Hope for progress

We have had a good school year so far. AP's teacher is great. The first time in years that I really feel she "gets it." She sees him and not the behaviors. She appreciates the good in him and sees the potential. I hope for progress. But this morning was my reminder that I can never think we are "through this." He had his first major meltdown of the year and left the school grounds. It's happened before, at least I don't go into panic mode anymore. I just join the search party and pray like crazy that he will be found safe and soon. He always is. And each time I hope it will be the last; that it will click and he will be able to think and control the impulses. He is getting better. But I have to remember we are never in "the clear." Autism is not a stage that we will somehow outgrow. It is our life and the demands of it, the pain, and the struggle are and ever will be present. I just have to focus on the progress. Both his and mine. Even if it's minor. Otherwise it's too much.