I’m not sure which is more difficult for me to deal with as a parent, #Autism or #ADHD

I've been a special needs parent for roughly half of my life. I'm so used to the challenges that I face on a daily basis, that I don't always remember that they are there.  Sometimes you can get so used to something that you simply don't know anything else. Over the years I've become quite acclimated with Autism but ADHD is something relatively new for me. It's been over a year since both Elliott and Emmett were diagnosed officially with ADHD.     I'm honestly not sure what I struggle with more as a parent, Autism or ADHD. They both present their own unique parenting challenges but ADHD is much newer to me and I'm still trying to figure it out.  There are many overlapping symptoms and it's sometimes really difficult…

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Tonight’s visitation has been a disaster once again :(

Is it a full moon or something?  Emmett refused to go visit his Mom today and I don't think that's ever happened. Elliott was excited to go visit his Mom and I don't think that's ever happened either. I don't know what's going in with Emmett but I do know that he doesn't want to talk about it. If push, he freaks out and the reason he does give doesn't seem very plausible.     Sadly, I didn't get my Chipotle burrito tonight and that sucks because I worked really hard during the week and that was going to be my reward. Instead of my one on one date with a huge burrito, Emmett and I had dinner together. It was nice and I never get to spend one on one…

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So much for my break :(

The boys have visitation with their Mom tonight and that means I get the next 24 hours off.  Unfortunately, while I was in my room writing this afternoon, Emmett walked and told me he doesn't want to go.  I don't think Emmett has ever not wanted to go to see his Mom.     His not wanting to go, turned into refusing to go and that led to the meltdown we've been having on/off for the last 90 minutes. 😳 I spoke with his Mom about what was going on and we both agreed not to force him. He freaked out when asked if he would speak with her on the phone.   WTF? I'm at a complete loss.  In an even weirder twist, Elliott is actually excited to go see…

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Gavin’s IVIG Infusion isn’t going so well for him

Gavin's IVIG Infusion is not going well for him. He keeps having to go to the bathroom and one of the two lines, isn't really moving.  In having him stay in his room because it's close to the bathroom.  Keeping him in his room was necessary because he'd already fallen up the stairs while racing to the bathroom a little bit ago. It's simply too dangerous.     I just want to get him through this and out the other end of the tunnel in one piece.

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Last night was a sensory nightmare for one of my kids

Emmett has been up since about 3 am and shows no signs of slowing down. It's been a really long and restless night in The Autism Dad household.     Poor Emmett was really stuffy last night and he really struggles with things like this. It's a sensory nightmare for him.  On the positive side, everyone's in a good mood.  All that's going on this morning is Gavin's IVIG Infusion. I don't expect any issues there and hopefully it won't take too long.  

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Emmett did some new things in Physical Therapy this week   ***Check out the pics***

I wanted to try to get caught up on back posts and thought this would be a fun one.  One of my favorite things to do during the week is take Emmett to physical therapy. Not only is his therapist really awesome but Emmett responds to her very well. He totally kicks butt every time he goes. This kid gives 150% every single time he's tasked with a challenge at physical therapy and just never gives up. ❤️👍😀 Here's a few pictures from this weeks session.              

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How did the toughest day of my life turn out?

Considering what today was, I think I did pretty well. Progress was made on the divorce papers and that's a positive thing for both of us.  This past year has been the toughest of my life but I've discovered just how strong I truly am.     The boys will be going to visit their Mom and Grandparents tomorrow and I while I don't like being away from from kids, I'm happy they get to go. Frankly, I'm feeling burnt out and in need of a break.     Maybe I'll treat myself to a burrito at Chipotle tomorrow night for dinner.  I'm emotionally drained and just need some time to myself but I made it through the day. That's something I'm really proud of.  

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Art by Emmett: Sadness

I wanted to share Emmett's little coloring page he did the other day. He loves Inside Out colored this picture of Sadness. I love sharing my kids art because it always brightens someone's day... 😀❤️👍   

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