Many of you are aware of my wife,  Lizze's, health issues.  If not,  please check out her incredibly honest blog Daily Mommy Survival. She's very open about her personal struggles and really has an awesome blog. This afternoon,  I simply wanted to update you all as to the current status of her 5 month old migraine and the pending procedure to attempt to relieve her pain. Lizze has literally run out of medications for her migraines.  Nothing works and nothing makes a dent in the pain.  She doesn't eat much anymore due to the constant nausea caused by the migraines. The last option available to is Botox and occipital nerve block.  These are newer procedures for extreme and unreadable migraines. The procedure has been approved but it won't take place…

Since introducing a more aggressive approach to Gavin’s behavioral choices,  he has been making better choices. We have gone a complete day without a single meltdown. There were at least two situations yesterday that would have previously resulted in a very aggressive meltdown. However,  upon reminding Gavin of what would happen if he chose to have a meltdown,  he very quickly and easily shut it down. This is very encouraging,  however it's only been one day.  My hope is that he can continue this positive trend into the future.  I pray for the day we can treat Gavin the way we do the other boys.  Up to this point,  there has always had to be different rules for Gavin because of his behavior. Hopefully,  this is a sign of things…

I wanted to share some really positive news about Gavin. We don't always have a lot of that to share,  I'm really excited. Gavin received several awards this school year and I wanted to share them all with you.  :-) Gavin,  I'm so proud of you for your accomplishments this year,  despite all your challenges.  :-) **Thanks for reading**        -Lost and Tired Please join our Autism Help Forum Look for "Autism Help" app at the Google Play Store Posted via WordPress for Android. Please forgive any typos as auto correct and I don't see eye to eye.

Gavin made it through the day with out a single meltdown. I think this new approach is working.  So in light of Gavin's better choices today,  I'm awarding him with Today's Victory.  Keep it up Gavin.  :-) **Thanks for reading**        -Lost and Tired Please join our Autism Help Forum Look for "Autism Help" app at the Google Play Store Posted via WordPress for Android. Please forgive any typos as auto correct and I don't see eye to eye.

Something that I think I had made pretty clear,  but was missed by some people is that Gavin has control over these meltdowns.  These are not the typical meltdowns you in any Autistic children. The reason I can say that is because Gavin has the ability to turn the meltdown on and off,  whenever he feels the need. When Emmett has a meltdown,  it's typically sensory overload and it pretty obvious because he is inconsolable. Gavin on the other hand,  has the meltdowns because he's facing the consequences for a choice he has made. Many times I have proven he has control because he basically will stop,  if and when he gets what he wants. He can also stop his fit,  long enough to move himself away from something he…

Yesterday,  Emmett and I went over to visit with our neighbors and let Bella play with their Rosy. After awhile,  Lizze and Gavin joined us and Emmett and I took Bella home.  While I was putting Bella in her kenel,  because we were getting ready to run some errands,  Emmett dashed out of the house,  across the alley and onto my neighbors porch. I went running after him as quickly as I physically could.  I shouted over to Lizze that he was loose and she snagged him. Emmett ran across a busy and dangerous alley without looking and scared me to death.  Luckily,  Emmett is our only runner and he's only done this a few times. However,  I can easily see this as a problem and one that I will…

Something that being a special needs parent has taught me,  is to always appreciate the little things.  I embrace that lesson every single. If I didn't,  I'd go crazy or crazier..... Snuggles are so awesome for me.  It's one of the few times that I truly feel like a good parent and at peace with everything. I love snuggling Emmett and Elliott because it reminds me of when they were little and I would sing them to sleep while they snuggled on my chest. Those moments are among my most treasured memories.  :-)