While today definitely started out rough,  Gavin managed to pull it together and even earn some privileges back. My Dad and I were gutting the back of our yard today. We had a lot of overgrowth that needed to be cut out.  With my back being shot to hell,  I couldn't do it by myself. We managed to get most everything cut out.  The clean up still has a ways to go before were done with that. However,  I had Gavin come outside and help us with some basic clean up things like stacking the freshly cut wood and cleaning up the little scraps left behind.  Gavin did a fantastic job.  He was very careful and even got to use some tools,  with proper supervision of course. I guess the…

My main man Elliott Richard made his own lunch this afternoon. He made himself a peanut butter sandwich.  That's totally awesome,  but wait there's more. Not only did he make his own lunch but he also made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for Gavin.  I'm so proud of him.  It may not seem like much to the average person,  but to this Daddy,  it was the highlight of my day and probably my weekend. It's sooooo important that we help our kids to become as independent as they possibly can. Even something as simple as making their own lunch is a invaluable life skill that they will take with them as they go forward. I know it's not always easy to let go and allow your kids to spread…

I thought it would be interesting and insightful to learn what you folks find the most challenging about Summertime? For me personally,  I find it more challenging for numerous reasons.  Groceries are harder to maintain due to the kids eating at home instead of school.  Finding things that are #Autism friendly is also a challenge at times. It's also really exhausting because everything is constant and I no longer have that 8 hour break everyday. What are some of the things that you find difficult or challenging? You don't have to be a special needs parent to answer either.  Parenting in general, is challenging.  :-) **Thanks for reading**        -Lost and Tired Please join our Autism Help Forum Look for "Autism Help" app at the Google Play Store…

It's barely 9:30am and Gavin is already on his 2nd meltdown of the day.  This was one of the weirdest and most bizarre things I have ever witnessed. I was right there when it happened and I still don't understand what happened.  Basically,  Gavin shooting baskets in the dining room when all of a sudden he came into the living room and said "I didn't know adult men wear diapers".  I swear to God,  I couldn't make this stuff up. The next thing I know Gavin is freaking out and when I asked him what was wrong,  I made it worse. This was one of those rare instances where Gavin was having a meltdown that he didn't have control over. To be completely honest,  I have no idea where any…

Today my Dad is coming over with the the chain saw.  We're gonna spend about an hour or so cleaning up the yard. I want to get rid of the overgrowth and finish cutting a stump out. I really try to keep up with the yard but it's honestly not always a priority.  Hopefully,  this won't take very long because I believe it's supposed to rain today. However,  if we get this done,  it will be one less thing for me to have to worry about.  I'll take some before and after shots so you can see what I accomplished today. :-) **Thanks for reading**        -Lost and Tired Please join our Autism Help Forum Look for "Autism Help" app at the Google Play Store This was posted…

I was sleeping when Lizze came to get me this morning.  After everyone woke up today,  she sent me upstairs to bed.  Thanks honey.  Anyway, apparently Gavin was freaking out and once again beating the crap out of himself. Lizze was trying to explain what had happened but I was still half asleep.  I looked at my phone and saw the time...7am I walked into Gavin's room and saw,  heard and felt his rage.  He was really upset and punching himself in the face,  arms and legs.  This whole thing happened because he wasn't listening. We have decided to get him a helmet.  It had been suggested awhile ago but for whatever reason,  we never pursued it. However,  in light of how hard he's hitting himself in the head,  I…

I've been sleeping on the couch the past few nights. No,  Lizze hasn't kicked me out :-P Our mattress is shot and is not good for my back.  I can't sleep on it at least until my back feels better.  The couch isn't to bad and I don't wake up throughout the night in pain. I have company again tonight in the format of Bella,  our six month old pure bred boxer puppy. She takes up half the couch herself but it seems to work out anyway. **Thanks for reading**        -Lost and Tired Please join our Autism Help Forum Look for "Autism Help" app at the Google Play Store This was posted via WordPress for Android, courtesy of Samsung's Galaxy S III. Please forgive any typos. I…

Lizze and I were watching a movie tonight when we heard all this screaming.  I got up and looked out the window to find a huge group of kids jumping around my van. It turns out that there was huge fight going on next to my house. These groups of girls,  all teens,  were screaming,  cursing and threatening each other.  I grabbed Maggie and went outside onto my porch.  The only thing going through my head at the time was,  "I swear to God,  of you wake up my kids......" I screamed at them to get out of here.  It was a bit more colorful than that but you get the point. I even dialed 911, but believe it or not,  no one answered. I was so pissed off.  However, …