In light of all that’s going on around the world right now, a message to all of the parents and caregivers out there who have autistic children (or children with other special needs)…I see you

To all of you worrying about what to do tomorrow with no school, knowing how unsettling this complete break from routine can be, with no idea of when it might change again. Who know that their child just isn’t going to understand, and that the next few weeks and months are going to be full of meltdowns – I see you

To all of you whose kids schools are open tomorrow, who are being judged by others trying to figure out why your child gets to go to school and their’s doesn’t. Who are agonising over whether to send them, scared of the possible health risks, but trying to balance it with the health risks of being at home for an extended period – I see you

To all of you desperately searching online and in the shops for the few particular foods that your child eats, or trying to find the right nappies for your teenager, and are panicking as the shelves are empty – I see you

To all of you trying to figure out how you’re going to get your child to wash their hands as often as you’re being advised to, but whose child’s sensory system makes it incredibly difficult – I see you

To all of you worrying about what happens if your child gets the Coronavirus, knowing they won’t understand, and refuse to take any medicine. Who are scared of what might happen if they have to take them to hospital, and maybe even getting forcibly separated – I see you

To all of you who are petrified of what might happen if you catch it, if you get ill, if you have to isolate or end up in hospital, or even worse, die. Desperately worrying about who will look after your children and how they would cope without you – I see you.

To all of you trying to figure out how you get through the next few months with no school, no respite, and being a carer 24/7. Worried about the impact this time might have on your your kid’s mental and physical health, and your own mental health – I see you.

Know that you’re not alone. There’s thousands of families just like yours all over the world having these exact same thoughts.

Realising that, reaching out and speaking to others living similar lives will make this scary period that little bit easier. You’re not alone.

You’re stronger than you know and we’ll get through this… I see you ❤️