A few days ago, we had our first ever parent teacher meeting at the school. We were there to discuss the progress shown by my Little Miss and the challenges faced at school along with the plan for next month.

First two weeks were particularly difficult for her as she was not used to having so many kids around her. We are all adults at home always available at her beck and call so she expects to be the princess everywhere. And also, kids scream and shout and are loud which does not sit well with her because she is affected by auditory overload.

But she and her teachers persevered and slowly she got used to her classmates and other children. I am also happy to note that she is quite happy at school and looks forward to going there. Of course, the path ahead is not easy but we are working diligently and God willing, we will see positive changes.

As important as the role of parents is for a special needs child, the roles of therapists and teachers in the lives of these children is equally crucial. Their role is not just professional, it is transformational. They provide the scaffolding that allows children on the spectrum to build confidence, develop essential skills, and find their place in the world. Their work requires patience, empathy, and a deep commitment to the child’s potential. They are not just educators and clinicians, they are partners in unlocking a child’s unique brilliance.

Social skills do not come intuitively to many children on the spectrum, and professionals work to bridge that gap. Therapists often run structured social skills groups, while teachers encourage peer interaction in the classroom setting.
Equally important is emotional regulation. Many autistic children experience heightened anxiety or difficulty managing emotions. Through techniques like mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral approaches, or sensory-based interventions, therapists and teachers help children identify emotions and develop coping strategies.

With my Little Miss, I have been lucky to have met therapists who have been completely involved in her growth. They have shown tremendous patience and have worked with her at her pace and have also guided us through our journey. We have reached so far with her with the help of therapists who have not given up on her.