Moving on from my horrific night of panic the other night which was caused I think by me overthinking and underestimating Reilly’s ability to cope with change. I imagined our visit to his new school to be filled with starfishes on the tarmac, kicking school doors, biting teachers (he’s never bitten so thats ridiculous) and escape attempts. Instead it was fabulous first of all taking off his shoes and putting on a pair of angry bird wellies he found at the door, playing with train track and painting Thomas toys, actual toys not drawings. He didn’t want to leave! Queue the massive sigh of relief.
Not one to build up my hopes I prepared for a showdown this morning when I dropped him off to spend the morning on his own at Benton Dene. Not a squeak from him, he didn’t even turn around as he was led off with his new classmates. I cannot express how happy this made me feel. Where was the Reilly that wants me to carry him around on a piggy back 24/7?, don’t forget I am Hodor he is attached at most times, my neighbours will confirm lol.
I see some independence growing in my little man and I like it. Picked him up took him to his current school Beacon Hill and happy days I’m back home. No meltdowns. Result!
I have so much love for both of these schools and we are incredibly lucky to have them in North Tyneside. I’m sure they must give patience out when studying in the special needs field. I have never seen anyone stressed or outwardly under pressure with these fabulous little humans while in school. Just fills me with confidence and praise in the work that they do. We may not make it apparent but the second the kids are in school we breathe a sigh of relief that we know they are cared for and learning in superb environments and this is due to the people at grassroots level in those schools. It is some respite time to refocus and plan for the day ahead and it actually saves my sanity. I may start a petition for only 2 week summer holidays..Who’s with me? hahaha.
ps I must say I am completely shocked at how many people are reading this blog who are teachers, tutors and parents, literally every person I spoke to. Might need a disclaimer signing in the near future 😉
The Life of Reilly 
Riley is such an absolutely beautiful child! Isn’t it bittersweet when they are so comfy they don’t even notice you’ve left yet? I feel so happy but yet it’s like…Hey! Wait a minute! Independence is hard! 🙂
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Thankyou he really is 🙂 Yes I want him to hang on but also to let go a little 🙂 x
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As an SEN teaching assistant in a mainstream school with my main area of work being with our Early Years children with Autism or going through diagnosis (rather excited we will be having an Autism ARC based at our school within 2 years), your blog has, and continues to be, a great source of information for me to greater understand my work and help benefit the children and families that I work with. Even when you are just having a rant, it helps me understand the frustrations of the families, along with the amazing little quirks of these beautiful, intriguing personalities that only a child with Autism has. Thankyou and keep doing what you do.
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Thankyou so much Louise Im do happy it’s helping you. There are so many autistic children in mainstream school now I think it’s really important to express what happens 24/7. Its hard sometimes face to face with the teachers I think a lot of parents feel like failures and stay quiet. Im quite open about my nightmares lol
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