After writing the Special needs parenting and the “tough decisions” this morning I was thinking. I know, scary, right? Well anyway, I was thinking Gavin doesn't do well with blood drawls or needles in general. Part of the way we have made it through those so far was that we didn't give a lot of time to anticipate what was going to happen. For kids with Autism anticipation is a horrible, torturous experience. It does nothing but induce anxiety for many kids on the spectrum. Anxiety is one a the MAJOR components or contributing factors to meltdowns. I foresee us having major problems with anticipation. Gavin will know that for the foreseeable future (or FOREVER as far as he's concerned) he will be getting at least one shot every week...FOREVER. This is actually very concerning for…

Been up since 5am. Emmett's got a fever of 104F and Gavin has already had a meltdown. Not the best way to start the day. Emmett will miss school again today. Oh and I think Lizze is getting sick as well. I'll have a few updates from yesterday later on today. I have some news on the Gavin medication front. Also an update on yesterdays trip to Akron. I was to exhausted after living yesterday to post it yesterday, if that makes sense....  Posted to WordPress via Autism Aware and midNIGHT ROM powered Epic 4G

I'm frequently asked what I think the hardest part of being a special needs parent is. The answer for me is pretty easy. The hardest part of being a special needs parent for me is EVERYTHING else. Posted to WordPress via Autism Aware and midNIGHT ROM powered Epic 4G

Gavin has been writing these stories. He's very proud of them and I asked him if he would like to share his story. I offered to record Gavin reading his book and then post it hear for all to enjoy. He is so excited and PROUD of himself for having the courage to do this. For a child with Autism to step outside of their comfort zone and be willing to do something like this is HUGE. If you are familiar with Autism in any way you will understand how much courage it took for him to do this. It's a bit sloppy on the recording but all I have is my phone to record it.  Please share this and help Gavin share his story. Tonight is just chapter 1.…

In honor of Autism Awareness month I thought I would revisit some older posts. I think these are very relevant and I hope it gives you a better understanding of what losing a child to Autism feels like, at least from my perspective. In my situation my oldest son Gavin developed "typically". He later regressed into the world he now lives in. Many people won't understand this but some of you will know exactly what I'm talking about. I realize this doesn't apply to everyone but it does to my family. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- I hate autism. I hate everything about it. My kids are not autism. I hate autism for doing to them, to us what it has done. Autism is a thief. It's a coward. It sneaks in and steals our kids…

Trying to describe what it feels like to lose a child to the regressive form of Autism is impossible. I know that most people won't understand when I say "it's like Gavin died" but that's exactly what it feels like. Gavin was born typical and then one day a switch was flipped and the Gavin we had known and loved for the first 3 or 4 years of his life was gone. I don't think there is any way to describe the grief I feel every single day. Everything we had planned on and wanted for him faded away into nothing. The hardest part is seeing him every day and knowing that he's no longer who he was. Not many people will understand but it is the reality I live in. Danny Gokey…

Was up early with Emmett and got Elliott off to school on time. Lizze called Gavin off of school because of his appointments today. We have Dr. R today and then we are off to Akron Children's Hospital to the cardiologist. After that I have to get Elliott and bring him home. Then it's off to Dr. Patti tonight for Gavin's therapy. So we have several Autism related appointments, 1 cardiac and 1 "other" mental health appointment. They are condensed in to "only" 3 separate appointments. More to come...... Posted to WordPress via Autism Aware and midNIGHT ROM powered Epic 4G