I know that not everyone agrees with these videos. However, it's SO IMPORTANT that people understand what families like mine are dealing with. Autism is a SPECTRUM disorder. That means that not everyone is the same. Many of us struggle every second or every minute of every hour of every day just to survive and do it all again the next day. This side of Autism is so rarely discussed and it NEEDS to be because my family and the families like mine need help and understanding. This video only shows the bathroom door but you hear Gavin's reaction to something as "simple" personal hygiene. I know "simple" is relative and for kids like Gavin it's a VERY big deal. Most people probably wouldn't think this was a big deal and…

How's Lizze doing? In short, not good. She is getting a prescription for a cane. She's able to walk in short intervals. She is also good at hiding the pain, especially infront of people. I understand why she hides it but I wish she didn't feel she had to. It would give people in our life a much more accurate picture of our struggles. I don't know how to help her. If we ever get back on our feet I need to retrofit the house for her. I need to put the safety handles in the bath tub and shower. I need to replace door knobs and faucet handles with ones that she can actually use. The arthritis she has in her hands and everywhere else makes the things that…

Here are some random pics of Emmett when he was playing during the last round of testing at Case... Head really enjoyed himself and everyone is really nice.

We have to get Elliott of to school as usual. Shortly after that Gavin has his 11 year appointment at the pediatrician. The kicker is that he's getting shots, at least 2, and possibly 4. This is NOT going to go over well. One shot....mayber but more then that is going to cause Gavin to go over the edge. It will take many people to accomplish this. When he was younger it would sometimes take up to 6 or 8 people to hold him still long enough to get this done. I have having to do that but the vaccines are to important not to. This will be much more challenging because he's already disorganized and so he will less control over himself. He's also much stronger now. The problem…

Yesterday was one of the toughest days in recent history for me. I took Elliott and Emmett in and/or out of their carsets 28 times yesterday. I actually sat down and figured that out. Anyway, I do enjoy meeting with Dr. Pattie for the boys therapy. The boys get out and get to play in the big play room and daddy gets another "adult" to talk to.

There is a divide within the Autism community between those with high functioning Aspergers and those with lower functioning Autistic kids. Why do you think this is? I have my opinions but I would love to hear yours. How do you guys think we can bridge the gap?

NEVER FORGET that you are your child's MOST IMPORTANT teacher. Seize the moments....

Emmett got a hold of Elliott's face this afternoon. As usual it was unprovoked. I used to think that Emmett did this out of frustration but that's clearly not the case. Sometimes I wonder if there is any rhyme or reason to this behavior. I know that we have tried everything short of corporal punishment (and that is a line we will NOT cross) and nothing seems to help. Please don't leave comments advocating corporal punishment either. You can't teach a child to stop hitting someone else by hitting them. Autism comes with many complications, especially for us. Sometimes they are "simple" texture or sensory issues and sometimes they are much more serious. Every day we do our best to shield the other boys from Emmett's violent outbursts but many…