It’s that time of year. Ady’s letter was sent out this week to her classmates. We have a tradition to send out “Ady’s Letter”  at the beginning of each school year. This marks a fresh start for the new school year and hopefully a year of making new friends.  The letter introduces her to classmates that have never met her before and for peers that already know her, it tells then about things she did over the summer, how she is learning and growing, and her special interests.

This all developed after a rough start with her first grade teacher at open house telling us that, “We didn’t really need to stop in her room at open house with the other parents” because “Ady wouldn’t really be in her room that much anyway” to being welcomed with open arms every year since. I’ll never forget that night. Standing in the doorway and looking in and seeing all the parents sitting at their child’s desks and feeling my heart sink. It was something you don’t really forget.

We’re at a place now where I feel that people realize her worth and accept her and take the time to build relationships with her. I’m glad we didn’t dwell on one bad experience and live in fear of her leaving our side to be at school.

Her time at school should be a place where she’s treated like everyone else. It should be a place where she’s given space to build friendships and grow and be her best self.

We’re forever grateful for her team that works with her at our home and for everyone that works with her at school. They have all played a huge part in helping her to become the strong, adventurous -sweetheart that she is today.

My biggest fear for her from when she started school was that it would be difficult to make friends. What  would happen when she didn’t answer their questions? What if she didn’t see her typical peers enough for them to get to know what was underneath the autism label?  Autism is her diagnosis from age two, but there are so many things that she enjoys that are similar to her peers.

It’s difficult to convince parents who are at the earliest stages of just trusting their child in a new environment-especially after a diagnosis, but there truly are people who will realize their worth and accept kids like Ady and take the time to build strong bonds.

If I could talk to that parent who is just sending their newly diagnosed child to school for the first time-I would tell them that certain challenges can seem monumental, but focus on the tasks and the challenges that will help them to be their best self in the present time. Don’t fixate on what the future might look like or what typical peers can do that your child isn’t able to do yet.

I would also tell them to celebrate all the little things, because little achievements really are huge in our world! They recognize joy and they hear our words. They deserve to feel good about themselves. 

Every child works at their own speed whether they’re autistic or regular education students. They will find their people-their crew. In the meantime, reach out to other parents and caregivers. Feel free to use our letter to introduce your child.

From The beginning we wanted everyone to know that she wasn’t just that kid that went to the autism support classroom every day, but that she was part of their class too and she is someone worth getting to know. 

Nowadays, I refer to her as “the mayor”. Everywhere we go someone knows Ady and says hi to her. From teachers, to classmates, to therapists to crossing guards, librarians and  bus drivers. She surely is loved!

We are grateful for her teachers that have fostered her letter and that continue to follow her progress. We know the future is bright for our Ady Girl 🌟