We had a good day

Yeah, I’m a school advocate — something I never realized I didn’t want to be. It’s hard, because I don’t want to be that mom — the one who’s always asking for exceptions, extra breaks, or special considerations. I know there are other kids in the class who need support too, and I never want to seem like I don’t understand that but I need too -

They have no idea what often happens before we even make it out the door — the panic attacks, the tears, the harsh words, and refusals as we spend two exhausting hours just trying to get ready. There are mornings when brushing her hair or teeth simply isn’t possible, when the wrong spoon can trigger a full panic attack or when I have to help her get dressed because she just can’t do it herself that day.

Those mornings are so hard — I try to explain that it’s been a rough start, but then she walks into school smiling, cheerful, and politely saying “good morning.” No one would ever guess what it took to get there. They don’t see the struggle behind the mask-