You haven't at all @openupmyeagereyes! I think it's one of the big unspoken barriers in autism isn't it, that it's so different between people and it can create barriers between us as parents can't it? I often feel a bit guilty like maybe I shouldn't really be here because we don't have the struggles that many people do. But then I think I really like you guys and want to know how your kids are getting on, and also I do see lots of similarities at a more fundamental level - just with things like processing, anxiety, sensory stuff, that I can see is common across all our kids but to a different extent and in different ways.
I also know that sometimes parents come across our thread and it's probably nice for them to have the whole range of experience here. But if I'm ever being annoying please do tell me - I promise not to be offended!
I agree I think non-verbal will probably be hard in private MS too. Certainly in the two schools DD has been to, although they've been very nice in being calmer and I think more flexible than many MS schools would be able to be, in terms of actual knowledge of autism I think they have both actually known a lot less than the state schools we visited. So I wouldn't expect the class teachers to be well versed in other communication methods or how to differentiate their communication to make the material accessible.
Hopefully though if your DS learns to access e.g. AAC in the future then there may be a lot more options opened for him? I think it's worth remembering that a lot of European countries don't even start formal school until Y3 do they? So a lot of our school experiences are very specific to the UK and the way we happen to do things here.
DD's only behavioural issues have been more of a "freeze" variety (e.g. getting overwhelmed and melting down/crying) - but not an "active" variety (she tends to internalise rather than externalise her overwhelm and frustration), which I think is a lot easier for schools to handle. At the end of the day if they just don't ask anything of her and give her a quiet space then things will resolve by themselves, so they don't really need any expertise - just a bit of compassion and common sense. I also probably mention those things less because (a) they are less traumatic for us (being largely internalised - though still upsetting to see DD suffering) and (b) because I'm very similar it seems not so noteworthy to me, just part of life. I think that's why I often find myself mentioning DS on here rather than DD - his NT ways are much more exotic and mysterious to me than DD is!! He has me completely wrapped around his finger as a result.
Tiling seemed to go OK but to be fair it was only 1 row of 6 tiles to create a splashback, so I think it is pretty baby steps on the tiling front. I also haven't actually been back in today yet to check they haven't fallen off the wall overnight 
. I did already buy some ready mixed grout this morning though, so I'm being optimistic....
@carriebradshawwithlessshoes in terms of doing things, I think it depends how much you want to not be isolating at Christmas specifically. I am generally being careful but on the other hand I'm going to the kids carol concert in about half an hour which seems really stupid to me but I couldn't face telling them that either (a) they couldn't go or (b) they could go but I wouldn't come. So anyway, there we go, this is how I will catch Omicron (we're in London so EVERYONE has Covid. Except us. So far).
@danni0509 I had AZ followed by Pfizer too and found far fewer side effects this time. I think there are reasons why mix and match might actually be better than having the same one 3 times, so definitely nothing to worry about :)