Sending My Child with Autism to School: A Love Letter to the Morning

 

🌅 Sending My Child with Autism to School: A Love Letter to the Morning

The backpack is packed. The lunch is labeled. The visual schedule is taped to the fridge. And still, my heart feels like it’s holding its breath.

Sending a child with autism to school isn’t just a logistical milestone—it’s an emotional one. It’s the quiet ache of letting go, the hope that their uniqueness will be seen, and the prayer that their needs will be met with kindness.

🧠 Preparing the Path, Gently

For weeks, we’ve been rehearsing the morning routine.

• Wake up with soft light and a favorite song.

• Breakfast served in the same blue bowl.

• Shoes by the door, labeled with left and right.

Each step is a rhythm, a reassurance. Predictability isn’t just helpful—it’s sacred.

We’ve visited the school, walked the hallways, met the teacher. I’ve handed over a one-page sheet that says, “This is my child. Here’s what helps. Here’s what hurts. Here’s what makes him shine.”

💬 The Unspoken Worries

Will he be overwhelmed by the noise in the cafeteria? Will someone understand why he flaps when he’s excited? Will he find a safe space when the world feels too big?

These questions don’t have easy answers. But I send him anyway—not because I’m fearless, but because I believe in his resilience.

🌈 What I Hope They See

I hope they see the way he lines up his crayons in rainbow order. I hope they notice how he hums when he’s focused. I hope they celebrate his victories—no matter how small.

Because every child deserves to be seen not just for who they are, but for who they’re becoming.

💌 To Other Parents Walking This Path

You’re not alone. Your worries are valid. Your love is fierce. Whether your child speaks with words, gestures, or silence—sending them to school is an act of bravery.

So, pack the backpack. Tape up the schedule. And whisper to yourself: "He is ready. And so am I."