Students thriving in a distance learning environment.

Until March of this year, I had not truly given thought to what it means to pivot. Being part of an organization with a mission that targets changing perceptions around autism, I thought I understood the nature and value of change - and then everything changed.

Students thriving in a distance learning environment.

Until March of this year, I had not truly given thought to what it means to pivot. Being part of an organization with a mission that targets changing perceptions around autism, I thought I understood the nature and value of change - and then everything changed.

We all know that finding a balance in life can be a huge challenge! How many of us have struggled over the years to find that ever-elusive work-life balance? Struggled to find a way to balance self-care with childcare and running a home? I find that the quest for balance usually involves a bit of mindfulness, it takes intentional work to balance out our emotions.

Last night we started the evening by sharing two words that describe how we were feeling at the moment. And the answers really gave a snapshot of how we might be finding ourselves at a turning point in our collective emotional journey.

Last night we spent some time talking about emotions. All of us are experiencing these times in different ways. Some of us are completely isolated, some of us (or our family members) need to go out into the community for work. Many of us are feeling upset about the ways our daily lives have had to change. Loneliness, anxiety, sadness, despair, anger…we are feeling them, our kids are feeling them.

“Help me!” It’s something we’re hearing from so many in our community.

From our students who have shared that they feel lost and confused.

From their parents who feel overwhelmed and unprepared.

From educators and support providers who are grappling with the challenges of supporting their students with autism in a meaningful and impactful way while they’re schooling at home.