“There Has Been Another Incident…”

Ashleigh Atwood
Feb 7
2 min read

Guys.

It’s been a rough two weeks for my neurodivergent kiddo!

Buckle up for this ride!

Last week, Kennedy was assaulted by a fellow TK student.

Ripped off the seesaw by her hair and then thrown to the ground.

Kennedy didn’t react.

It was so bittersweet.

I don’t want to spend too much time on that story as that’s been addressed and dealt with.

Then yesterday, I get another call from the school’s assistant principal.

“There’s been another incident” is how the conversation started.

He went on to tell me that after school on Wednesday, one of Kennedy’s girlfriends didn’t want a little boy to be close to her.

The little boy wasn’t respecting Kennedy’s friend’s wishes, so let me tell you about my brave girl!!!

Kennedy stepped in between them and said “she doesn’t want to be next to you. Please give her space!”

Then the little 💩 responded by hitting her in the head!!!

I am so unbearably proud of my girl for standing up for her friend!

My heart just melted into a million pieces!!!

Kennedy, one day you’ll read this and I want you to remember what an amazing friend you are and how proud mommy and daddy are of the light you bring. Your autism does not prohibit you from being an amazing friend and person. We love you.

Y’all. I constantly worry I’m a crummy mom.

I worry I’m going to be the source of their trauma and the reason they go to therapy!

Then moments like the above happen.

It’s in those moments I realize I must not be doing too bad if that’s how she acts outside the home!
It’s in those moments I realize maybe we really are making a difference for the next generation!
It’s in those moments I realize the hardship we go through at home trying to show her a new way of coping is actually being digested!