Today is field trip day at the zoo. Normally these days are so much fun, at least for my daughter they were. When we found out about the field trip, my husband and I looked at each other. The worry in our eyes was very noticeable. Our monkey is so unpredictable. We never know how he will react.

They have to leave in a big bus, with the other kids that are not in Sped. We see a lot of potentia issues with these details. First, routine. He may not understand what’s going and why his scheduled routine has changed.

He loves the bus. But he loves the bus driver. This time, the driver will be different. They will be driving thru a different route. And there will be way more kids than he’s used to, way more noise too.

He has to wait his turn. This kid struggles so much with waiting his turn. He will need to wait to get on the bus, to get off the bus, to get his lunch, etc.

They sent parents rules. Our kids are only to use the bus, they are not allowed to get in parents’ vehicles to come back. And they are to eat the lunch provided by the school. No exceptions. Since there are many kids that cannot afford to buy lunch at the zoo, they want everyone to be equal.

Our first thought was for him not to go to school that day. We were going to send him to my parent’s house. But when we emailed the teacher, her reply was, “If we don’t try, then we will never know.” And I’m so grateful for that response. They want to give it a shot, knowing how bad he can get. ❤️

Also our teacher requested and received special permission from the principal for my monkey. He will be allowed to eat his own lunch and he is allowed to come back with us if it gets bad.

My husband, my daughter, and I took the day off. We are currently waiting in the car in front of the school, ready for whatever awaits.

Typical families would prepare by sending a hat with their kids and putting sun block. I was talking to one of the parents about the trip and her reponse was, “I hope they get to feed the giraffes.” That wasn’t our first response. We are preparing for the worst, and hoping for the best. And that’s autism for you.

But my monkey has an amazing team that includes his teacher, his paraprofessionals, and his family. Crossing our fingers and hopping for a good outcome. 🤞🙏