Hi all,
I’m just desperately after experiences and opinions please.
Our Daughter is 10, Autistic, (higher functioning) with Selective Mutism and started at a Specialist School in September. We envisaged a really challenging time for her, settling in, but she settled really well, with support from lovely staff.
Her main Teaching Assistant is pregnant and going on maternity leave any day now, although no-one knows quite when, as she was hoping to work up until the end of term, however, it looks as though she may need to go sooner, even her final day possibly being tomorrow, although not sure.
The problem is that DD has become extremely, extremely attached to her (has a history of this with various staff members at pre-school/school over the years. It is very intense and she’s starting to severely struggle emotionally. School pick up has been very hard the past few days with long, intense meltdowns. She talks about her at home a lot too.
I think we’re all in for a rocky few weeks.
Yesterday, the teaching assistant very kindly offered to come and provide respite at times for us, during her maternity leave, so she can spend some time with our Daughter. Obviously, she was so pleased and this eased her anxiety a lot, although still very upset and aggressive today. The TA is due back in September
(Although may not be with DD, in same class).
My worry is what to do! Our initial reaction to maintaining a little contact was positive and of course DD was happy. But now I’m wondering if things are becoming too intense and we are all making things worse!
Once she leaves, she has other fantastic teaching assistants who likes and a great teacher. But this TA is her absolute favourite and she is going to miss her.
Would you maintain that bond and contact with respite care? Or would you try and distance a little for a while? I don’t know what to do for the best!
Just wondering on any experiences of this or advise please?
Thank you and apologies it’s a long post!