Every month, like clockwork, I receive a notification from my child’s school indicating that they have conducted their monthly lockdown drill. The message reassures me that it was just a drill and there is no cause for alarm. Yet, I find myself deeply concerned. This recurring event serves as a stark reminder of how my son’s autism shapes his entire life. I am filled with anxiety because I fear he won’t be safe during these drills, and it’s entirely due to his own actions.
Leo’s Unique Reaction to Lockdown Drills
You often hear stories of teachers quietly guiding their students into closets or restrooms, urging them to sit in silence. But my son, whom I’ll call Leo, reacts differently. During these drills, he tends to talk—loudly announcing to everyone that there is a surprise. His combination of innocence and autism leads him to believe they are playing a game of hide-and-seek or preparing for a fun surprise party. He whispers to those around him to “Be quiet!” but fails to understand that he himself must remain silent to ensure his safety and that of his classmates.
The Pain of Reality
I despise that this is a part of his schooling. It pains me to think that autism, along with his communication challenges, may pose a safety risk—not just for him, but for those around him. If Leo makes noise, he could endanger everyone in the hiding spot with him. It’s a reality that weighs heavily on my heart.
Confronting the Challenges
When Leo’s teacher first brought this to my attention, it broke my heart. She didn’t seem overly concerned, and it appears he’s not the only one in his class who struggles with this concept. Leo simply doesn’t grasp the gravity of the situation or understand that this drill is meant for his protection. I was told they would work on this skill, but part of me feels a deep anger that this is even a reality he has to face. As if we didn’t have enough challenges, now I must worry about whether he could inadvertently reveal their location to someone with harmful intentions. I always thought teaching life skills was about fostering independence, but now it seems to include the grim task of learning how to survive.
A Constant Reminder
I sincerely hope I never have to confront the reality of such a situation, but the monthly text serves as a constant reminder of these fears. There are no easy solutions, no clear answers—just another layer of complexity that comes with autism, one that often goes unconsidered until it’s thrust into focus. For more insights on related topics, you can check out this other blog post.
Conclusion
In summary, the anxiety surrounding school lockdown drills for my son, Leo, highlights the unique challenges faced by children with autism. His innocent misunderstanding of these drills poses a real safety concern, adding another layer of complexity to our lives. It’s a reality I never wanted to face, and it underscores the urgent need for awareness and support.