Sometimes it's really hard to find the strength to pick up and continue moving forward. There are days when the idea of continuing to keep moving ahead, is so completely overwhelming.
Poor Emmett has now gone almost two days without being able to tolerate a shirt. This is a newer thing for us, because we're used to the big issue being shoes, socks, and pants. Shirts have never really been a significant issues in regards to school.
Unfortunately, the last two days have presented us with an obstacle that we were unable to overcome.
Missing school is not something we take lightly, but neither are Emmett's Autism related struggles. We have to balance compassion and societal demands.
We all know that kids have a long sorted history of wanting to get out of going to school. In Emmett's case however, this couldn't be farther from the truth. He desperately wants to be there, and sometimes he can work through these sensory obstacles, but other times he can't.
Today was a really fun day at school. Emmett looks forward to these days all month long and was so excited to get up this morning. I think he had planned in being able to better tolerate his clothes, but he quickly learned that wasn't the case.
We once again tried for almost ninety minutes, and got nowhere.
He tried so hard and willingly put on every shirt we gave him to try on. Unfortunately, all of them have seams in the shoulders and that's what is bothering him.
The longer this went on, the more distress he was experiencing.
We spoke with the school again this morning and explained what was happening. They understood and again told us that he can wear anything he wants.
His school work was sent home and will be completed over the weekend.
We were supposed to go to my aunt and uncle house tonight to celebrate my cousins graduation. Emmett was still unable to wear a shirt and so we were unable to attend. They wouldn't have cared in the slightest, if he didn't wear a shirt. The problem is that Emmett will not set foot outside of the house, without a shirt on. He's embarrassed, especially because of the reason he can't wear one.
Another day, another problem that has seemingly defeated us again. We were successful in the sense that everyone tried their best, but our best just wasn't good enough.
I don't know how many have experienced a similar issue, but I'm feeling completely demoralized. I'm exhausted and so ready for Summer break. We have two weeks to go and we'll be done until the fall.
Throughout the summer, we will continue working with him on these struggles, but it will be far less stressful because there isn't as much at stake.
I wish I could say this was a *phase, *but as an Autism parent, I don't get to say that very often.
