As of today we have completed 4 weeks of distance learning. No small feat for any classroom, let alone an autism one.

How is it going?

It was starting to get better. The teachers have been open with my feedback and modified the curriculum. They let us do independent (asynchronous) work when the little man needs a break from the digital classroom.

The little guy didn’t melt down as much. He didn’t try to run away from the computer. There were times when he even smiled.

But in the past few days he seems to have shut down. He doesn’t want to answer any questions. He yawns a lot. It’s like he’s over it. I’m having a really hard time getting him to engage.

Thankfully the school principal called this week, he said we were returning to the classroom! They’re aiming for the end of October. We just need to hang in there for another few weeks.

Will my kiddo be happy to be back in school? Yes and No. Things will be a lot different. He’ll have to wear a mask all day. They will mostly stay in the same room. Each lunch in the same room. Lots of cleaning and sanitizing. Social distancing.

But on the plus side he’ll get to see his teachers and classmates. Hopefully that’ll make a big difference. Because virtual learning isn’t working all too well for him. I know the teachers have poured in countless hours to prepare and try to make this work. So I really appreciate that. We don’t pay special ed teachers what they deserve. I wish we could give them a BIG RAISE.

But for special needs kids like my son, it’s really hard. Heck, it’s hard for regular neurotypical kids too. Months of isolation can really wear on you. The anxiety starts to kick in. I see it at night when I’m trying to put him to bed. Sometimes he’ll quietly ask me when he’s going back to school. I then explain that we still have to wait because of the coronavirus and all the sick people out there. But I always assure him that one day he’s going back.

So I am looking forward to having this kiddo return to school. It’ll bring some normal back to his life.