Another school year is upon us! My twins, who just turned four, are starting their third year of special education preschool. It’s a half-day program at the local public school.

They absolutely LOVE it! They get to ride the big yellow school bus, eat a snack, and even do yoga with the physical therapist.

One of my boys, J, is completely nonspeaking with an autism diagnosis. He is the sweetest, cutest kid ever. The other one, D, is currently undiagnosed, with a severe language delay. He is also the sweetest, cutest kid ever.

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I know most parents worry when they send their kids off to school. When my oldest son started kindergarten seven years ago, I mostly worried about his behavior. He is “all boy!”

I worried about what color he would get in his folder everyday… Could he adjust to sitting still for a longer period of time? How would he do making new friends?

Now that I have disabled children, my concerns have drastically changed. I no longer worry about my own children’s behavior; That isn’t even something I can reinforce at home.

I now find myself worrying about the teachers’ behavior. I know that might sound negative, but let me explain… Imagine sending your child to school with duct tape on his mouth. Seriously… take a second to imagine that.

My children can’t voice their questions. They can’t voice their worries, frustrations, or fears. And to top it off, they can’t tell me about their day when they get home. It’s scary.

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Their teachers and therapists are in complete control. I worry how they will handle their own frustrations throughout the day. It’s not that I don’t trust them, because I do.

My boys have an amazing team working with them. I just know how hard their jobs are… and I know how irritated I get on a daily basis.

Even though my boys are at different levels and have their own specific needs, my message to their teachers is the same. Here are a few things I want them to know:

 

1. I appreciate you.

In the midst of meetings, conferences, and classroom parties, there will be times when I forget to say this. But it’s true. If I could buy you a drink everyday (alcoholic or caffeinated), I would. You have one of the most important jobs in the world. Thank you!

I also know that you don’t live at school. I know that teaching is your profession, and you have a life outside of work. I realize that you get sick, your family gets sick, and life happens.

You have a demanding job. I couldn’t care less about your lesson plans being typed up and your newsletter coming home on time. So relax… I’m in your corner.

 

2. I’m counting on you.

I’m entrusting you with two of my children. Neither one of them can tell me what happened at school that day. Imagine how scary that is for me.

You’re not only their teacher, you’re their mother when I’m not around. I want you to treat them as if they were your own.

 

3. I’m not Super-Mom.

I try my best. But I’m stretched thin. During the first week of school, my boys will have on fresh clothes and shoes. They’ll have cute little snacks, and their hair will always be brushed.

But there will also be mornings when we miss the bus because their insomnia kept them (and me) awake at night. I may even forget to put a snack in their bags one morning because my other two kids wouldn’t get out of the bed. (Both of them have recently been diagnosed with Teenager.)

Please be patient with me, and don’t take it out on my boys. It’s not their fault that I can’t handle life. Remember, I’m counting on you.

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4. Their emotional health is far more important than their IEP goals.

My family has worked very hard to make sure my boys feel safe and loved in a world they often don’t understand. That sense of security can be ripped away in an instant if they’re pushed too far.

Of course I want my children to master new skills and make developmental gains. But that won’t happen if they don’t feel safe… if they no longer like school.

There will be days when they just can’t “get it together.” But remember, they’re not being bad. They’re simply frustrated. Autism doesn’t play fair. So when that happens (and it will),  CALL ME!

I may have ideas that could help get them back on track. Or I may even decide to pick them up. We are in this together; We’re a team.

 

My children are my world, and I’m doing everything I can to help them progress. Sending them to school is a huge part of those efforts.

As a parent, I’m counting on you to protect, encourage, and guide them. I’m looking forward to the year just as much as you are. So, thanks in advance! ❤

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Not an Autism Mom
Not an Autism Mom

I am a daughter, sister, wife, friend, and MOM. I write about parenting, autism, prematurity, and whatever else comes through these fingertips. Enjoy!

    24 replies to "Four Things I Want My Sons’ Special Education Teacher to Know"

    • Brooke

      This is excellent! I remember worrying about sending Eli to daycare before he could talk. It’s a very scary feeling, not actually knowing what happens to your child while they’re away from you. And I’m certain that it’s even scarier when your children have special needs. You are doing a fantastic job! I hope all of the boys have a wonderful school year. And I hope all their teachers realize how awesome you are.

    • asimpleview2017

      Love this! Thanks for sharing and enlightening us to this world. You are definitely an inspiration!! And your boys are cool looking fellas too👍🏾✌🏾!!!

