Last week we received a welcome packet from the school we were hoping to keep Elliott in this year.  We were very excited to receive this as we were waiting all summer to get word. As you may recall Elliott was not allowed to return this year because he is on the Autism Spectrum.  When we finally were able to meet with person in charge of the school,  I thought we had worked everything out. I thought I had cleared things up. I thought I had explained that Autism is different for every child and that simply because Elliott has Aspergers doesn't mean he will have the same problems as Gavin or Emmett. However,  we received an email this afternoon stating that by trying to service a "gifted child" like…

Autism and the age gap I want to talk to you about something I personally struggle with on a daily basis. I guess that's kinda vague because, let's be honest, I struggle with quite a bit.  I'll be a bit more specific and focus on just one issue in particular. Let me start by asking you a question. Do you think that there can be a difference between a persons chronological age (think number of birthdays) and their emotional age? Anyone? If you said answered "yes" give yourself a shiny gold star because you are 100% correct. I refer to the difference between chronological and emotional age as the age gap. Many kids with Autism will present with this age gap as part of the developmental delay. The Lost and Tired family is no exception. For…

Emmett is absolutely captivated by fish.  He would spend all day watching them swim around the tank.  We don't have fish anymore but I feel like I should provide something for Emmett in this area.   Maybe with tax return this year I will set up a small aquarium for him and he can help me care for it.  I really think something like this would be good for him.  Watching fish has always been relaxing for me.  I have ever had had tropical fish for most of my life. The only reason I don't have one now is that I didn't want the responsibility as I already have my hands full.  I do believe it would be worth it if Emmett's fascination with fish can be fostered.  Kids in the…

Gavin and Emmett are both on the Autism Spectrum. Both are considered Autistic but have profoundly different symptoms. I think it's important that people see kids on the spectrum as individuals. It would would be irresponsible, not to mention inaccurate, to lump them all together. As special needs parents, Lizze and I have to focus in two VERY different directions in order to help Emmett and Gavin to reach their potential. Here's an example of how the same traits have very different symptoms. Language, speech and   communication in general, are typical struggles for kids on the spectrum. Gavin, for example, NEVER stops talking. As bad as it sounds, I wish sometimes he had a "mute" button. The other problem is that he talks so fast and it's already very difficult…

Gavin is still sick from the infusion. He is nauseous and cramped.  They warned us that this might happen as some people have these types of reactions and some don't.  Of course Gavin is one of the ones that will struggle with this.  Poor kid can't catch a break.

I wanted to take a minute and share something with all of you that I have been thinking alot about lately. Recently I have been writing alot about the regression Gavin has been experiencing over the years.  It's a popular topics for me because it's that my family struggles with every day.  So basically,  it's always at the forefront of my mind.  However,  despite all the regression, Gavin has made some progress as well.  I don't honestly know if the progress is despite the regression or because of it.  I know that sounds really strange but I don't know how else to explain it.  While we struggle with many things,  Gavin has also overcome many obstacles as well.  He is no longer violent towards others and that is a huge…

Autism, Vaccines and Immune Deficiency First of all, let me go on the record as stating that I am NOT anti-vaccine...at all. However, something occurred to me this morning and has got me concerned. I'm concerned for a very specific reasons. Emmett and Elliott are both scheduled for vaccines on Thursday afternoon....well...they were scheduled for vaccines this Thursday but not now. My goal here is not to turn this into a heated debate but rather share my concerns as they relate to my, personal family situation. I'm hoping to gain some insight from the community here. Something occurred to me this morning. Gavin has most likely been Immunol deficient his entire life. Without knowing this, we vaccinated him as recommended by his pediatrician. No one had any idea that Gavin's immune system was compromised…