By James and Noemi Butler, Parents of Joshua, FCSN South Bay Work, Integrate, Learn, Live (W.I.L.L.) Client

When the lockdown began in March 2020, we were concerned Joshua would lose touch with the other clients and staff at FCSN, but our worries were put to rest immediately when zoom sessions got up and running.  Joshua was busy learning, exercising, and interacting with his friends. We watched him focus  on the screen, respond to his teachers, laugh, and enjoy the classes. We parents had fun too, assisting with projects including science, art, cooking, and more.  (We have stolen several good cooking recipes. Thanks, Casie and Tania!)

Throughout lockdown, Joshua would often ask when he could go back to the South Bay Center. Even after the July return date was announced, he continued to ask almost every day. On the morning of the Big Day, he woke us up at 6:00. He was already fully dressed and eager to go. (This is highly unusual for him—on a typical pre-COVID day, it would take some prodding to get him out of bed and dressed.) He was more excited to return to in-person than we anticipated.

It has now been a couple of months since the two-day in-person classes began. Joshua has enjoyed regularly seeing his friends and teachers.

Joshua’s personality is generally stable and consistent. Even during the lockdown. However, since the in-person sessions have resumed, he has been more upbeat and has had more energy.

Nearly every day, Joshua asks when he will be able to return to the Center for five days a week instead of just two. Though we have to give him the same answers: “We’ll see” and “Be patient”, we are all looking forward to the day we can get back to normal.