Gavin and Emmett are both on the Autism Spectrum. Both are considered Autistic but have profoundly different symptoms. I think it's important that people see kids on the spectrum as individuals. It would would be irresponsible, not to mention inaccurate, to lump them all together. As special needs parents, Lizze and I have to focus in two VERY different directions in order to help Emmett and Gavin to reach their potential. Here's an example of how the same traits have very different symptoms. Language, speech and   communication in general, are typical struggles for kids on the spectrum. Gavin, for example, NEVER stops talking. As bad as it sounds, I wish sometimes he had a "mute" button. The other problem is that he talks so fast and it's already very difficult…

Gavin is still sick from the infusion. He is nauseous and cramped.  They warned us that this might happen as some people have these types of reactions and some don't.  Of course Gavin is one of the ones that will struggle with this.  Poor kid can't catch a break.

I wanted to take a minute and share something with all of you that I have been thinking alot about lately. Recently I have been writing alot about the regression Gavin has been experiencing over the years.  It's a popular topics for me because it's that my family struggles with every day.  So basically,  it's always at the forefront of my mind.  However,  despite all the regression, Gavin has made some progress as well.  I don't honestly know if the progress is despite the regression or because of it.  I know that sounds really strange but I don't know how else to explain it.  While we struggle with many things,  Gavin has also overcome many obstacles as well.  He is no longer violent towards others and that is a huge…

Autism, Vaccines and Immune Deficiency First of all, let me go on the record as stating that I am NOT anti-vaccine...at all. However, something occurred to me this morning and has got me concerned. I'm concerned for a very specific reasons. Emmett and Elliott are both scheduled for vaccines on Thursday afternoon....well...they were scheduled for vaccines this Thursday but not now. My goal here is not to turn this into a heated debate but rather share my concerns as they relate to my, personal family situation. I'm hoping to gain some insight from the community here. Something occurred to me this morning. Gavin has most likely been Immunol deficient his entire life. Without knowing this, we vaccinated him as recommended by his pediatrician. No one had any idea that Gavin's immune system was compromised…

Elliott is working on some of his world famous Viva Pinata drawings.  He is currently obsessed with Viva Pinata for the XBOX and DSi. We are having out tonight and watching some Justice League cartoons.  I enjoy these quite times.

Gavin just started experiencing side effects from the antibody infusion. We were told that side effects could show up the next day. Gavin had just started eating lunch when he got very nauseous and extremely cramped. We have a prescription to fill that will help with the nausea. However, he is now sleeping, so we'll have to see how he's feeling when he wakes up. It's going to be a long day.... - Lost and Tired Post by Wordpress for Android via Nexus S 4G without the use of proper editing tools and disadvantages of a bastardized version of auto-correct. Please Vote for Lost and Tired (just click the link) and help me spread Autism Awareness. Everyone can Vote once a day :)

Today has been an overall success but it has come at a price. Lizze is not doing very well and I am completely drained. Today has taken both a physical and emotional toll. Lizze went to bed about 6pm and has been out since. I, on the other hand, am so tired that I can't fall asleep. Kind of ironic I suppose. Tomorrow should be relatively uneventful.....at least I hope it will be. - Lost and Tired Post by Wordpress for Android via Nexus S 4G without the use of proper editing tools and disadvantages of a bastardized version of auto-correct. Please Vote for Lost and Tired (just click the link) and help me spread Autism Awareness. Everyone can Vote once a day :)

Gavin's 1st infusion was completed in about 4 hours. It took much longer then we thought but Gavin did well. So far his body seems to be tolerating the procedure without side effect. He may get a bad headache, back pain and nausea. However, so far he's just tired. So we'll just count our blessings. Akron Children's Hospital was amazing today. They are truly among the best of the best. They showed a tremendous amount of compassion and understanding throughout the entire ordeal. We also spoke with the doctor as well. She said that at this point we will do the infusions for least the next year. At that point we'll stop for 3 months and see what happens. More likely then not Gavin will need these infusions indefinitely. We…