The Light at the End of the Tunnel

I’m beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

This past week we got the welcome news that our youngest will be going back to school four half days a week, and our eldest will be returning to full days, eventually four days per week. I am especially thrilled for our firstborn, as it is so apparent that he is bored out of his mind in our home, and is always happiest on in-person school days.

To be perfectly honest, I am always happiest on in-person school days.

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I know there’s a risk of sending them back more, and I would feel more confident knowing they were vaccinated, but it will be a while until my kids are eligible for that, hopefully before the start of the next school year. My husband and I have had to weigh the benefits versus the risks, and as both of the kids’ schools have taken excellent precautions, we feel it’s worth it to give them some sense of normalcy.

We could all use a sense of normalcy.

As we embark on this next phase of their schooling I just hope they stay safe. It’s so difficult to strike the balance between caution and social interaction. I know both boys have suffered from the lack of the latter this past year (can’t believe it’s been an entire year already!). I know their parents have suffered too. As the good weather returns hopefully we’ll all have the chance for a little more “normal”- I know just getting them to the beach and to our pool last summer helped immeasurably.

Trust me, I am so envious of my Florida friends it’s painful.

We’ve been really lucky this past year with Justin, our severely autistic teenager. He really adapted quickly with very few meltdowns over his restricted life- I was so impressed how he took to wearing masks so quickly and easily. I also know that many other families in our position have not been so lucky. I have friends whose children have been very unhappy with their changed circumstances and have let their families know in no uncertain terms. I can explain to Justin why he can’t go anywhere, but I have no idea how much he understands of what I tell him, and honestly, even if he did understand I don’t think it would affect his behavior all that much. Some autistic kids and adults have really struggled this past year, and I truly feel for all families who have been in this situation.

We’ve all been there at one point or another.

For all the families out there still struggling, hang in there, I believe some respite is around the corner. You’ve all done an amazing job in difficult circumstances for a year, and hopefully some of the stress is going to alleviate itself soon. Try to take care of yourselves as best you can, and ask for help whenever possible.

And remember to look for that light.

For more on my family visit my blog at autismmommytherapist.wordpress.com

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