"I question my own motives in writing this. Is it sordid? Is it to gain sympathy? Is it to avoid criticism or worse, to benefit from the publicity criticism brings? Lord, I hope not."
Amy Saunders and her husband Randy know better than most the struggles of having to build their child’s self-confidence when it seems like the world is against them. Their son, Austin, is in 8th grade this year, which is easily one of the most awkward times of any person’s life. In addition to navigating middle school, Austin has a laundry list of mental health struggles including everything from autism to anxiety.
Upon seeing a writing prompt that her son brought home from school, Amy took to Facebook to share the struggles that Austin faces on a daily basis—in his own words.
“Our son wrote this for his English writing prompt this year, 8th grade. Austin has Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Fine Motor Skill Delay and Anxiety Disorder. The prompt was to write 3 things that he wishes his teachers knew about him. It broke our hearts to read this, and to hear/read from him on how he struggles daily.
Photo via Amy Preslar Saunders on Facebook
Austin wrote:
‘I wish that they knew that I am autistic. I wish that my teacher knew that I need help on a lot of things like my handwriting. I wish that my teacher know that I have a depressed life sometimes. I wish my teacher knew that I am not being defiant I am overwhelmed shutting down. I wish that my teacher knew that I am very good at bottling up anger and having outbursts.’
“These are our sons feelings, struggles and everyday challenges,” Amy wrote with the post.
At the bottom of the writing prompt, Austin’s teacher wrote, “You are doing great so far! Glad you’re in my class!”
She completed the small but highly encouraging note with a huge smiley face for her student.
“We love what his teacher wrote to him and she has been great for Austin,” Amy wrote. “We hope this encourages other parents, teachers and kids to keep fighting!”
Amy’s words are encouraging, and seeing Austin articulate his feelings is absolutely inspiring. This is one strong young man. Our prayer is that his teachers and those around him can see him for the blessing that he is, and not for the struggles that he faces.
Bri is an outgoing introvert with a heart that beats for adventure. She lives to serve the Lord, experience the world, and eat macaroni and cheese in between capturing life’s greatest moments on one of her favorite cameras.
"I question my own motives in writing this. Is it sordid? Is it to gain sympathy? Is it to avoid criticism or worse, to benefit from the publicity criticism brings? Lord, I hope not."
