Less than a month before Hawklad potentially starts College. A return to the Lecture Room (rather than Classroom) for the first time since March 2020. The first step to cross is the upcoming Exam Results then it’s hopefully onwards to the return in September.

But there is another huge hurdle facing Hawklad. His fears and phobias relating to health, disease and germs. The impacts are significant on his lifestyle. Inability to touch surfaces and objects. Constant, excessive hand washing. Need to disinfect furniture before he uses them. Frequent need to change clothing. So much more.

This has been part of his life since well before Covid but Covid’s arrival ramped everything up even further. He had been working on these issue for years but frustratingly for him, the fears are currently stronger than ever. Many are struggling with similar phobias, speaking with his NHS Professional, cases of this type of phobia have risen alarmingly. In addition there is growing evidence of some form of link between Autism and significantly higher risk of experiencing life inhibiting phobias. Unfortunately health and support budgets in this area have been cut by the Government. It’s not seen as a health priority currently.

The bottom line is Hawklad will try to figure out ways to survive at College. This doesn’t get any easier for him.

28 thoughts on “Fear”

  2. On line courses may be his best hope. I presume they are available there. They are becoming more and more popular in Canada.
    Best wishes to Hawklad, and to you, Gary. The two of you will not gave an easy row to hoe.

    Like

    Reply

      1. Yes, it is a balancing act. But consider this. First year online to see how he does academicslly, thus avoiding the huge first year classes — I presume your universities are like ours, overcrowded first year. Once he clears that hurdle, start in-person for 2nd year, to see how that works.
        This is just a suggestion as I see the situation. He will be invisible in a 1st year class, but 2nd year should be more personal. And he might be more ready to pick a direction to go.
        Again, I don’t know British university procedures, but I have an idea of the hurdles Hawklad faces.
        No one here really makes friends in 1st year. That starts in 2nd year.
        Good luck with things, however they happen. .

        Like

  7. yes, agree with comments above- online courses will help if you can find them. I can only imagine how tough it is to struggle through some days.Even if it doesn’t get easier, the best part of your son is you and vice versa:)

    Like

    Reply

  8. This is going to be a big change for him, Gary. It’s wonderful that you recognize that and I know you will help him navigate this transition as best as he and you can.

    Is there the option to ease Hawklad into it? For example, do a lighter course load in the first semester? Or do some of the courses online?

    Best wishes with this big and important change – and fingers crossed for the exam results. So many people are rooting you and Hawklad! 🙏🙏🙏

    Like

    Reply

  9. It’s such an ongoing battle and I feel for you both. But Hawklad has overcome so much. He’s tough and he has great support. My best wishes to you both. Always.

    Like

    Reply

  11. That is so sad. The world has so much catching up to do regarding our special children. It’s a constant battle for parents, and in some cases, grandparents, to fight to get our children even a fraction of what they need.

    Like

    Reply

  13. Oh, they grow up so fast, don’t they? What a proud moment for you (even if scary). I am very impressed by how brave you both are, not avoiding the changes, but as your blog declares “Trying to Cope”. A new set of challenges, but also great opportunities for growth and establishing connections, and I agree with you, online courses might be safer in some ways, but social interaction with peers and teachers is hard to compensate for (my daughters spent their elementary school years begging me to home school them; I never caved in, and it was worth it, they are now independent young women. Hang in there!)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment