Hi! I hope this is okay to ask here. If not, please educate me otherwise. I was hoping for input from folks who have or have had support needs similar to my son’s.

I’m autistic, my support needs are lower/occasionally moderate. However, my son's support needs are higher. I have never needed support in expressive communication. My son does.

He starts kindergarten this September and I’m having a lot of anxiety trying to prepare. I’m working on goals currently.

As of right now my number 1 priority is making sure he has a way to practice more autonomy. I feel like in order to meet that need, he needs more means of communication. He also clearly gets frustrated when we cannot figure out what the need he is trying to communicate to us. Which, of course, is understandable. We’ve been working on AAC for a little over a year, with some progress but not a lot. He seems to get frustrated with the program. As of lately he will close the program on his iPad entirely to communicate to us that he isn’t up for it.

So, my question really is: Does anyone have any suggestions on goals for my son. Is communication being my number 1 priority for him okay? Should I focus on something different? I'm a bit anxious about pushing communication only because I can communicate my needs. I want his well-being and what he wants/needs to take priority. (By priority, what he works on for the largest amount of allotted time at school.)

Some other goals I could prioritize are: toileting, independence with getting dressed, gross and fine motor skill development (such as use of spoon), general education - learning numbers and abcs etc., learning safety protocols (what to do if he gets lost, or his body isn’t feeling right). His school provides OT, Speech and PT so all the goals will be worked on at school. I'm not sure if any of these should take priority.

I very much appreciate any advice, and am able to take criticism. Thank you!