Read more about the article Time moves way too fast
My thoughts

Time moves way too fast

I took the kids to Hocking Hills State Park today. It was a relatively spontaneous trip, and it’s been a little while since I’ve done anything like this with the kids. I’ve been so stressed out and distracted lately, and I feel like I’ve not spent much quality time with my kids. I needed this, and the kids definitely needed it too. It was just the three of us because the hiking would have been too much for Gavin, and he was spending a few days with his grandparents anyway. The 5 hour's drive wasn’t too bad, and we spent the afternoon exploring Old Man’s Cave and The Rock House. The hiking wasn’t too bad, and they both did great. Emmett’s been in physical therapy because he’s dealing with back…

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April 5, 2023
Read more about the article Focusing on what I can control
My thoughts

Focusing on what I can control

It’s been a rough couple of days. I’m really stressed out and feeling incredibly overwhelmed. I’m trying to keep up with everything I’m supposed to be keeping up with but it’s not going so well. That being said, I also feel like all things considered, I’m doing okay. I know that sounds a little weird or contradictory but I’m treading water. To be honest, I’m a little surprised by how well I’m coping. To be clear, I’m anxious, overwhelmed, and exhausted, but I’m managing. The major things stressing me out are largely outside of my control and freaking out over them isn’t going to help. Maybe I’m just too tired to panic but I really think it has a lot to do with recognizing that I need to focus more…

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April 1, 2023
Read more about the article It’s been a long day
My thoughts

It’s been a long day

It’s been a long day here in The Autism Dad household. I’m cool with long days because long days don’t always mean bad days. I feel relatively accomplished today. I got the new podcast episode out. I got my three miles this morning and my hour and a half at the gym in the afternoon. The kids are on spring break, and they’re getting on each other's nerves. I need to get them out of the house this week, but it’s been raining for the last few days, and hiking isn’t going to happen right now. Even if the weather cooperated, I had so much work to do. I desperately need the income right now, so I can’t take time off. It’s frustrating. What I really want to do is…

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March 28, 2023
Read more about the article I felt broken and was crumbling under the weight of everything
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I felt broken and was crumbling under the weight of everything

I don't think I've written much about how I've been doing, at least not in great detail. I’ve shared little bits here and there, but that’s about it. Writing has been much more challenging over the last year, but I’m slowly being drawn back to it. I don’t know where to begin, or if this will make sense. I’m a little scattered tonight but I suppose it will make the most sense to start with the present. It’s tough to open up about where I am and what I’m going through, especially without trying to downplay things. Writing about it is easier than talking about it in person, but it still goes against the grain for me. That being said, I’m working very hard to find my way back to…

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March 27, 2023
Read more about the article A long overdue update
My thoughts

A long overdue update

I've wanted to write about how we’re doing, but I suppose the fact that I haven't sort of tells part of the story. So let's play catch up. There's so much to talk about, and I'm not sure exactly where to begin. For starters, the kids are doing pretty well. Gavin's entering into his adult life, is involved with the Board of DD, getting job training/coaching, received his very first paycheck, and is looking for part-time employment. His goal is to move out of the house this year or next. He's a little overwhelmed by all the changes, but he's also excited. He’s come so far. If you’re a long-time reader, you might remember how much he struggled. It’s incredible to see where he is today. Gavin’s 23 now and…

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March 24, 2023
Read more about the article Emmett’s been in a lot of pain lately
Akron Children's Hospital / Autism / Emmett John / My thoughts / Physical Therapy / Sensory

Emmett’s been in a lot of pain lately

Emmett’s been having a lot of back pain recently. He’s been to the doctor and it appeared to be muscular in nature so he was referred to physical therapy. The appointment was scheduled but we had a month or so to wait and it felt like forever. Yesterday, Emmett had his evaluation and they believe it’s muscular as well. He did great and has exercises to do each day. I’ll also now be taking him to PT every Friday morning at 7am through July. I’m not super excited about that but we do what we must and he definitely needs the help. Part of the problem is that Emmett has grown so rapidly recently. He went from this tiny kid who hadn’t grown forever to this giant teenager, seemingly overnight.…

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March 9, 2023