Autism in Schools: One Mom's Struggle and Hope

Every September, parents snap photos of their kids eager to start school. But for children on the autism spectrum, like my son Ben, school can be a daily challenge. Ben's journey started in preschool, where he seemed to dread going. His doctor said it was just a phase, but I knew it was more. Ben was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) after missing milestones like crawling and walking. He communicated with single words, a condition called echolalia. Yet, he surprised us by reading at two, focusing on signs and instructions. Ben's mind worked differently, and our public school system struggled to support him. Schools often lack resources for inclusive learning. Meanwhile, the NFL creates sensory-friendly spaces for fans with ASD. This inspired me. Why can't our schools do the same? We need environments where all kids, regardless of their learning needs, can thrive. Navigating the system as a parent is tough. We need to fight for our kids' rights, advocate for them, and sometimes even take legal action. It's an emotional marathon. But there's hope. When schools prioritize neurodiverse students, they can succeed alongside their peers.