Respite Archives - The Autism Dad

Let’s Talk About Respite

I want to talk about something that's really important and most parents don't get enough of. If you're a special needs parent, you're probably all too familiar with the word respite. Basically, respite means break. More specifically, it means a temporary break and is usually associated with caregivers. While my focus is more on special needs parenting, this really applies to any parent because we all need to take care of ourselves and we all need a break from time to time. Many of you know that respite is hard to come by for many caregivers, myself included. While my kids are older and can stay home alone for periods of time, that's relatively new and wasn't always like that. They can't stay home overnight by themselves and while that…

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August 3, 2021

General Update / My thoughts

An Important Update: Anxiety, Depression and Respite

There's a few things I need to catch you up on. For starters, Emmett made it to school this morning however, he came home sick about lunchtime. I understand there's a stomach bug going around the school but I'm not sure he's actually sick. I totally believe his stomach hurts but I suspect that something might be bothering him and he's just unable to articulate it. It's so easy to forget that Emmett is significantly emotionally delayed because he's so stinking smart. Part of that delay involves expressive language, of which he greatly struggles with. He's doing a bit better since coming home from school. We have therapy tonight and we'll focus on Emmett. Maybe even figure out what's bothering him. Gavin's having a better day today. I'm really glad…

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February 13, 2018

Mommy and Daddy Time / My thoughts / Parenting Break

This can really take it out of an #Autism parent

Lizze and I will be getting a break this fine Sunday. The boys will be spending the day, and subsequent night with their Grandparents. It feels like we haven't had a night off in forever, but it's only been about two weeks. It's amazing how two weeks of raising three kids with Autism can take it out of a parent. I'm not sure what we're going to do with our time. Perhaps we'll catch up on some sleep. Maybe we'll go for a walk, or catch a dollar movie. The whole point is to have some time away from the boys and devoted to ourselves. We're so grateful for the time, regardless of how we end up using it. ☺

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June 25, 2017

My thoughts

Let the celebration begin

The boys both had great days at school today. Emmett melted down on the way home and for a little while after arriving, because of how literally he sees things. I'll share more later. After we worked through all that, we finished getting the boys ready to go to their grandparents for the night. They ended up leaving about an hour ago and won't get home until tomorrow afternoon-ish. Lizze went to bed after they left because she's struggling a bit today and needs her rest. I'm enjoying a little time to myself before we settle in for the night. While Lizze is sleeping, I'm writing and watching this movie on Netflix called, Sacrifice. It's a bit weird but I'm gonna give it a chance. ☺

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January 27, 2017

My thoughts

1 big reason I’m super excited today

It's finally Friday and the very long week is coming to a close. What better way to celebrate than shipping the kids off to their grandparents house for the night. I love my kids, but holy shit do I need a break. I know Lizze does as well. The kids are equally excited about going and Gavin's been packed since this morning. He's been counting the minutes all day. I don't get paid until next week so it will be a poor man's date night, but we can certainly enjoy a quiet house, some Netflix and an uninterrupted nights sleep. Sleep is the main selling point here for us. I'm so grateful for tonight's break and I'm once again reminded that we are lucky to have such supportive family, on…

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January 27, 2017

My thoughts

A Desperately Needed Break

The boys are at their Grandparents tonight and Lizze, and I have the night to ourselves. Before the kids left, and it was a rougher day. It wasn't the worst ever by far, but it was tough nonetheless. Lizze and I are just taking it easy tonight. We picked up some dinner and watched some Netflix. I worked on some blog/work related things and Lizze worked on some art stuff. It's nice just to have some peace and quiet. Truthfully, TV was just some background noise. As weird as it sounds, the house was too quiet, and TV was just the right amount of background noise to make us feel more comfortable. We worked on our respective projects and just talked. It was a relaxing night. Nights like these help…

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December 30, 2016