SPD Archives - Page 169 of 173

Working off anxiety by exploring nature

I find myself once again working outside with Elliott. I'm helping him to deal with his anxiety in a healthier way. Right now I'm just sitting on the porch watching him do his thing. He's collecting bugs to feed his toads. There's something about flipping over the rocks and being outside that just provides him with instantaneous relief from his worries. I do have to be cautious because we are in a not so good neighborhood and it's prone to outbreaks violence. I'm elated about this though, because it's free, accessible, healthy and in many ways, educational. So far it's working but I don't know for how long or what I'll do in the winter. Either way, I'm doing my best to help my son through a very difficult time…

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August 7, 2015

Gavin / Medication / My thoughts

The role of medications in my son’s life

It was refill Gavin's weekly pill dispenser time this morning. It's my favorite time of the week <insert sarcasm>. I actually hate doing this because it's a reminder of everything that Gavin struggles with. I've got the actual process down to a science but it's relatively tedious. What you see in the picture below is just one weeks worth of his medication. Majority of the pills are actually for his physical health issues. He's on three psychiatric medications and that's actually progress because it used to be more than that. There are medications to reduce his heart rate and manage his blood pressure. There are medications to reduce the chance of a bad reaction to his biweekly IVIG infusions as well. There are also two inhalers for asthma and…

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August 7, 2015

My thoughts

Using what I have to try and channel my kids excessive energy in a positive way

Before Elliott got hurt last night, I was trying to keep the kids focusing their energies in a positive way. That's not always easy in the neighborhood we live in because of safety concerns. This afternoon, we gave the toads tank a makeover. You might remember that the boys rescued a family of toads on the 4th of July. It doesn't cost us anything more than our time because I already had the supplies in the basement. I've been using this as a chance to teach the boys about toads live and eat. Toads don't do much but they do like to eat and I take Elliott outside during the day when his anxiety gets too much for him and we look for insects to feed the toads. It really calms…

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August 7, 2015

Elliott / My thoughts

We had a really, really, really close call today

Elliott and Emmett were both in rare form today. I spent a large part of my time, trying to slow them down, in order to keep them from hurting themselves. We made it all the way to dinner time without incident but then it happened. Elliott and Emmett were chasing each other around in circles through the living room, kitchen and dinning room. I told them to stop countless times but they were pretty amped up because they were going to do some back to school shopping with their Mom and Grandma in a little bit. Next thing I know, Elliott is screaming because he tripped and fell. Initially, I thought he had just sprained his wrist because that's all he was complaining about. Then I saw his forehead and…

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August 7, 2015

Because You Asked / My Opinion / Vaccines

Because You Asked: Why I vaccinated my kids

First of all, I fully realize this is a touchy subject. At the same time, I'm constantly being asked for my opinion on this subject, and I thought as the Lost and Tired story continues under a new name, I would address this issue and when someone asks, I can point them here. I very much believe in the benefits of vaccines All of my kids have been vaccinated and are up to date on their shots. My oldest is getting his final HPV dose in a couple of months. Vaccines are overwhelmingly safe for the vast majority of the human race. That's just scientific and medical fact. That's always being disputed, but the man that sparked the entire debate was proven to be a fraud and had his medical…

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August 6, 2015

Gavin / My thoughts

Gavin got a big surprise today :)

For those following my family's story, you already know just how far Gavin's come over the last year. He's made an unbelievable transformation and I quite literally couldn't be any prouder of him. He faces mental health and physical health issue that are exceedingly rare and never once complains. Gavin's gone from a destructive force to one who's efforts help to keep this family running on a daily basis. Anyway, Gavin's been saving up for this Transformers toy. He's patiently saving his money and the other day, I ordered it for him as a surprise from both myself and his younger brothers. This thing was under $10 so it was a huge deal. That being said, I knew it would mean the world to him. It arrived today and…

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August 6, 2015

Confessions

#Autism Parenting Confessions: The truth is that sometimes I do think about quitting

Like anyone else, I find myself frustrated at times with my life. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids and I'm grateful for every breath I get the honor of taking with them in my life. I have an amazing family, both on and offline as well. While much of my life is a struggle right now, I'm always aware that it could be worse and I'm grateful for each day I live to fight another fight. I would never intentionally let my kids down either. All things being the same though, I do find myself frustrated at times because it feels like I have a great deal on my plate and I just can't catch a break. My kids can't seem to catch a break either. Their lives…

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August 6, 2015

Divorce / My thoughts

Potentially, the boys have an emotional night at therapy ahead of them

Update: This is posting late because it's been a very difficult day and I didn't get around to posting it after dinner. We've been trying to put a therapy session together for them with their Mom but it just hasn't come together yet. The reason for this type of session is because the therapist and I want to facilitate a discussion between the boys and their Mom. Since she left last year, she only sees them for about 48 hours a month, give or take. The reason are complicated but not something I have any control over. The visitations haven't been going so well for everyone, in particular Elliott and more recently Emmett. Emmett's getting tummy aches and Elliott simply doesn't want to have contact with his Mom…

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August 5, 2015