I've been a special needs parent for over a decade now.  One of the things I have learned along the way is that I don't everything.  In fact, I know just enough to know that I still have a lot to learn. Having said that,  I think one of the most valuable lessons that I have learned along the way has been a real eye opener for me. I learned very early on, that I should never, never take anything for granted. Things can change in the blink of an eye and you can find yourself desperately missing what you didn't know you had.  That's one of the reasons I reach out beyond just the special needs community.  I feel that even the "typical"  families can learn from our experiences. …

We will be taking Elliott to see his pediatrician in the morning. We will be meeting about what medication to try with Elliott.  In case your new to my blog or simply forgot, Emmett is experiencing extreme levels of anxiety. Essentially, he's a 6 year old little boy with aspergers,  living in a situation that is simply too stressful. He doesn't have the coping skills to deal with everything he's being asked to.  Heck, I'm 34 and don't have the coping skills to deal with everything.  Anyway,  the plan of attack was originally to treat the signs and symptoms of ADHD.  The reason for that is that the medication is very fast acting and we'll know right away if it's going to work.  Having said that,  the problem is that…

I promised that I would keep you all updated as to the progress of Operation Hope.  I received a phone call from the Cleveland Clinic this morning.  It was Gavin's psychiatrist and he was returning my call about the letter we needed.  He said that he would have expected the letter done by tomorrow and mailed sonwe receive it this week. This is a really big step forward because the Cleveland Clinic carries a great deal of weight and they are backing us up on the residential treatment plan.  There really is really no other option. I also got my email drafted and sent off to Dr.  Reynolds, Gavin's primary psychiatrist.  He will be drafting a letter as well.  As I said,  this is progress and a big step forward…

My goal with this post to help the average person to gain insight into the inner workings of a special needs family in crisis. Please know that all of my readers have been amazing. This is more of a guideline post for our physical support group, ie family. When you are special needs parent life can be extremely difficult. Life is also full of really difficult decisions as well.   We are facing one of those decisions right now with our oldest son,  Gavin. Gavin has what is known as reactive attachment disorder. This is a rare and very serious mental health disorder where a child hasn't made the neurological connections necessary for making emotional connections. This RAD causes Gavin to do very harmful things to his family and feel no…

I wanted to update your all on the progress of Operation Hope. As of today, we are waiting on records to be transferred and a few phone calls to be returned.  I have a call into the Cleveland Clinic, requesting their recommendations for Gavin to be put in writing.  They said they would be happy to do that of the need presented itself. Dr.  Patti is working on her letter and so is Dr.  Reynolds. Our wraparound coordinator is working on paperwork we have to have completed prior to meeting with the board about funding.  This is the closest we have been to residential care being a reality for Gavin. I'm really hopeful that we are able to get him and the rest of us, the help that is so…

Today,  we all, with the exception of Gavin, had dinner at my parents house to celebrate my Dad's birthday. Gavin was still at Lizze's parents house so he didn't make it.  I will say that it was a very pleasant, tantrum free afternoon.  We so rarely go anywhere and it was really nice to be able to get away and not have any problems.  The boys very enthusiastically helped Grandpa open his presents. They also helped my Dad blow out his candles as well.  They did come home a bit on the overstimulated side but they don't have school in the morning so I think it was worth it.  This was also the first time ever that Emmett was allowed to eat what everyone else was eating.  That was pretty…