So proud of my little guy

A little background:I'm the father of a wonderful, smart, happy, affectionate 3-year old little guy. He also happens to have ASD.Early in the fall, shortly before his third birthday (and just after he had started at his first preschool), he received his diagnosis. He has some sensory challenges, delayed speech, and definite self-regulation and control challenges - but he is incredibly gifted in other ways.Despite loving his first preschool, I believe he was a bit too much. Concerns about transitioning between activities, lack of interest in other children, and him being "disruptive" caused some concerns with his teacher, and we ultimately removed him from the school. We were heartbroken, and honestly I think he was too. He asked for weeks to go back to school, asking for his teacher by name (which, if you knew him, you would know he really does not ask for people by name).After his diagnosis, we struggled to come up with the right blend of services for him. ABA-VB, Speech, OT, School, etc. Luckily for us, we found an absolutely wonderful school in the next town over, which as it turns out is renowned for its special needs, and specifically ASD services.Now to the good stuff. My little guy has absolutely thrived. His mother and I remarked today that his progress report is like another kid, compared to his last school. His teacher remarked that he is mindful of the rules, consistently the first one to sit on the carpet for circle time, and completes every station (and cleans up!). She said how wonderfully sweet he is, and that he's mastered all the skills required for the 3-4 year old program and she'd like him moved to the 4-5 year old program. This school has clearly helped him blossom into everything we know he's capable of.After school, and another day of not napping (ugh), he had an awesome day at swim class - he got promoted to the next level. He loves it so much, and has been swimming since he was three months old. I love that he loves swimming so much, he's so comfortable in the water, and absolutely a natural. Without a doubt its another one of his special gifts.He still faces challenges, but he is absolutely the sweetest, happiest, most loving little boy you'll ever meet. He's so smart, funny, and awesome. I am just so incredibly lucky to be his dad, and I had to tell everyone.Being the parent of an ASD kid, or a kid with any special need is tough. Believe me, I know. But, hang in there, because they can and will surprise and amaze you as well.Today was a really, really good day. Thanks for reading. via /r/Parenting http://ift.tt/2nvRlHA