I've been meaning to write this for some time now.  For some reason, I just never got around to it. I was reminded recently and have decided to share this with you all now.  Over the past few weeks,  I've driven back and forth to Akron Children's Hospital countless times.  Gavin's been hospitalized 3 times in the last month or two.  During each stay,  I had to drive through downtown Akron on a Friday night.  I love my family and wouldn't trade them for anything in the world but goddamn if I'm not jealous of all the people I saw having fun on a Friday night. I remember those days,  although truthfully,  the memories are becoming more and more fuzzy. I miss having friends and going out on the weekends. …

I wanted to share with you all Elliott's latest work of art.  He was playing with Play-Doh this afternoon and sculpted a turtle.  He did a really good job and I'm very impressed with the level of detail in this piece. Oddly enough,  he never named it,  which is,  well...you know.....odd. He always names things that he creates.  Maybe he did and I just missed it.  :-) **Thanks for reading**        -Lost and Tired Please join our Autism Help Forum Look for "Autism Help" app at the Google Play Store This was posted via WordPress for Android, courtesy of Samsung's Galaxy S III. Please forgive any typos. I do know how to spell but auto-correct is working against me.

Gavin informed us today that nothing we can do,  scares him. He also told us that the reason he listened while he was in the psychiatric unit was because,  "I was afraid they would call security". I'm not sure if this scares me or just creeps me out. Perhaps a little of both. I don't know how to address this. Clearly this means that the consequences we currently employ are not harsh enough to discourage his negative behavior. I don't know what else to think. It almost feels like a challenge..  **Thanks for reading**        -Lost and Tired Please join our Autism Help Forum Look for "Autism Help" app at the Google Play Store This was posted via WordPress for Android, courtesy of Samsung's Galaxy S III. Please…

One of the issues we had yesterday was that Gavin taking things out of his brothers hands.  It wasn't that his brothers were handing him something,  they just had something he wanted. I spoke with him about this but basically choose to let it slide. This morning he did it again. He says that he doesn't know why he's doing that. Could it be simply impulse control issues or something more? Do I believe that he doesn't know why? Yes and no. He's my son,  I want to believe everything that comes out of his mouth. However,  I'm just smart enough to know that I can't. I truly hate the fact that I can't trust him but that's the reality I live in. He always claims that he either forgot, …

Friday was a rougher day for Gavin. He just wasn't listening and couldn't settle down.  When he took a shower before bed,  he flung the wet towel and shattered the light in the shower room. We had several instances that Lizze or I had to confront Gavin for his behavior and also hold him accountable. To his credit,  Gavin kept his cool and while he became frustrated,  he never totally melted down.  I would have to say that's a positive thing. Wouldn't you? It would be really nice if this trend continued and he actually started making better choices. Life would become a bit more bearable.  To be completely honest,  we have way too much on our plate with just his health issues. The behavioral issues only add to the…

I wanted to share some of the security measures we have been forced to take since Gavin arrived home from the psychiatric unit earlier this week. Do to his unpredictable nature and increasingly violent meltdowns,  we have to take precautions in order to ensure everyone's safety. The very first things we have implemented are locks, alarms and a good home security system. It's honestly like living in a prison. There are a whole shlue of keys needed to get into critical areas of the Lost and Tired house.  For example,  the two big ones are the cabinet in the kitchen and the closet in the bathroom. All chemicals are stored behind lock and key in the bathroom closet,  including toothpaste and mouthwash. All medications,  dishes,  silverware, knives and anything other…

Ever since Gavin's meltdown a week ago today,  that led to his admission to the psychiatric unit at Akron Children's Hospital,  Elliott and Emmett have be extremely overstimulated. They have both been bouncing off the walls and couches because they have so much excess,  anxiety related energy. Since Gavin's come home,  it's just gotten worse.  They are more wound up now than before. I'm not sure how to help them to come down,  so to speak. I think they are torn between excitement and fear when it comes to their feelings about the big brother. It's got to be overwhelming for them and hopefully, as time goes on,  they will settle down.  It's unbelievable just how something like a violent meltdown and the hospitalization of their big brother,  impacts their…

Gavin had his first of four blood draws today.  This will be checking his lithium levels to make sure he's maintaining the property levels.  More blood will be taken Monday,  Wednesday and Friday of next week,  for the same purpose. The hope is that these tests will provide more information about how the lithium is being processed in his body. He did really well today and didn't scream.  He was polite and respectful as well.  Before going back,  I reminded him of how he should act while he is there.  Great job Gavin.  One down,  three to go. **Thanks for reading**        -Lost and Tired Please join our Autism Help Forum Look for "Autism Help" app at the Google Play Store This was posted via WordPress for Android,…