Leni finally went off to camp this week just gone for 2 nights and 3 days. Seeing him board the bus made me very proud but it was also very hard to let him go knowing that he was really stepping out of his comfort zone.
The first night he was away I didn’t sleep well so I called the school for an update on how things were going in the morning. The weather was terrible where they were staying which only added to my worry so I knew I would not feel better unless I checked in.
Lenis teacher called me back and reassured me that he was fine. He told me that they had played card games until he became tired the night before and that he kept him calm by giving him his ipad first thing in the morning to keep him quiet so others could sleep. I should point out that his ipad was packed and kept safe by his teacher for times when Leni needed some alone down time but was only used in the morning.
His teacher sounded tired when we spoke but confident which made me feel much better and after that I relaxed and tried to enjoy the break. I had moments throughout the day when I thought about him and how he may have been feeling in that moment but the worst of the worry was gone.
When he came home on the third day he was quiet, but who could blame him after the sensory overload that would have been the past 48 hours. The noise, the smells and the location would have been so overwhelming for someone who struggles without his routine so a little bit of downtime was well and truly called for.
When he sat with me to talk about the experience he said he enjoyed learning about the different types of animals and plants that can be found where they were. A few of his favourite things were breakfast, dinner and playing UNO flip with his teacher and his least favourite things were not having any quiet time during the day and the scary stories that some of the boys told.
We were beyond proud of him for challenging himself and going despite all the obstacles that he was worried about and the fear of the unknown that was with him the whole way.
In the end he did it because he was brave, we were supportive and his teacher was amazing. If only every neuro diverse child could have a teacher like his, someone that believes in you enough that you believe in yourself, school would be a much better place for many.
The teachers must be exhausted and are probably either fast asleep as I write this or sitting numb, unable to move or speak on their lounge. Regardless of how they choose to spend their evening I hope they know that despite whatever hurdles they faced whilst away they still managed to make a difference to one very grateful family and child! Something we won’t ever forget.
Staying Focused 
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