I just got the 2 oldest down to sleep. Gavin is watching Voltron and laying in bed. I read Elliott bedtime stories. I have to read 5 stories. It's always 5 stories. He's very particular. He rarely ever stays awake through the 2nd book but before he falls asleep me makes me promise to finish reading all 5 books even after he falls asleep. I have to do it, I could never break a promise to him intentionally. It's these moments that I realize just how tough his little life is. In many ways it's probably harder then Emmett's or Gavin's. Elliott takes psychological and emotional abuse from Gavin. Gavin just messes with Elliott's head all the time. This is one of the many reasons we do our best to…

One of the things I really try to make sure  do is share our story as honestly as possible. In doing so I know that I personally don't always look that good as a parent, but it's the truth. My reasoning for doing this is so I never compromise the integrity of the Lost and Tired blog. I make lots of mistakes as a parent and I am far from perfect but I really do try to do the best I can. I want people to read my story (I say my story cause it's from my perspective) have a better understanding of what raising a child with special needs is like. I'm the first to admit that our situation is unique and rather extreme. Having multiple children with Autism…

We have 2/3 less children tonight. Gavin and Elliott are getting a break from Emmett and crashing over at Lizze's parents house. Emmett is sleeping and Lizze is sick. We can't watch any of the specials cause we haven't had TV in almost a year. This is the first time I can remember not watching the ball drop. It's really quiet and at least we have that right now :) I hope you all have a safe and Happy New Year... Please continue to spread Autism Awareness. Please continue to share your story and let no one suffer in silence.... Thanks for making the 1st year of Lost and Tired so successful...... Rob

There was a study published last year (November 2009) and appears online in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders that basically says mothers (I would presume stay at home fathers would be included) of Autistic children experience stress levels like that of combat soldiers. That really puts things into perspective. I hope people read this an have a much better understanding of what our families go through. Below is the an article I found at "The Disability Scoop" by MICHELLE DIAMENT. Here is the article: Mothers of adolescents and adults with autism experience chronic stress comparable to combat soldiers and struggle with frequent fatigue and work interruptions, new research finds. These moms also spend significantly more time caregiving than moms of those without disabilities. Researchers followed a group of moms of adolescents…

I have been trying to put together a make shift crash room. I'm really frustrated because I can't seem to get anywhere. We have a trampoline, a basket ball hoop, a play house, a sit and spin, a giant exercise ball and that's about it.  Really the only 2 things that will work is the trampoline and the exercise ball. Maybe the sit and spin. What I really need to try to do is get some type of indoor jungle gym. Something they can physically do to burn off energy.  I want to get foam blocks and attach them to the wall so Emmett can run into it safely.. RIght now Emmett runs into the walls and windows to get whatever sensory (impact type) fix he needs. He also jumps down the…

I just don't have much patiences any more. Especially with Gavin. He manages to push my buttons. As much as I try and I do try I end up letting him get to me. I need to find a drive through or something that allows me to do get some more patience. Maybe a gas station that I can refuel. If only...

...and before you say it, I know it's a short trip. :-) He has actually behaved pretty well today meltdown wise anyway.. The problem I have is his general behavior. He is having a more and more difficult time followng even the simplist of directions. We typically give him one step tasks to do. His memory seems to be fading, again. Sometimes, well actually most of the time is feels like we are getting played. He is also becoming creepy again. He lingers and likes to stand in the doorway and just watch his brohers. He doesn't really do anything wrong per say but we have told him to stop and he won't. The whole thing just rubs me the wrong way. It's just creepy. I know how that sounds…

First of all, please let me apologizes for not responding to this sooner. My sole purpose for starting this blog was to very candidly share the struggles my family faces raising 3 kids on the spectrum with my wife being sick as well. You already know these are n fluff pieces and are often difficult to read. They are however the truth. So many familys struggle in silence and become isolated from family and friends. I want our story to help people to realize THEY ARE NOT ALONE. I have received literally hundreds of comments and emails over the past year from all across the world. People are sharing their story with me personally or with everyone via the Lost and Tired blog. It is so important for people to share their story. The world cannot become aware…