Read more about the article I’m happy, healthy, and making progress
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I’m happy, healthy, and making progress

It's been a productive morning so far. Emmett got to school on time and is dealing with state testing today. He's not excited about these tests, even though he always does well. It's just added stress that I feel autistic kids really don't need. That's a whole other topic for a different day. I went walking this morning and then crammed in a decent workout before coming home and getting some work done. There are several projects that I'm waist deep in right now and it's a little overwhelming. At the same time, it's also exciting because I need the work and it means I'm doing something right. It's a little scary at times but it's a good problem to have. I'm working on organization and efficiency right now because…

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March 30, 2022
Read more about the article Have you had to pursue guardianship of your adult #autistic child?
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Have you had to pursue guardianship of your adult #autistic child?

I went on a walk this afternoon and it really helped me to work through some things. There's many reasons I love these afternoon walks but the company is one of the best parts about it. Today's walk really helped me to gain some much needed perspective. We were talking about ways of helping Gavin find greater levels of independence and part of that conversation centered on guardianship. Without going into detail, I've had some emotional roadblocks in regards to pursuing guardianship. The legal arrangements I've currently made are working well. That said, guardianship has always been on the table and it's something that has recently come up again. I'm an emotional person and there are some very real emotional hurdles in regards to pursuing guardianship. The conversation I had…

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March 29, 2022
Read more about the article I guess I’m just feeling grateful
My thoughts

I guess I’m just feeling grateful

It's been a really good day. We started out rough and Emmett was sent home from school sick but we totally bounced back. I was able to get in a good workout and a couple miles at the track. It's really cold but I sorta like the cold. I'd rather it be cold than hot. I really enjoy walking at the park, regardless of the weather. It helps me stay centered and I need that in my life. I shot the picture while walking the track today. I was lost in thought and I realized that the path I was on reminded me of my life. I turn around and I can see all the footprints, from all the places I've been. Looking ahead is like a clean slate. My…

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March 29, 2022
Read more about the article Why is my #autistic toddler becoming more aggressive?
Because You Asked / My thoughts / Reels

Why is my #autistic toddler becoming more aggressive?

Because you asked: "Why is my autistic toddler becoming more aggressive?" You're mileage may vary on this one but thisade me think of my experience with my youngest and I hope this can help someone out there. Like and follow for more 👍 https://www.instagram.com/reel/CboH0X6FAaD/?utm_medium=copy_link Transcribed for accessibility ☺️ ♥️ "Okay. So I've got this question on my autism parenting subreddit this morning. And, uh, it's from a parent who's autistic toddler is becoming more aggressive lately, biting, hitting, kicking, scratching, things like that. And they're like, Hey, why is this happening? Uh, well, the truth is like, I have no idea why it's happening.It could be a million reasons. Um, but it sounds like this kid might be non-verbal from some of the contexts that I got from the conversation.…

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March 27, 2022
Read more about the article Bounced back from a rough morning and had a great day
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Bounced back from a rough morning and had a great day

I made it to the event this morning but aside from the event coordinator, not a single member of the public showed up. The whole point was to answer questions surrounding the COVID vaccine. The was designed to help reduce vaccine hesitancy. I think it's a combination of people not caring and COVID exhaustion. In my county, 58% of those eligible are fully vaccinated and we need to be in the 70's and 80's for herd immunity. There's concern about another wave on the way, and trying to get as many people vaccinated as possible, is definitely a worthy cause. I'm sad that no one showed up but at the same time, I'm not surprised. Ohio weather is crazy. It was snowing like crazy when I walked out of the…

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March 27, 2022
Read more about the article It’s already a rough morning
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It’s already a rough morning

I haven't even left yet and we're already off to a rough start. Gavin's having a difficult morning and I'm frustrated. I sometimes fail to maintain perspective and it's something I need to work on. Gavin has come so far and while he does pretty well in everyday life, especially in a relatively controlled environment, things quickly unravel when he gets emotional. He just has a hard time dealing with emotions. This morning he started to use the stove without asking. Yes, I know he's 22 years old, and does a good job, he needs to ask so that I'm aware he's using it and can intervene if need be. He can be forgetful and I need to keep tabs on things like using the stove or oven. There's only…

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March 26, 2022
Read more about the article Let’s talk about accountability
Because You Asked / My thoughts / Reels

Let’s talk about accountability

Let's talk about accountability as it relates to our autistic kids. Here's an example of when I hold my kids accountable. Hope this helps.Like and follow for more  Transcription can be found below for accessibility. ☺ ♥ https://www.instagram.com/reel/CbkpETgFXjU/?utm_medium=copy_link Accountability"Okay. So you guys have been asking me a lot of questions lately about, um, when you discipline your child or what you hold them accountable for when they're autistic. And I've talked briefly about, I don't hold them accountable for things like meltdowns or stemming or things that are sort of inherently autism related behaviors, because it's outside of their control.It's not their fault. It's not a punishable thing. However, when my kids make choices or decisions that are problematic, they are held accountable for that. And today's a good…

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March 26, 2022
Read more about the article It’s gonna be an exciting day
My thoughts

It’s gonna be an exciting day

It's going to be an exciting day. The boys are having a friend sleep over and they're pretty excited. I thijnk everyone will probably camp out in the living room because it's going to be more comfortable. Lots of fun. ☺️ Before we even get to that part of the day, I will be working with the Stark County Health Department. I was asked to be on a vaccine panel for a public awareness forum. They're basically trying to increase the number of COVID vaccinations in our county and want my help to talk to people in the public forum. I don't normally speak publicly, at least in person, so I'm a little nervous but it's good experience and it's also an excellent cause. It's only an hour or so…

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March 26, 2022