Over the past few weeks we have noticed something with Elliott. That something bares a striking resemblance to OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).  In Elliott's case it has to do with hand washing.  Elliott is very preoccupied with germs and this is relatively new.  We did realize exactly what was going on at first.  Then over the past day or so I started paying closer attention to Elliott's activities throughout the day.  I thought he was going upstairs to play or get a toy but he was going to the bathroom to wash his hands.  I'm completely for good hygiene but not like this. He is constantly washing his hands with hand sanitizer.  Since I have noticed this,  I have very tactfully talked to Elliott about what he is doing.  I…

Elliott's and I camped out again in the living room last night.  He wanted to push the 2 couches together and make a "giant comfy couch".  I suppose that comfy is a relative term but he had lots of fun.  Sometimes all I can do is provide a little comfort wherever I can.  So I was happy to do this again. After all,  they're only kids once.

This is just a random picture I took today while playing around with the camera. Emmett has started with this huge cheesy grin now when taking a picture. He's just 2 cute.......

Elliott absolutely LOVES this song. He walks around the house singing this all the time. Honestly, I like the song and think it's hilarious, especially after seeing the original video.  The song drives Lizze crazy and she hates it with a passion. However, despite her dislike for this song she allows Elliott to sing it to her all the time. Elliott and I have been sitting on the couch and watching this over and over while singing along.. I like that he has developed his own  tastes. He just can't get enough of the Double Rainbow song. He wanted to share this on the blog so all of you could "watch it and be happy". How could I say no to that? Elliott hopes this makes you happy. :-)  Isn't he…

Just got done with a huge Emmett meltdown.  It took me forever to figure out what was upsetting him. I knew it had something to do with this basketball hoop. Emmett was so upset and screaming so loud it was like needles in my brain and I didn't already have a migraine like Lizze did.  As it turns out Emmett was upset because the bottom sections of the net were twisted.  Look at the pictures and I have it circled to point out the twist in the net. For some reason Emmett was all out of sorts over these twists in the net.  When I say Emmett is particular about things, I mean Emmett is particular about things? I need instructions or an easy button before I pull what little…

I have said many times that the best way to spread effective Autism Awareness is to share our personal experiences.  Those experiences can be both good and bad and they can also be different for each family. I thought I would try to get a better understanding of the community by asking you question.  What is the most difficult part of raising an Autistic child? I don't mean this in a degrading way.  We all love our kids but the reality is that life can be challenging.  I'm just wanting to better understand some of the challenges your family faces.

Elliott is having an emotional night.  He misses his friends from school and is anxious to get back.  The timing of this is pretty crappy considering.... Anyway,  we haven't told Elliott that he can't go back to his old school.  When he learns this he will be devastated.  We'll have to deal with that in the next few days. For right now I am simply trying to distract him for tonight.  Gavin is at Lizze's parents for the night and so Elliott and I are camping out in the living room.  So if a night of Netflix makes him feel better it's more then worth it.

Last week we received a welcome packet from the school we were hoping to keep Elliott in this year.  We were very excited to receive this as we were waiting all summer to get word. As you may recall Elliott was not allowed to return this year because he is on the Autism Spectrum.  When we finally were able to meet with person in charge of the school,  I thought we had worked everything out. I thought I had cleared things up. I thought I had explained that Autism is different for every child and that simply because Elliott has Aspergers doesn't mean he will have the same problems as Gavin or Emmett. However,  we received an email this afternoon stating that by trying to service a "gifted child" like…