I admit that at first the virtual one-on-one sessions did not seem worth the technical glitches and the scurrying around to set up the space for learning and choreographed fun. Truthfully, I probably felt more exhausted by the skepticism running through my head which doubted the value of it for my daughter and my stamina for it with everything else going on.

Then as one session led to several, I began to look forward to the innovation and creativity that would show up on both sides of the flat screen. So, although I initially reacted to my supporting role like someone facing a personal trainer — annoyed by the expectations at the start but proud of the achievement afterward — a natural craving for growth has begun to take over the momentum of these sessions for all three of us. And as the picture shows, it’s now fun.

Parents push themselves to give their children a better life. Sarah is my fuel too. She cannot  always tell me who or what she needs, but when I see her react to her adult program coach on the screen, her happiness would be obvious to anyone.

Getting over my resistance to this virtual format has gotten us unstuck in some areas which, frankly, feels better. It takes our focus away from the people and possessions and once-in-a-lifetime experiences we have lost, and reminds us we can still move forward in ways that really matter to us and our family.

(Marilyn Lord is the Parent Liaison for ACES and the mother of four children including a son and daughter with autism. Please contact her if you would like to feel more supported during this time or have questions about making video therapy a success for your child and family by emailing her at mlord@acesaba.com. Thank you.)