With only 2 terms of school to go until the year is over I have found myself thinking a lot about next year because 2026 brings a new chapter for each of the boys that is already making me nervous.
Leni starts high school and Jack becomes a senior.
Leni starts high school. HIGH SCHOOL! Like, wow, where did all the in between years go? I feel like only yesterday we were chasing a diagnosis and coming up with accomodation plans for primary school.
High school is a different ball game and I find myself over thinking the possible challenges that Leni might face next year and the years that follow.
What can we do to keep him safe and supported? How can we be sure he doesn’t get lost in the system and have all our hard work come undone.
Will he be ok going from one class to another? Will the teachers take the time to build relationships and encourage his neurodivergence? Somehow I don’t think so and that’s not me being negative it’s just me being real.
How can we build his confidence and give him the tools he needs before the end of this year and the start of next? I wish there was some sort of orientation period so the adjustment was gradual and he could slowly get use to high school without feeling like we have just thrown him into a baptism of fire.
I’m sure there are parents of neurotypical pre teens who feel the same. Do we all look at our babies and think oh my god you’re going to get eaten alive in that place?
Its so overwhelming and yet it has to happen because God knows I couldn’t home school even if I tried. I barely have the patience for our pre medicated mornings.
Two whole school terms to go which is 94 school days, but who’s counting right. It’s seems like enough time to get my head around it and to help get him prepared. Only yesterday I was packing his lunchbox for the first day of kindergarten, and now we’re talking uniforms, lockers, and timetables.
The days may feel long, but the years truly are short. I know the next chapter will bring new challenges, new joys, and a whole new level of growth—for both of us. So I’ll hold onto these moments a little tighter, knowing that change is just around the corner. High school, here we come… ready or not.
Staying Focused 
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