Read more about the article Opening the new #Sony WF 1000X noise canceling true wireless headphones
My thoughts / Unboxing / YouTube Video

Opening the new #Sony WF 1000X noise canceling true wireless headphones

I'm always looking for ways to help raise Autism Awareness in creative ways. I used to raise awareness by building Android ROM's for Samsung's flagship phones and did that for a couple years. I had entire communities of nerds (myself included) on one of the most popular phone sites in the world, sharing what they learned about Autism with their families and friends. It was truly amazing. I ran out of time for developing and so that is no longer something I'm pursuing. I've begun a new venture to leverage one of the most popular types of videos on YouTube, unboxing videos, to raise awareness for worthwhile causes. I'm calling it OpeningStuff and I've already partnered with some amazing companies. I've already been sponsored by Bose, Jabra, Sphero, Tile, Nokia…

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October 30, 2017
Read more about the article It feels so shitty to make this type of decision
Autism Parenting Insight / My thoughts

It feels so shitty to make this type of decision

We made the difficult decision to cancel trick or treating today and while it wasn't popular, it was the right thing to do. There were several factors that went into making this decision. For starters, it's 40°F and raining outside. That's miserable to begin with, but considering two of the three boys are running fevers, Lizze is still really sick and Gavin's labs aren't good, we didn't feel comfortable going. Emmett was hit the harder because he doesn't deal with change well and he was really looking forward to going. Gavin didn't seem to care one way or the other and Elliott was on the same page as Gavin because I don't think he's feeling well. Lizze and I didn't know what else to do. All we could do was…

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October 29, 2017
Read more about the article I’m totally lost and don’t know what to do
Elliott / Emmett John / Fever Cycle / Figuring Shit Out / My thoughts

I’m totally lost and don’t know what to do

As of early this morning, it seems that Emmett is either sick or entering a fever cycle. There's absolutely no way to know the difference.. If you're wondering about Elliott, he's still running a fever as well. WTF are we supposed to do about trick or treating today? The forecast is cold and rainy. Should we just pretend like they aren't running fevers? Should we just take the kids trick or treating anyway? Forget for a moment that today is trick or treating because tomorrow they're supposed to return to school. I haven't even begun to figure that out. I'm at a total loss. I don't know what to do and there isn't anyone out there that can tell us anything we don't already know. That doesn't mean we know…

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October 29, 2017
Read more about the article Gavin’s not doing well tonight
My thoughts

Gavin’s not doing well tonight

I'm going to make this quit because I'm exhausted. Let me start by saying that I haven't written much today because life has just taken over and I'm struggling a bit with my depression. It was a really long day that included 60+ miles worth of driving to find Harry Potter costumes for the boys. I had ordered what I thought were Harry Potter robes on Amazon, only to discover that it was just a wand and glasses when they arrived today. Emmett was freaking out because he's been waiting since Lizze first began reading the books to them at bedtime. For now, everyone seems to be happy and that makes me happy. I would like to say Fuck You Amazon Seller for your deceptive listing. The evening brought with…

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October 29, 2017
Read more about the article I’m so incredibly worried, overwhelmed and stressed out
Autism Parenting Struggles / My thoughts

I’m so incredibly worried, overwhelmed and stressed out

We had a pretty nice evening, especially considering how stressful of a day it was. Lizze is sick and not doing well. Her cough is bad and she's in a lot of overall pain. She's only been on antibiotics for a couple days, so she should be feeling better in the coming days. Gavin is a hot mess. He's all over the place and absolutely struggling with nearly all areas of his life. I'm extremely worried about this new-ish unknown blood disorder and we are waiting for the referral to Hematology. Poor Gavin's Schizophrenia is definitely worsening since the reduction of his meds but there's no choices at this point. Let's not forget Elliott. Most of my morning was spent focusing on Elliott. He was at the pediatrician because he…

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October 28, 2017
Read more about the article Elliott needed a chest x-ray this morning
Elliott / Major Update / My thoughts

Elliott needed a chest x-ray this morning

Elliott's appointment took about two hours and he did about as well as he does at any doctors appointment. Elliott has never been comfortable at the doctors, any doctor for that matter. He gets extremely anxious and that using leads to a meltdown, or at the very least, tears. In a nutshell, his appointment when well. We're waiting for the results of the chest x-ray that is ruling out walking pneumonia and that's about it. He doesn't have strep and shows zero signs of being sick other than running the fever. The only reason they did the chest x-ray is because he's had walking pneumonia on a few occasions in the past. It's looking like we are moving in the direction of what Emmett's dealing with, a rare fever disorder.…

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October 27, 2017
Read more about the article Colgate and MagnusCards helping Special Needs kids with oral hygiene #ColgatePartner
My thoughts / PSA / Sponsored Post

Colgate and MagnusCards helping Special Needs kids with oral hygiene #ColgatePartner

This post is sponsored by #ColgatePartner and is intended to share my family’s experiences using their oral hygiene social stories to help our kids with Autism maintain good oral hygiene. Being an Autism parent is full of many challenges. We all face a unique set of circumstances, but there are usually a few common threads that tie us all together. One of the challenges my family faces is regarding helping our kids with Autism learn personal hygiene. In my experience, with my kids, personal hygiene is something that doesn't seem to come naturally, especially with my oldest. One of the most essential elements of personal hygiene is maintaining good oral health. This has always been problematic because my oldest struggles with a lack of self-awareness and reduced memory function. He…

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October 27, 2017