Mum burst into tears of joy reading neurodivergent son’s glowing report card from school

A mum burst into tears of joy when she read her neurodivergent son’s glowing school report card. The emotional moment, captured on video, shows mum Alana Ford, 30, crying tears of pure joy as she reads about four-year-old Arthur’s progress. Arthur can be seen smiling gently, and comforting his mum, when she breaks down in tears. He suffers from ADHD, autism and GDD (General Developmental Delay), which leaves him with social and learning difficulties. Therefore, Arthur’s amazing report card was all the more special for mum Alana. It contained glowing complements that showed breakthroughs in Arthur’s progress, especially in social situations. Alana, who is from Brisbane, Australia, said: “I felt incredibly proud of the amazing, bright, kind-hearted person he is. “Sometimes it feels like the world is not built for him but he shows up every day and gives his best effort which is no easy task. “The report was a few pages long but explained how he has been able to improve socially: inviting others to play with him, taking turns, negotiating disagreements calmly and beginning to respect others’ boundaries.” “The report spoke about the love he has for his little sister Evelyn and the big cuddles he gives her when he sees her at daycare.” These skills do not come naturally to Arthur, which made this moment extra special. Alana has been fighting hard to make sure that Arthur flourishes in school and socially with the help of various weekly therapies. The four-year-old also attends a kindergarten and early childhood development program. These programs require him to follow routine, remain still and listen at times, and interact appropriately with his peers. Alana, who runs an online business, said: “Educators use visual schedules, a timer, weighted lap pillow and provide support to help minimise distractions and assist him to participate in group activities. “He also requires help to understand social requirements. For example, turn taking and understanding boundaries.” “We attend various therapies with Arthur and as a result we are often focusing on all the areas he requires improvement. She added: “It is easy to focus on the negative and sometimes it can be hard to recognise the progress he has made. “I also often hear of his negative behaviours, which is not at all how I see Arthur. “I spend a lot of time advocating for him and coordinating his therapies, so it is nice to see that it is all worthwhile.”