Emmett John Archives - Page 22 of 85

Do you know how much fun shoe shopping is for two kids with #Autism?

Ha.. That's a trick question because it's a fricking nightmare. After we left the cookout, I took Elliott shoe shopping. Emmett decided that he wanted to try shoes again as well. I wasn't really in a position to do both right now but with Emmett, I can't not take advantage of his willingness to try shoes again. That opportunity almost never comes around. In fact, it's been about two years since the last time he was willing to try. Elliott actually isn't too, too bad. He's more indecisive when it comes to shopping. It's not usually that big of a deal but it depends on his mood and how stressed out or overstimulated he is at the moment. Emmett on the other hand is never easy. His tolerance for anything…

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May 27, 2018

Elliott / Emmett John / My thoughts

Today was the last of school

The boys celebrated their last day of school today. Both had great days and both have mixed feelings about the summer break. They're both excited to be out of school for the summer but at the same time, they're going to miss it as well. If I hadn't mentioned this before (but I have about a gazillion times), kids with Autism don't usually do well with change. It's something that parents like myself, dread more than many other things in our lives because a disruption in one's routine can lead to massive meltdowns. Routine is paramount to maintaining everyone's sanity but it's not always easy or even possible. With that in mind, we are bracing ourselves for a challenging week or so. Hopefully, everything will balance out in short order…

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May 26, 2018

Autism Parenting Struggles / Emmett John / My thoughts

I desperately need a break from his school related anxieties

This is a interesting story that involves Emmett, his teachers and a six month old homework packet. The other day, one of Emmett's teachers approached me right before school let out because she wanted to give me a heads up in regards to a conversation she'd had with Emmett that day. She knows how Emmett struggles with communicating in certain situations and wanted me to know first hand, what happened so Lizze and I could reassure him if need be. Back in January of this year, Emmett missed a bunch of school do to illness. There was a ton of makeup work and somehow, one of his packets never got turned in. All she did was ask him if he knew where it was and he told her it was…

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May 23, 2018

Elliott / Emmett John / My thoughts / YouTube Video

We had an UNBELIEVABLE surprise today (Must See)

It's been an amazing day and I'll go into more detail tomorrow. I'm not feeling well at the moment and I'm going to try to go to bed early. I put together a quick video, showing you guys the martial arts promotion from today. I'm not going to ruin the surprise but what happened at the end of Emmett's promotion literally had me in tears. It was an amazing surprise and I can't wait to share it with you guys. We're so proud of both Elliott and Emmett. They've worked so hard this year, both inside and outside of the dojo. This was the most amazing day I can remember having in a very long time. I'm so proud... ☺ 💙 https://youtu.be/3FRvByjO81A

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May 18, 2018

Elliott / Emmett John / My thoughts / The Little Things

A little routine I have with my kids on the #Autism Spectrum

Everyday, I arrive at the school about an hour early, start the parent pickup line and enjoy the quiet. I've been doing this for years. During the before (what we call the 2 year separation), this was really important because the kids were struggling and they felt reassured to see me there early each day. It was important to me that always know I was there for them, especially in those darker times. That was a long time ago and I continue doing this today. It's become something of a routine for me and one that it's beneficial to my sanity. It's part of my self-care routine. I enjoy parking in the shade, basking in the quiet and either reading or writing for an hour until the boys are released…

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May 4, 2018

Autism Parenting Struggles / Emmett John / Meltdowns / My thoughts

I’m so tired of fricking #meltdowns

There isn't anything I know of that can prepare some for the reality of Autism related Meltdowns. They're awful for everyone involved, especially the person physically experiencing one. At this point in time, Emmett is the defacto meltdown maker in our house. Gavin's making a comeback and that's incredibly unfortunate because he presents with many safety issues. Emmett is having another meltdown right now. It began the moment he climbed into the car and has continued since we've been home. Lizze has tagged in and taken over so I can collect myself before re-engaging. I don't know what really triggered this. It could simply be that his day has taken a great deal out of him. It could be sensory overload or nothing at all. Meltdowns are the bodies way…

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May 2, 2018

Emmett John / Everyday Life Lessons / My thoughts

Doing the best we can in a difficult situation

After therapy tonight, Emmett and I hit the store to pick up some groceries. Taking Emmett can sometimes be challenging because of how he views the world in such a literal way. I always try to take advantage of teachable moments and grocery shopping is one such moment. We're not even close to being financially independent but we're no longer on food stamps and that feels amazing. That said, we're on a tight budget and need to make it stretch as far as we can. I'm using the concept to teach Emmett about maintaining a budget. When we go grocery shopping, I give him a number that we need to stay under. Today for example, I had a $200 budget for groceries and I had him bring his tablet so…

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May 2, 2018

Emmett John / Family Therapy / My thoughts

It’s just the 2 of us

Lizze is staying home with Elliott tonight cause he's not been feeling well. Emmett and I are off to see Dr. Pattie. I left Gavin at home because honestly, I need a break from him today. I'll talk more about that later. Emmett and ran an errand before heading to therapy but it was really nice spending time with just him... ☺

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May 1, 2018