“Treading Water” has been my attempt at an exploration of disability as something fragmented and complex, such as a reflection in a pool. Water is “August’s” (all names have been changed within this narrative in order to protect the privacy of the family referrened) greatest grounding force, an integral and soothing part of his routine. Yet when seas become rough water has the potential to harm and displace. As well as “August’s” way of navigating the world, I wanted to highlight the mother’s experience within this narrative, as an outside force riding the waves. There exists a large communication barrier between “August” and his mother, and yet they are both attempting to bridge this divide with the resources they are allotted. Ultimately, the way to work towards functional communication is through the medical system, a nuanced topic in itself. “Treading Water” does not have a clear resolution, a point where every difficult and nebulous factor is given a too-simple solution. Rather, it is about care: from a child, from medical professionals and from two parents. It is a story about assisting those you love even when you cannot fix the more painful aspects of their life.