Emmett, my 4 year old with Autism, seems to cycle through a few different stages before returning to where he started.  When he was younger, he was afraid to do anything on his own, especially go potty.  As he got older, he moved past that and excited to do things all by himself.  As even more time has gone by, we find ourselves back where we began. Emmett will not do anything by himself. He won't go potty by himself or even be on the second floor by himself.  I'm a special needs parent and don't know anything else. Is any of this "normal"? Do you folks see this type of reversion back to older behaviors in your ASD kids? It's sometimes really hard to know what's "normal" and what's…

Today Elliott spent some time working in the yard with my Dad. Grandpa was teaching Elliott about using tools correctly and safely. They were cleaning up the yard.  Spring cleaning if you will. Elliott was using the loppers to cut up brush.  My Dad had asked him to cut them up into 6 inch pieces so they would fit in the bag.  When I arrived to pick him up, I couldn't get Elliott to leave.  He was so focused on helping Grandpa finish up that I had to practically drag him out of there. He was so proud of himself for being able to use tools and help Grandpa out.  This type of real life experience is so important, especially for kids on the Autism spectrum because these are life…

I ended up at Dr.  Patti's tonight all by myself.  Elliott was at my parents house, helping my Dad.  Lizze and Emmett were both home not feeling well. So, as I said, I ended up at Dr. Patti's by my lonesome. Truthfully, it's sometimes nice to go without the boys because, it's easy to talk about what we need to take about, without the distraction. Tonight, I spent most of the time, talking about Gavin.  Lately, I'm pretty consumed with everything going on with Gavin.  I'm worried. I'm scared. I'm frustrated. I'm angry.  Truthfully, I'm a whole lot of things. I'm worried because he's not doing well. I'm scared because I feel like we're losing him. I'm frustrated because no one can see to figure out what we need to…

I made it to the park today and was able to squeeze in almost 2.25 miles before being called home because became suddenly ill.  I was aiming for at least 3 miles but duty called.  One of the things that I really try to impress upon parents is just how important their own health and wellness is.  Forgetting to take care of yourself is so easy to do, especially when you are a special needs parent.  My goal is to encourage as many of you to take some time and focus on yourself as possible. I will continue doing my best to lead by example. This site is managed via WordPress for Android, courtesy of the @SamsungMobileUS Galaxy Note 2 by @Tmobile. Please forgive any typos as autocorrect HATES me.…

So, Emmett isn't feeling well today at all.  He's in a really, really bad mood. I can't tell exactly what's wrong because he won't tell us.  Daddy: Emmett, does your throat hurt? Emmett: No, it doesn't hurt. Mommy: Emmett, wouldn't our tell us it if does? Emmett: No! Usually when he's like this, he's got a mouthful of sores but we can't find any. He's really, really in distress and there's almost no way to comfort him. We may have to just take him into the pediatricians office.  Sometimes when he's like this, he has an ear infection or something that we wouldn't be able to detect, let alone help him with. So far, my day has been full of screaming, screaming and more screaming. While he was flailing around,…

Elliott made it off to school this morning without a single issue.  He was disappointed that there wasn't a snow day,  but he pulled himself together. :-) I expect that the next few days might be a bit trying, as we get used to a different routine.  How do your kids handle going back to school after an extended break? This site is managed via WordPress for Android, courtesy of the @SamsungMobileUS Galaxy Note 2 by @Tmobile. Please forgive any typos as autocorrect HATES me. ;-) Check out my #Autism Awareness Store to find really cool and unique #Autism Awareness Clothing and Accessories, designed by me. ;-) For more ways to help the Lost and Tired family, please visit Help the Lost and Tired Family.

I wanted to share this with all of you because I promised Emmett I would.  Emmett made this bird out of Legos.. He's super proud of himself and is actually snuggling with it in bed tonight.  :-) He's just too stinkin' cute.  :-) Emmett, Daddy loves you and it's sooooo proud of you.  :-) This site is managed via WordPress for Android, courtesy of the @SamsungMobileUS Galaxy Note 2 by @Tmobile. Please forgive any typos as autocorrect HATES me. ;-) Check out my #Autism Awareness Store to find really cool and unique #Autism Awareness Clothing and Accessories, designed by me. ;-) For more ways to help the Lost and Tired family, please visit Help the Lost and Tired Family.