Every morning unfolds like a familiar routine: I drop off my son, Leo, at school. The process is seamless. You drive in from the north, circle around to the back doors, and school staff greet you with cheerful farewells. “Have an awesome day! Love you!” and off you go through the west exit. It’s all wrapped up in just a few minutes.
A Different Day
However, today was different. In front of me was a sleek German car, and a father was leaning into the backseat. It became apparent after a few moments that his child wasn’t budging. A male teacher emerged to assist, and together they coaxed the visibly resistant student out of the car and towards the school doors. This child was quite large—likely around ten years old but the size of an adult.
Midway to the entrance, the child attempted to bolt. The teacher tried to restrain him, but in the ensuing struggle, they both ended up on the ground. Another staff member quickly joined in, and together they managed to lift the child to his feet and guide him inside. It was evident that these educators were experienced; they handled the situation with calm professionalism, treating it like just another day at the office. To an outsider, it was a textbook example of managing a student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
A Glimpse into the Future
Yet, I wasn’t an onlooker. I was seated in my car, watching this unfold with my own 8-year-old son, Leo. It felt like a glimpse into our future. If that child hadn’t been in the safe confines of a supportive school environment, he might have seemed threatening to passersby. This is the fear I carry—the constant pressure that weighs on me every moment.
Leo’s development is certainly on an upswing. His eye contact, conversational abilities, and short-term memory are all improving, which is fantastic. But we’re still grappling with his emotional regulation. The reality? My sweet, joyful child, who loves to sing and dance, can also hit, kick, and scream when he feels overwhelmed. This isn’t play; it’s a real struggle.
Currently, I can lift him and take him to a quieter place when he’s in distress, but that won’t be an option for much longer. I need to connect with Leo, to find strategies or at least temporary solutions to his anxiety, and I feel like I’m racing against the clock.
A Moment of Connection
As the father returned to his car, he glanced at the line of parents waiting to drop off their children. I waved. I’m not sure if he noticed, but that wave was for my own reassurance. “It’s okay. We understand here.” I waved to let him know I wasn’t afraid of his child. Because if we find ourselves in that scenario in a year or two, I’ll really need someone to wave back at me.
Resources for Parents
For more insights on navigating challenges with parenting, check out our post on home insemination kits, or visit this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination information.
Conclusion
In summary, while every day brings its own set of challenges, the journey through parenting—especially with a child on the autism spectrum—requires understanding and community support.