Today marked a significant milestone in our journey—a day that filled my heart with immense pride and relief. For the first time since starting school, my little boy climbed onto his bus without shedding a single tear. For any parent, this might seem like a small victory, but for us, it is monumental. My son lives with autism, often referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and such transitions that seem trivial for others are monumental challenges for him.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a range of conditions that affect social interaction, communication, and behavior. It is a spectrum, meaning that it affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Some people with autism can independently manage their daily lives, while others may require significant assistance. The causes of autism, often complex, involve genetics and environmental factors, with many cases remaining unexplained by current scientific understanding
Baby steps
Every day is an unpredictable dance—full of steps forward and steps back. But today, we danced a step forward, one that echoes with hope and possibilities. It reminds us that with patience, understanding, and love, small breakthroughs can manifest into a brighter future for our children with ASD. Today there were no tears; he even said, “Bye-bye, Mommy,” as I was walking off the bus.
He’s been taking the school bus for about two weeks now, and because he fights hard with being put in his seat and strapped in, I’ve been allowed to put him on the bus myself and strap him in. I don’t have to fight with him like they do, but once I walk away, he starts screaming. Yesterday, he asked for his tablet, and the bus driver heard him and told me it’s okay for him to have his tablet. I came up with a plan for her to get it from him when he is getting off the bus and give it back to him when he gets back on.
Not all Superheros wear a cape
The patience and compassion exhibited by the bus driver and bus aide have been nothing short of remarkable. It is one thing to perform one’s role with excellence, but quite another to infuse it with genuine empathy and care. The way they look for solutions and willingly innovate to assist my child speaks volumes. It underscores how actions, often unseen by many, can have a significant impact on our lives. The reassurance that comes with knowing your child is in caring hands can ease the sting of those morning goodbyes.
For more information about autism click the link https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html
Or check out our resources page https://safespace4moms.com/resources/
