First week of Prek3 last week
My son started Prek3 last week & let me tell you that my anxiety has been out the roof. My son is non verbal autistic (speech/language developmental delays). I’m afraid bc he can’t tell me if something’s wrong. He can’t tell me about his day & what he learned. He can’t tell me about his new friends he made at school. Its a lot for me everyday when I take him to school & pick him up from school. It takes a lot of me thinking about what he’s doing in school, is he learning, is he making friends ir do the kids think he’s weird, etc. I know other autism moms can relate to what I’m going thru.
If there is other autism moms on this app, please reach out to me bc I’m not ok right now & this is start of week 2 of Prek3.
Starting PreK3, especially with a child who has unique needs like non-verbal autism and developmental delays, brings a unique set of challenges and triumphs. As a parent, my heart often races with anxieties similar to what's been shared. How do we ensure our little ones are comfortable, safe, and understood when they can't always articulate their feelings? One area I've found incredibly helpful is preparing them for the school environment itself. For children with sensory sensitivities, the right clothing can make a huge difference. While the idea of 'unique school uniform designs' might sound specific, for us, it translates to finding comfortable, familiar, and non-restrictive clothes that mimic a school uniform's practicality. Think soft cotton polo shirts, like the red one my son often wears, or khaki pants that allow for easy movement during play and learning. Avoiding scratchy tags, tight waistbands, or stiff fabrics can prevent a meltdown before the day even begins. Headphones, similar to the ones my son uses in the school hallway and classroom, are also a fantastic tool for managing auditory input in a busy environment, creating a small bubble of calm. Beyond clothing, proactive communication with the school is paramount. Even if your child is non-verbal, you are their voice. Share detailed insights about their routines, preferences, triggers, and communication methods. Visual schedules, picture exchange communication systems (PECS), or even simple hand gestures can be invaluable. The classroom environment, with its alphabet rugs, whiteboards (where my son interacts with magnetic letters and numbers), and art supplies, offers so many opportunities for engagement, but knowing how your child best interacts with these can help teachers tailor their approach. Another tip is to create a 'social story' about school. This could involve reading books about starting school, showing pictures of the school hallway, classroom, and even the 'WELCOME STUDENTS' sign. Role-playing school activities at home, like sitting at a table with art supplies or interacting with a whiteboard, can make the unfamiliar feel more predictable. Finally, building a strong support network is crucial. Connecting with other autism parents who understand the journey, sharing tips on navigating developmental delays, or simply having someone to vent to when your anxiety is sky-high can be a lifeline. Remember, you're not alone in this; every small step forward is a victory. Seeing your child engage with magnetic letters or participate in activities, even if it’s from afar, is incredibly rewarding. Let's champion our kids and support each other through these precious, challenging years.
