Dear Autism Families: A Heartfelt End-of-Year Letter

As the school year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to pause, breathe, and say: You did it.

Whether this was your first year homeschooling or your tenth… whether you worked with a therapist, a tutor, or held it down all on your own… you showed up for your child in ways that only you can.

This year wasn’t always smooth. There were meltdowns. There were missed appointments, tears during math, and days when it felt like everything was too much. But there were also moments of breakthrough. Laughter during read-alouds. That first sentence written without help. Eye contact during a game. A new food tried and liked. A quiet “I love you” whispered at bedtime.

We see you — the parent who advocates fiercely, loves endlessly, and works tirelessly behind the scenes. You’re not just raising a child. You’re raising a whole world changer.

What We Learned This Year:

• That success looks different for every child — and that’s okay.

• That sensory breaks are just as important as math facts.

• That progress is sometimes measured in smiles, eye contact, or trying again after giving up.

• That rest is part of learning too.

What Our Kids Taught Us:

• To look at the world with fresh eyes.

• To slow down and celebrate the little things.

• That communication comes in many forms.

• That different is not less. It’s extraordinary.

As we head into summer, I hope you’ll find moments to play, rest, and just be. Don’t worry about next year yet. It will come. And when it does, you’ll rise to meet it — as you always do. But for now, give yourself credit. Hug your child. Reflect on the growth — theirs and yours. And celebrate, in your own way, all that you’ve overcome together. You are not alone. You are part of a powerful community of parents walking this journey, too hand in hand, heart to heart. Here’s to the memories made, the milestones met, and the mountains still ahead.

With love and admiration,– From One Autism Parent to Another