Read more about the article Gavin went to bed not feeling well and I’m worried
Gavin / My thoughts

Gavin went to bed not feeling well and I’m worried

Gavin had a really stressful day yesterday. He did great with having to get more bloodwork done but it took a lot out of him. As the day went on, it was clear that he was at the end of his rope. The boys were being annoying, as little brothers will be, but Gavin didn't have as much patience as he usually does. After dinner, he ended up with really bad reflux and it took quite a bit of work to help him feel better. He went to bed tonight still not feeling 100%. I don't know if the reflux was stress related or if it was something he ate. Maybe it's a little bit of both or something else all together. I'm worried about him and there's nothing I…

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February 9, 2018
Read more about the article The doctor called with heartbreaking news
Common Variable Immunodeficiency / Gavin / My thoughts / Thoughts and Prayers

The doctor called with heartbreaking news

I received a call today from Gavin's doctor. When I saw who it was, my stomach knotted up and my heart sank. They never call unless it's bad news. I was right. Apparently, Gavin's numbers are crashing again. I'm currently waiting for him to come out from having his labs drawn for the second time in three days. I didn't get all the numbers but they informed me that his Absolute Neutrophil count (ANC) dropped from 2.9 to 1.8 in less than a week. This is not a good thing and I wish I knew what was responsible for this but no one knows for sure what it is. The most likely culprit is the Clozapine but it's also possible it's part of his CVID (Common Variable Immunodeficiency) as well.…

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February 8, 2018
Read more about the article #Autism Isn’t Anyone’s Fault
Inspirational Posts / My thoughts

#Autism Isn’t Anyone’s Fault

I remember the moment each one of my kids was diagnosed with Autism. It's permanently seared into my brain because these moments are among the most pivotal in my life. One of the things I remember most was how much guilt I felt as our Autism journey began. I felt like I had sentenced my kids to a life of misery because them having Autism was somehow my fault. That guilt ate me alive for a long time. Truth be told, there are still moments where that guilt pops back up, even after all these years. I wanted to take a minute and talk to the Autism parents of the world, especially those just starting this crazy, wonderful, confusing and overwhelming ride. Speaking from personal experience, and extensive contact with…

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February 8, 2018
Read more about the article Are Sports An Option For Children With Autism?
Contributed

Are Sports An Option For Children With Autism?

This is a collaborative post and doesn't necessarily reflect the thoughts and opinions of this blog or its author.    Life is tough for children with autism. There’s no way around it. Though there’s help out there, there’s still a lot to worry about when it comes to day to day living. This is the case during and after the school years. Whatever your kids try to do, they’re sure to come up against some barrier to make it harder for them. In a way, there’s no getting around that. There are going to be things a child with autism can’t do. That’s a fact. But, it’s possible we also put barriers in places they don’t need to be. And, by doing so, we take away some of the pleasures…

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February 7, 2018
Read more about the article I suppose it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world
My thoughts

I suppose it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world

It's been an interesting and even pleasant evening. Tuesday night therapy went well for everyone and while the boys were a handful at bedtime, everyone's sleeping. Lizze went to a late night movie with her Mom and I ended up falling asleep one the couch before 10 PM. I slept clean through until Lizze got home a bit after midnight. She had a great time with her Mom and I had a really quiet evening alone, which is actually nice to have every once in a while.. ☺ There's a better than average chance that we're looking at a snowday this morning. The school had already been talking about this when I was picking the kids up yesterday afternoon. I suppose a snowday wouldnt be the worst thing in the…

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February 7, 2018
Read more about the article A super quick and important update
General Update / My thoughts

A super quick and important update

I'm keeping this short and sweet cause we're getting ready to head out the door again. Both the boys had good days at school. They came home in a good mood and are feeling good about going back tomorrow. ☺ If I could pick only one thing to go right today, this would have been it. I'm so relieved that everything went well.. ☺ Many of you will recognize the significance of surviving a significant change to your ASD kid's routine. It's even more amazing when they not only survive it but totally own it. I'm proud of my little minions.... ☺

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February 6, 2018
Read more about the article When your special needs kid turns 18, there’s a ton of shit you have to worry about
Gavin / My thoughts / Transition to Adulthood

When your special needs kid turns 18, there’s a ton of shit you have to worry about

We just finished meeting with Social Security. Gavin has to requalify for permanent disability now because he's eighteen years old. The appointment only took about an hour and that's not too bad. I felt terrible because there were people without appointments who'd already been waiting almost five hours for a possible walk-in appointment. That absolutely sucks. Anyway, we answered all the necessary questions and they were really good with Gavin. Now we wait four or five months and see what happens. I'm still his payee and there was no paperwork needed for that. When Lizze and I gain permeate guardianship, I'll have to submit those papers but it doesn't really change anything. They will be pulling all of Gavin's medical records since his last appoval and using that to determine…

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February 6, 2018