Read more about the article We are still struggling with sleep issues
Elliott / Emmett John / Sleep Issues

We are still struggling with sleep issues

Sleep issues are one of the more prolific symptoms that can present when someone's on the Autism Spectrum.  It's one of the more exhausting challenges as well.  Elliott and Emmett are both struggling with sleep issues.   Elliott wakes up in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep. Sometimes he's not able to fall asleep either.  On the other hand, Mr. Emmett can't seem to fall asleep in his own bed. He sneaks out of his bed after being tucked in and makes his way to our bed, where he proceeds to encase himself in our pillows and blankets.   We put him back in his bed after he's asleep and most of the time he'll stay there.   There are countless reasons why sleep can…

8 Comments
August 26, 2016
Read more about the article I was honored with the 2016 Best Autism Blogs award from @healthline 
Awards / My thoughts

I was honored with the 2016 Best Autism Blogs award from @healthline 

Over the years I've been awarded a few times for my efforts.  I'm very proud of these awards. I'm both humbled and honored to receive them. Earlier this week, I was honored once again with the 2016 Best Autism Blogs award.  This is so cool and I'm so grateful to be among the handful of bloggers to receive the award this year. I would encourage you to click the above badge, visit healthline and check all the other amazing bloggers who are working to raise awareness for Autism. Thank you again for this great honor.  ☺

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August 26, 2016
Read more about the article How many times can one father’s heart break? Too many. The answer is too many. 
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder / Gavin / My thoughts

How many times can one father’s heart break? Too many. The answer is too many. 

I don't feel really positive right now and that bothers me.  Unfortunately, the reality is that sometimes life just sucks. Life is unfair and cruel at times and it feels like Gavin has had a disproportionate amount come his way. Gavin's still hallucinating and frankly, things are getting worse. He's becoming very preoccupied with his visibly challenged group of super best friends and is spending less time in the reality that the rest of us live in. His friends are always coming with him now and he's involving them in his decision making. This morning he drew a picture of Twilight Sparkle's Midnight form. Twilight Sparkle is one of his visibly challenged super best friends. Before he drew her in this particular form (seen below), he told me that he…

18 Comments
August 26, 2016
Read more about the article A smidgen of #Autism Parenting insight
Autism Parenting Insight / Gavin

A smidgen of #Autism Parenting insight

I was blessed enough to be able to take a nap this morning.  I needed a break from Gavin's talking.  I don't know if that will make sense to people who've not experienced it but I know our family gets how overwhelming and exhausting it is to listen to him nonstop.  Anyway, I feel refreshed after my nap and my patience has been somewhat replenished for now.  I'm going to do my best to be an understanding and patient parent for the rest of the day... We'll have to see... lol

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August 25, 2016
Read more about the article I don’t know how much more I can take right now
Gavin / Manic

I don’t know how much more I can take right now

The boys got off to school okay this morning.  Emmett's sporting his new crocs and at least for now, all is well.   That's the good news.  In the world of bad news, Gavin's driving me crazy.   Maybe I'm just grumpy or lacking in the area of patience today but Gavin's incessant talking is really getting to me.  This kid will not shut up and I can't escape it. .  What I wouldn't give for a few moments of peace and quiet.  I don't know what's going on with him today but if I didn't know better, I'd say he's manic.  I suppose that makes sense, considering his emotional state recently.  My head hurts and I'm not Coping with this very well today.  I just need a short nap…

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August 25, 2016
Read more about the article Massive meltdown over shoes and socks
Emmett John / School / School Related Issues / Sensory / Shoes and Socks

Massive meltdown over shoes and socks

Here's what happened this morning in regards to Emmett's shoes and socks.  For simplicity, I'm going to refer to it as World War III because that's what it felt like.   Emmett went from excited about going to school to massively melting down over shoes and socks.   I had him in a pair of socks and sandals for a little while and then all of a sudden, he freaked out because they started to feel funny.  The meltdown lasted over 30 minutes and was sprinkled with I won't go to school and I'm so sorry my feet feel funny.  It's as heartbreaking as it is frustrating.  Once we had reached the 15 minutes late mark, we had no choice but to carry him to the car with a few…

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August 24, 2016
Read more about the article I’m 38 years old today and I’m choosing to embrace it
My thoughts

I’m 38 years old today and I’m choosing to embrace it

For those who don't know, I turned 38 years old today. To be really honest with you, I'm handling it better than I thought I would. I'm creeping closer and closer to 40 years of age and I thought I would be freaking out about that but I haven't been. Truthfully, I'm not sure why I'm not stressing out like so many people do but I suppose age doesn't bother me that much. I really try to not let my age dictate my demeanor. After more than a decade of being an Autism parent, I've learned to not take life so seriously, maintain a sense of humor and always remain a kid at heart. At the end of the day, age is just an indication of life experience and not…

4 Comments
August 24, 2016