When it comes to an Autistic child they see the world in black and white. In most cases they don't even know the grey area exists. When talking to an Autistic child you have to remember that's how they see the world. With that in mind you can't use terms like "maybe" because to that child "maybe" means "for sure". Words like "yes" or "no" MUST be used. You never want to leave anything open ended as that WILL cause anxiety for the child. For example Gavin will ask if he can play video games. We know that he doesn't do well with them but sometimes he is allowed depending on the situation. However, when he asks we HAVE to say NO. If he asks when we respond "Never" even…

Since Gavin has been gone this time Elliott Richard has really had a rough time. He has begun having "accidents" on the carpet. We have talked to Dr. Patti and she says that he is angry about something. That something happens to be the fact that Gavin isn't home. We have been trying to insure he is ok but apparently we are falling short. I guess that's par for the course.

We spoke with Gavin you seems to be doing better today. He sounded loads better then he looked yesterday. He really struggled with OT yesterday but today he did it without a single meltdown. That was very good news. I told him we can't wait to have him come home. The doc's seem to be a bit concerned with the way the Cleveland Clinic handled Gavin while he was there. They treated him well but didn't treat his psychological conditions. One point of concern expressed to us was the fact the Gavin's left temporal lobe has a decreased level of electric activity.  Not entirely sure what that means but it's something they want to explain. They also said the test needs to be redone because Gavin was allowed to sleep (for obvious reasons) prior…

We just finished up our visit with Gavin went well. Its defiantly a different environment then what we experienced at Cleveland.. Gavin as well as other patients are wearing scrubs. Very few personal effects are allowed. They have their entire day mapped out on a board. Gavin attends school while he is there and is responsible for his own room. The environment is very blah, the reason for this is to keep the excitement to a minimum. I have to say that as frustrated as I am with Gavin's behaviors the moment I say him there like that I wanted to rescue him and bring him home. Don't get me wrong they take good care of him but seeing your child like that is very difficult.

Lizze and I are at Akron Kids meeting with the doctors. Not sure yet what is going to happen as we are still waiting. I think it's more of an interview then anything else. Gavin is doing ok but is getting agitated because he isn't getting his way like he did before. The doctor has already called us e times today. He wanted permission to put him back on anti-psychotics. He said he clearly needs them. We are going with Risperadol because it worked the best with no side effects and he last took it like 3 years ago. This is a totally different experience then we had before. He has a guard or "sitter" do to his history of being sexually aggressive. This protects everyone including himself. This way…

Lizze just got home from Akron. Apparently her and I need to go to parenting therapy in the afternoon as part of their program. Not to sure about that as this isn't a parenting issue. Lizze will be doing a full update so watch for it at http://dailymommysurvival.com

Gavin is being "committed" to the psychiatric ward at Akron Children's Hospital. It was a battle this morning. Gavin has been extremely aggressive all day. They were going to transfer him to Youngstown but decided not to at the last minute. While in the ER Gavin got very aggressive with Lizze. They even had a security guard in his room. So we are waiting to get a room. More later. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers

Gavin is going to Akron Children's Hospital. He has become extremely violent and much to dangerous to be here. We can't keep everyone safe from him including himself. Please pray they can help him.