Parana, Brazil.
Their journey began after 17 years of trying unsuccessfully to conceive. The pair then registered to adopt, initially hoping for two children aged around seven or younger.
After spending nearly two years on the waiting list, they received a call in February 2023.
Despite being 11th on the list, they were contacted because no other families had agreed to take a group of five siblings.
But Jeniffer and Julio felt it was fate.
Julio said: “There are children who are considered 'unadoptable' - those with disabilities, older children, teenagers, and, of course, sibling groups.
"They waited at the shelter, and they waited for us. We're sure of it. They prayed for their parents, and they prayed not to be separated.”
Jeniffer added: "I almost died of emotion from crying so much. I knew it was God answering. I knew they were our children."
The couple bonded with the children immediately and refused to allow them to be split up.
The adoption was finalised soon after, and their family grew overnight from two to seven.
The children, now aged between three and 14, all took on the Souza de Oliveira surname.
Then came the second life-changing moment. When one of the children began showing developmental issues, doctors ran a series of tests and diagnosed the child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The behaviour patterns highlighted in the diagnosis were strikingly familiar to both parents, who recognised many of the same traits in themselves.
They decided to undergo testing and discovered they were both on the autism spectrum.
The diagnosis did not affect their eligibility to adopt in Brazil, where each case is judged on its individual merits.
Given their professions -Jeniffer as an educator and Julio as a financial consultant - it is likely they would have been approved regardless.
But they say the experience has transformed their understanding of themselves and their children.
Their online platform now centres around neurodiversity and family life, helping to raise awareness of autism and challenging stigma, while also encouraging more families to consider adopting siblings.
Jeniffer said: “From the moment I chose adoption, I saw it as no different from giving birth. It was real motherhood, real fatherhood, and a real family.
"There are so many children in shelters waiting to find their family. I can’t imagine us without them now.”
Julio added: “The challenge was greater than we imagined, and so was the dream.”
The couple adapted quickly, extending their home and buying a seven-seater car.
Their story has since gone viral in Brazil, putting a spotlight on children often overlooked in the system, especially those in sibling groups, and on the unseen diversity within families like their own.
(MJ Leidig/newsX)