To the Classmates

School is back this week. New shoes have been bought, pencils have been sharpened, and lunch boxes have been packed. And–while it’s always difficult to send our autistic son back to school–each year it gets a little bit easier. A huge reason why is the people at his school who work hard to make it a safe and welcoming place for him.

Last year I thanked my son’s Teacher’s Aides. Today, I want to thank his classmates.

To the Kindergarten classmate who came running with a weighted teddy bear when my son was crying at drop-off time–thank you.

To the First-Grade bestie who held his hand the entire time they were on stage singing a song–thank you.

To the kids at recess who always say yes when he wants to play tag–thank you.

To the Third-Grade boy who gave my son his first-ever birthday party invitation (that wasn’t just a family party with family friends) AND to every classmate that stopped, said hello, and high-fived him at that party–thank you.

To the school friends who welcomed him so warmly and enthusiastically at his second-ever birthday party, that I felt confident and comfortable enough to leave him there solo–thank you.

To the classmate paired with him for an oral report, who carried the talking part while my son comically acted out the animal you were presenting on–thank you.

To the girl who really saw him last year during a particularly rough patch of Fourth Grade. The girl who gently approached to invite him to play with you when you saw his anxiety attack at drop-off–thank you.

To the entire classroom that watched my son on video call during his special-education track & field meet. The ones who cheered so loudly that he (and everyone!) could hear you chanting his name during each event–thank you.

Thank you classmates at my son’s school for accepting him as one of your own, and for learning how to accommodate and help him along the way. Sometimes when I start to worry about the future, I stop and remember: you are the future. And, just maybe, everything will be ok.

P.S. If you would like some books for your classroom on how to include autistic students, check out this post of recommendations.

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