When my son was born he came out screaming at the world. He was a handful. But, for his first few years, I thought he was simply stubborn and willful - like me. The issues really began when he started TK. From the first moment we stepped on the school campus he showed clearly that he did not want to be there. The norm became screaming fits, running out of the classroom, throwing chairs. At 5 he had his first suicide assessment, within the year he was locked in a Special Education classroom. Then COVID hit and life slid sideways. Through the next few years he had an incredible group of teachers. They brought emotional awareness, stability and the power of resilience into our lives. Today, he is thriving. He has transitioned to the general ed classroom and makes strides daily to regulate himself. In the beginning the situation felt hopeless, with time I found unbelievable strength. If you are facing similar circumstances, know you are not alone, I am here to listen and support.