Dear Parents,
Before embarking on my journey into motherhood, I want to express my sincere apologies to all the families I worked with as a prevocational teacher and job coach. I didn’t fully grasp the profound challenges you faced in raising children with autism. Although I cared deeply for my students, I now realize that my understanding of parenthood was limited at best.
I apologize for my youthful exuberance and naivety. As a twenty-something fresh out of college, I approached my job with an eagerness that may have annoyed or even amused you. Looking back, I understand that by the time you reached my office, you were likely exhausted from the relentless demands of autism. I often wonder if my enthusiasm offered you a glimmer of hope.
On many occasions, I arrived at work without the energy to give my all. External distractions, whether they stemmed from personal issues or fatigue after a late night, affected my ability to engage fully with the children who needed me. I recognize now that my role was about people, not tasks, and that there’s no place for complacency when it comes to caring for your child.
I apologize for ever dismissing my student roster and failing to see each child as an individual with unique personalities and needs. They were not mere challenges to overcome, but deserving of the respect I sought from them.
Regrettably, I’ve lost touch with some of you, and I now find myself wishing I had maintained those connections. Your wisdom would be invaluable to me today. I also realize that my casual comments about being tired were superficial; the fatigue that comes from parenting a child with autism is a completely different experience—one I had no real understanding of.
I apologize for my excitement over snow days or vacations, which you likely saw as disruptions to your carefully structured routines. And if I ever offered you a look of condescending pity, please know that I now understand you needed empathy instead. To pity would have been to suggest your child was merely a burden to be avoided.
Please know that you and your families remain in my thoughts. There are many things I wish I could have addressed differently during our time together.
I’m truly sorry.
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