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,…

Gavin is significantly increasing the stress in the house. His behavior has been worse,  but it could certainly be better.  We're still afraid to pick any of the battles that we are presented with. In truth,  we're letting a lot of things slide that we shouldn't,  simply out of fear. We go in a few minutes to get is first of four blood draws,  over the next week. I'm trying to find so sort of balance,  but with Gavin,  it's usually all or nothing. **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…

These pictures were taken from inside the psychiatric unit,  where Gavin recently spent the better part of a week. While I'm a little bit confused as to why he was able to build with Lego's after everything that happened,  this is impressive. Regardless of the circumstances,  he really did do a pretty amazing job.  In many ways,  this is probably the most impressive Lego creation I have seen from him. Brilliant job Gavin. I would love to see him do something positive with his passion for Lego's. **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…

I wanted to update you all as to how Ms. Bella is doing.  If you recall,  that we had a bit of an emergency this morning when she ripped one of her toe nails partly off. It was all twisted and mangled.  The boys were all freaked out because she was bleeding everywhere. We got her into the vet and they had to cut the nail off,  well past the nail bed. It was quite painful for her but they didn't have to muzzle her.  The vet said that most dogs would have to be muzzled but that Bella did really well and it wasn't necessary. This was quite a scare, especially for the boys.  Blood is a scary thing to see when your a kid.  She should be good…

We met with Dr. Reynolds today and have a tentative I place to manage his medications.  For the next 7 days,  Gavin will have blood work done every other day. We need to get more data points,  if that makes sense.  We did learn that Lithium is not metabolized in the liver.  Instead it has more to do with the kidneys as it's a salt. Basically,  we aren't sure what the impact of an autonomic disorder would be.  It doesn't make sense that Gavin's numbers would be higher because Gavin is on medication to increase water retention,  in order to bolster his blood pressure. This would dilute the lithium and cause the numbers to be lower, if anything. This is really unusual and I just don't know what to do.…