    • thekeystonegirlblogs

      I can fully understand your concerns, as I have an autistic son, and two autistic / ADHD grand-daughters. Mainstream schools are difficult to deal with on the subject of the attention and allowances that need to be made for autistic children – specialist schools aren’t much better! Where females are concerned, until very recently, it was not accepted that a girl could be autistic. The expenditure of much time and millions of dollars, has finally confirmed that self-harm and anorexia in girls are firmly related to autism. My blog is based around a silent movie star, Mabel Normand, who almost certainly was autistic and had ADHD. I hope to do a blog that goes into the matter more deeply, at the risk of antagonizing the millions of ‘Madcap’ Mabel (as she’s known) fans that wish to protect her memory at all costs. Good luck with school and everything!

    • Kisha

      Wow! I’m moved Meghan. I love reading your stories. What an awesome way to I,spire others in similar situations. I admire your strength and I’m so proud of you. Keep at it my friend and we MUST get together soon, it has been far too long. ❤

      • Anonymous

        Meghan, I continue to be soooo proud of you! LUV

    • Sosi's Mom

      Having open communication with your childrens’ teacher is so important. Your confidence in a great upcoming year is awesome!

    • Mickey M

      Y’know, some people, like the teachers you describe, get into their profession because they realize that deep inside, they have a knack for it. It’s something that can’t be taught, it’s innate. I sure hope your teachers are like that.

      Aside from that, the nonverbal thing. Are you anticipating the day one of your boys speaks? Or, have you been a little reserved in case that doesn’t happen?

    • Ann Carbine Best

      What a heartfelt essay. Though I’m a grandmother, almost a great grandmother, I remember the difficulties my oldest daughter had with a son who was mildly autistic. Not easy whatever the case, for both parents and teachers. You have shared a very lucid view of both sides. And with those lovely pictures, I feel as if I know you. Thanks for sharing.

    • 35lilyB

      You spoke for all the mothers out their, i remember having those same emotions when my son started school for the first time, hell i’m having them all now as he’s about to start high school. keep the faith all will be well.

    • ShadieGroveTutoring

      Wow- what a wonderful post to read! As a private tutor and someone who is beginning the journey to a Master’s Degree in Education and a teaching credential, this was a really enlightening piece of writing. Your heartfelt sincerity comes across and it makes me want to be the best teacher I can be to whatever student or child I may come across. Thank you for sharing:)

      • Not an Autism Mom

        Thank you for reading. Good luck to you on your new journey. ❤

    • learningsupportlog

      This was so inspired. As a learning support aide I so appreciate this perspective. Your boys are certainly lucky to have such a tuned in mother. Really well done. 😊

      • Not an Autism Mom

        Thank you for your comment. I look forward to reading your blog as well! You are a great writer. ❤

        • learningsupportlog

          Thanks lovely. Keep up the great work. The world needs more parents like you.

      • Not an Autism Mom

        Don’t forget to write you excerpt! It still says, This is your excerpt for your first blog post! 😉

        • learningsupportlog

          Oh dear, thanks for the feedback haha can you tell I’m new to this?

    • Heather

      I just read your story! What a wonderful way of looking at a Parent’s point of view! I am a Special Education Teacher of severely disabled-non-verbal 2nd, 3rd and 5th grade students. My students are medically fragile and in my classroom we provide every basic need of our students. This includes medical needs and have a full-time nurse in the room. My background is important because this article is validation that as a parent you are so understanding of the demands of us teachers! I think that too many parents don’t understand the amount of paperwork and responsibilities we have on top of the curriculum and academic requirements that we are expected to do on a daily basis, so thank you for that.

      But, I get told all the time “You must be a patient person..or I could never do what you do” As a teacher talking to a Mom, you should know that us teachers do what we do because we absolutely love our kids in our room and love our job! We are so compationate! We know every child is an individual, and the best part of special education is that we get rewarded daily on not the grade on a test, but to see growth from our students daily! We have a different focus then a regular educator because we are working mainly to create as much independence for our students as we can! I work daily on AC devices and striving to have each student develop their own voice..when it happens, it is the most wonderful sight to see! It is our job to learn each students likes, dislikes, triggers, routines, sensory needs, language needs, skills, physical needs..etc. It is our job to be proud of growth and also push the students to suceed in every goal that is given to them!

      But most of all it is extremely important to have that family relationship with parents and keep communication open! I let all my parents text me, i’ve already had 4 out of 6 of my students in the hospital in the past 3 months. So making that partnership is critical!

      • Not an Autism Mom

        Thank you for your comment! I agree that most teachers are dedicated, loving, and understanding.

        Before my twins were born, I was an elementary school teacher. That’s the reason I know how demanding your job is. Your kids are lucky to have a teacher like you. ❤

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    • vincenza63

      i’m going to translate your post into italian and link it to my blog.
      Sorry for my delay
      <3
      Vicky

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