When you’re raising a child with special needs, it’s easy to get wrapped up in IEP goals, evaluations, and progress reports. You start measuring everything: how many letters they know, how well they hold a pencil, how often they participate in class.
But some of the biggest milestones we’ve experienced?
You won’t find them in any paperwork!
The Day He Answered a Question Out Loud
I’ll never forget the day our son raised his hand and answered a question during circle time. It was just a simple “blue” when the teacher asked about colors. But for him, it was huge.
He didn’t usually speak up in group settings. He hesitated, unsure of himself, and often stayed quiet. But that day, he found his voice. And used it.
No one wrote that moment in a report, but I’ll remember it forever!
The First Time He Asked for Help
This was another turning point.
Our son had always struggled with asking for help. He would freeze up, get frustrated, or try to hide that he didn’t understand something. One afternoon, he walked up to me with a puzzle piece and said,
“Can you help me?”
That was it, just five words. But it showed growth in confidence, communication, and trust.
These are the moments that don’t get grades. But they are the real wins.
Not All Progress Is Measurable
Sometimes, it’s:
- Making eye contact for the first time in weeks
- Transitioning from one activity to another without a meltdown
- Tolerating a new food
- Sleeping through the night
- Playing with a peer independently
- Smiling after school and saying, “I had fun”
These aren’t always written into IEP goals, but they should be celebrated just as much.
Celebrate What Matters
Progress isn’t always a straight line. And it isn’t always academic.
Sometimes it’s emotional. Sometimes it’s social. Sometimes it’s just a little more confidence than the day before.
So if your child hasn’t met every goal on paper, look for the growth happening in everyday life. Chances are, they’re growing in ways no test could ever measure.
Real-Life Progress Chart: What It Looked Like For Us
| Goal on Paper | Progress in Real Life |
| Identify basic colors | Pointed to the sky and said “blue” |
| Use two-word phrases | Said “Help me” without prompting |
| Follow two-step directions | Got shoes and put them on without reminders |
| Increase attention during tasks | Completed a puzzle from start to finish |
| Improve social interaction | Played alongside a classmate at recess |
| Recognize letters A–F | Picked out the first letter of his name proudly |
What progress have you seen in your child that no one else might notice?
Share your small (but mighty) wins in the comments below, I’d love to celebrate with you!
