One of the most remarkable moments of my life unfolded today in a school restroom.
As a mother of a child with sensory issues and autism, I never anticipated the challenges this journey would bring. For nearly five years, I have been acutely aware of the chaotic environment that public restrooms often present. The sounds of flushing toilets and hand dryers can be overwhelming for my son, making them sources of anxiety and fear since he was a baby. As a result, I’ve often held back from using restrooms when we’re out together, opting to wait until we find a more manageable situation. Potty training was particularly intense, requiring endless reassurance that he would be okay if a hand dryer activated while he was using the toilet.
Today, I took my son, Leo, on a tour of his new elementary school, hand in hand, exploring the spaces where he would spend significant time. We visited the cafeteria and then approached the boys’ restroom. I asked Leo if he wanted to test the toilet flush and attempt washing his hands independently.
After washing up, he grabbed a paper towel to dry his hands and paused, staring at the hand dryer. Encouragingly, I suggested he could give it a try, even though I was certain he would shy away from it. To my astonishment, he slid his hand underneath the dryer. I braced myself for a potential meltdown, expecting a wave of anxiety to wash over him.
But there was nothing. Instead, Leo was captivated by the blue light illuminating his hand, and he giggled at the sensation of the air moving across his palms. Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched him transform a source of dread into a moment of joy. It may seem trivial—a mere hand dryer—but for us, it marked a significant triumph.
Witnessing Leo’s courage to face his fears and embrace new experiences feels monumental. Each small victory in this journey feels akin to winning an Olympic medal. Today, he used a hand dryer, and in that moment, I felt a surge of pride as a mother.
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In summary, today was a pivotal moment for my son and me, showcasing his growth and resilience in the face of challenges.