When I was growing up, I always loved to visit my Grandparents. One of the things that sticks in my mind about my Mom's parents was this bingo set. My Grandma would always let us play with these magnetic wands and these plastic bingo chips with a metal ring around them. We never played bingo, we just loved spreading the chips out and picking them up with the magnetic wand.  I don't know why I remember that so fondly but I do.  When I would visit my Dad's parents, I remember always going down into the basement and getting out this game that was very similar to shuffle board.  Basically, you slid these little puck/marble things down this track.  Whoever got closest to the line with out going over wins. …

We had Gavin home for a little bit this afternoon.  After picking him up from school, I asked him how his classday was. Apparently, that was a big mistake. I honestly don't even know why I put myself through that.  Gavin never answers my questions and when he does, he dances around the truth because he doesn't want us to know. Today was one of those days. Apparently, he had gotten frustrated in Math class.  I asked him what happened.  He couldn't remember. Lizze and I patiently listed off what we thought could have happened and Gavin just said no. Lizze called the school to speak with Gavin's teachers.  We figured that would be the best way to know what actually happened.   Our concern was that maybe he needed…

Something that I have been wanting to do for awhile but haven't had the time, was to compile a list of recommended apps. The use of mobile devices such as android smartphones or tablets and iPads or iPhones, have become an amazing tool for use with children on the #Autism spectrum. What I would like to do is encourage you to share your favorite apps for either android or iOS.  In the comments below, please give the name of the app you're recommending, along with the platform (android or iOS) and if possible, a direct link to the app on the Google Play Store.  I don't know how that works for apple but you can browse the Google Play store from your computer and actually install apps OTA. I will…

Lizze is having a really hard time sleeping tonight.  In the morning we will be making our way to her Grandfather's memorial service. Unfortunately, I never really got to know him but he was deeply important to Lizze. This is going to be very difficult for her, as well as the rest of her family. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers today.  I know they would really appreciate it.

The boys got to visit with Gavin for about 30 minutes today, while waiting for him to be picked up. I hate using the word visitation, but that's what it reminds me of.  Gavin only returns home when there is no other option.  These visits are as brief as possible, completely controlled and tightly monitored. We have to watch everything that Gavin says and does because we have been caught off guard too many times before.  This particular visit was largely uneventful and very brief.  The boys seemed to have coped well and did pretty well the rest of the night.  I wish things didn't have to be this way but it is what it is.  :-(

Lizze and I have experienced something today that most people will never experience in the course of parenthood.  Let me back up and give you some background.  As you may or may not know, our almost 13 year old Gavin, has been diagnosed with something called Reactive Attachment Disorder.  Without going into huge details about that, I'll just sum it up for you the best way I can. Keep in mind that this may be different for every person. However, in Gavin's particular case, he's not capable of making attachments to people, at least in a healthy way.  For Gavin, there's always an angle and it's always about him. He's a child without a conscience, literally incapable of feeling remorse for his actions. The doctors tell us that he is…