It’s the start of the season.  The change of weather, the starting of school, and the preparation of upcoming holidays.  Holidays  are quite stressful on our homefront. This, of course,  is speaking from my own point of view since every child with autism is different.   Put a child on the spectrum in a normal environment and there is usually some sort of sensory overload.  Put a child on the spectrum in a classroom hosting a Halloween party and AHHHHHHH!!!!!  Loud noise, scary costumes, no structure and lots and lots of sugar!  What do you expect!!!!!

This year when we entered the general education class, my son backed away with his head hung low.  When I asked what was wrong he said that he didn’t know anyone and was embarrassed.  I asked if it was Jackie and he nodded.  Jackie sat at a table with her aid.  Her hands were cupped securley over her ears, with her eyes shut.  She held onto a storybook music player hoping to drown out the noise in the classroom.  She had just arrived from a parade around the school and had about all she could take.  I knew this and so did her brother.  This is usually when we walk softly and whisper hoping to not erupt the volcanoe within her.  When we managed to escape out of the classroom and back into her AI (Autistic Impaired) class, I was able to catch my breath.  Wheww!  A sucess with no meltdowns! 

The AI classroom was a whole different story.  No music, no yelling, a safe haven for Jackie to regroup.  I sat in the room observing the other children in her class.  As I observed, I compared, and I wondered at what level Jackie fell into in comparison to her classmates.  I always beat myself up wondering if I’m doing a good enough job.  I found myself questioning, “would she had done better today if I worked with her more to prepare?’.  Then a peaceful feeling fell upon me and I felt reassurement that things are ok. 

When we left the school and got into the car.  I looked back into my rearview mirror and witness two beautiful children.  I thought, “Who cares if it’s not a Norman Rockwell Halloween!”

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