The things we do for our kids.  Have you ever noticed how we do things for our kids because it makes them happy, even if it doesn't make sense. The boys have been wanting a turtle for the longest time.  We have been playing the redirection game since earlier this year.  However, it's always been in the back of my mind and I've quietly kept my eyes open. Well the other day, I came across one, looking for a new home. The boys have been struggling a lot more lately and I wanted to do something to make them happy.  I realize that it may not have been the most logical move in the world but there are many things about parenting that aren't logical. Having released the fully recovered…

Last night and this morning has been pretty rough.  It could definitely be worse but it could also be better. After Gavin's brief return home yesterday - because he had nowhere to go after school- Emmett was afraid to go to bed last night. That hasn't happened since Gavin's last tantrum.  Maybe it's just a coincidence but I don't believe it is.  Emmett’s been difficult all morning long, as has Elliott.  Lizze is having a nonfunctional day.  When I say that, I mean she can barely get out of bed, let alone help me with the boys.  To say that I'm just a bit overwhelmed would be an understatement.  I'm building the Autism Help Forum app, big thanks to Tapatalk for that. I've got an article deadline to meet this…

Shortly after Lizze and I got married we bought a new Queen size mattress set from Value City furniture.  This turned out to be a huge mistake. Within a few weeks, the mattress began falling apart, literally. They came out twice to stitch it back together. We even bought the extra insurance but that turned out to be a mistake as well. Shortly after it was fixed, Gavin spilled grape juice and stained the pillow top.  This shouldn't have mattered because of the extra insurance. However, apparently there was a clause that said the stain had to be reported within something like 24 hours and we didn't know, so we didn't report it in time. Because of the stain not being reported right away, the warranty has been voided. Fast…

I truly believe that one of the very best things I can give my kids is the gift of time, my time. That may sound like I have a high opinion of myself but I don't and I certainly don't mean it that way.  The truth is, kids love to spend time with their parents, especially when they are younger.  Emmett and Elliott are always asking me to play with them. Since I work from home, I'm better able to accommodate them.  However, I do have to work so I can't always say yes.  Sometimes I'm just too tired. However, I made the decision to spend some extra time with Emmett Friday  morning and afternoon, making turkeys out of construction paper. We simply traced each other's hands and turned them…

Visitation. I hate that word.  It brings back memories of the forced visitation that Gavin had with his abusive biological fathers side of the family. I swore that as a family, we would never have to endure that again.  However, this afternoon Gavin was home for about 2 hours.  It was a chance for the boys to visit with each other.  They spent the time playing 3DS together.  I made sure that everyone kept a to their own personal space but they all got along well, for the most part.  Emmett was a bit difficult but everything worked out.  The three of them took turns with Elliott's 3DS and did a great job.  After Gavin left, the boys have been a bit on the frazzled side.  Elliott has been crying…

I was listening to the radio the other day, and the local DJ was talking about medicating children.  In fairness, I didn't hear the entire show but his point was something along the lines of parents that medicate their children are just lazy parents. I listened to several callers go back and forth with him on the topic of ADHD.  He claimed that ADHD kids are just creative and that parents who give their child ADHD medications are simply stifling their creativity. He took the stance that parents should just work harder. He also made a statement along the lines that you can't trust doctors or hospitals because they just want to throw medications at your kids.  Now I will say that there are parents out there in the world…

Welcome to the return of Forum Fridays. Today's topic is on regression and can be found in the Autism Help Forums ------------> Here If you haven't already signed up for the forums you can do so quickly and easily. Even if you haven't experience regression with your child, perhaps you can provide comfort to those that have.  

As you know, Lizze and I returned to the Cleveland Clinic yesterday for an appointment with the sleep specialist. Lizze has been having significant issues with sleep over the years and we were not happy with the care she has received on the local level. Her new doctor is awesome.  She met with us for almost and hour and a half.  Lizze was asked more questions than she has ever been asked before and a very,  very detailed history was taken. At this point, she doesn't know for sure what's going on but Lizze is definitely suffering from chronic sleep deprivation. The doctor thinks that there are many factors contributing to this, among the worst of them is most likely stress. In the coming weeks, Lizze will be having another…