Lizze and I have been working VERY hard with Emmett to give him a BASIC means of communication. Lizze has been working especially hard with ASL and we are starting to see progress. Some people may not see this as a big deal but many more will also understand just how BIG a deal this actually is. We are finally starting to see some basic language developing. THIS IS HUGE.   Edit: I'm laughing out of EXCITEMENT and NOT at his expense. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqeFLc0YjlY[/youtube]   -lost and tired

Not to be out done by Gavin, Elliott has been working REALLY hard for the last few days on his own story. He asked me if I could record it and post it like I did for Gavin. He's just so cute. He worked REALLY, REALLY hard on this and made me redo the video 3 times before he was happy with it.  He just kills me. But again what a great thing for an Autistic child to do. I am SO proud of him.  Please enjoy and leave your positive feedback.  Thanks   -lost and tired         [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pf8jiRDAYo[/youtube]

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.…