This year has presented challenges for families worldwide, including mine. We’ve faced a range of difficulties, from health issues, including my five-year-old son who is on the autism spectrum contracting COVID, to disruptions in education and uncertainties in employment. Like many, we have felt the weight of these trying times. Yet, as we approach the end of 2020, I find comfort in the silver linings that have emerged, particularly for my son.
Adapting to Online Learning
Before the pandemic, my son was enrolled in a PreK class tailored for children with special needs. However, when schools shifted to online learning in the spring, it became clear that this format was not suitable for him. In the fall, he began Kindergarten at a charter school specifically for autism, but once again, the experience was less than ideal as we started with distance learning.
In our county, school attendance isn’t mandatory until age six, so we opted to give him an additional year. He continued his regular visits to a behavior therapy center that he had been attending since he was three, providing him with some stability during these chaotic times. Unfortunately, the virus made its way through the center, and my son contracted it, passing it on to other family members. Thankfully, we all experienced mild symptoms and recovered swiftly.
Progress Through Therapy
After my son’s COVID symptoms cleared and the quarantine was over, he resumed his therapy sessions. He has been working with the same therapist throughout the pandemic, and while we initially aimed for him to start Kindergarten this year, the progress he has made during this extra year of therapy is remarkable.
During this bonus year, he has developed essential skills that will help him succeed in Kindergarten when he eventually goes. Skills such as playing with friends, waiting his turn, sharing, working independently, and listening to instructions have all been invaluable. While most children pick up these skills naturally, for kids on the autism spectrum, like my son, they require time and dedicated effort to learn. Had he started Kindergarten this year, he wouldn’t have been as well-prepared.
Looking Ahead
As our family continues to take precautions and limit contact with others while we wait for vaccines, I hold onto every silver lining. I remind myself that this unusual phase is temporary, and we will eventually return to a more familiar routine. Schools will resume in-person classes, celebrations will once again include friends and family, and life will resume its joyful chaos. It may feel like we are in a long tunnel, but I can finally see a glimmer of light ahead.
Finding Positives in Difficult Situations
In every challenging situation, there may be a silver lining. Finding these positives often requires a shift in perspective. For more insights, check out one of our other blog posts. If you’re looking for an authority on home insemination, visit Make a Mom for comprehensive resources. Additionally, the UCSF Center offers excellent support for pregnancy and home insemination.
Search Queries:
- Benefits of delaying kindergarten for children with autism
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- How to support a child with autism during school closures
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- Coping strategies for families during the pandemic
In summary, while my son missed out on Kindergarten this year, the additional time spent in therapy has equipped him with essential skills for future success. Our family has faced numerous challenges, but we remain hopeful as we look toward a brighter future.
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