When you have a child with a disability, particularly one that cannot communicate their wants, needs or struggles, you often find yourself wanting just a day filled with joy. Happy smiles, happy giggles and as few tantrums as possible. That is a good day in our house. Navigating through this past year, we have unfortunately had less of those happy days.
In just these past three days I have cancelled multiple therapies, a dentist appointment and school zoom all while attempting to give us all some grace. It’s especially hard when we just came off of a really good and productive week. Audrey didn’t seem quite herself starting this Sunday. We chalked it up to bad sleep and a busy week but as the days have gone on and her irritability up, I find myself feeling helpless. If there are no physical symptoms, we have to assume it’s a growth spurt, cognitive leap or just plain frustration.
She obviously has had lots of schedule changes recently which I’m sure is a contributing factor but it’s so hard to not be able to “fix” the problem.
Only time will tell but the truth is, we may never know why she is so fussy this week.
Audrey has the most contagious smile and her laughter is truly the best medicine. So when she isn’t happy, neither are we.
This Friday we say goodbye to her ABA clinic of the last three years for good. And next Tuesday she starts going to school four days a week. I hope this is the right thing for her and cross my fingers it helps regulate some of the behaviors and frustrations that have been slowly building.
No matter what we will continue to #kickCASK and work towards progress, not perfection.
Kicking CASK 