Read more about the article It’s been such a long day and I’m spent
My thoughts

It’s been such a long day and I’m spent

It's been an exceptionally long day for a number of reasons. Emmett wasn't feeling well I spent five straight hours in meetings this afternoon. Emmett felt better as the day went on and was okay to go visit his mom. Normally, when they are home from school due to not feeling well, they don't go anywhere. One of the few exceptions are parental visits and this is only true if they aren't sick with something contagious. Most of the time my kids don't feel well, it's emotional or chronic in nature, if that makes sense. As with many kids on the spectrum, there tends to be a lot of anxiety related upset stomachs and things like that. I think Emmett is dealing with some of the chronic health issues his…

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May 12, 2022
Read more about the article For #autism parents, redirection is an art form
Autism Parenting Tips and Tricks / My thoughts

For #autism parents, redirection is an art form

My first meeting today was rescheduled and frankly, it worked out for the best. Emmett hasn't been feeling well and was hanging out in my room while I was working. I still have a few more meetings to get through today but Emmett's feeling a little better. I don't know know about your kids but if my kids have an upset stomach, they assume they're going to puke. They can get so worked up that they actually will puke when they probably, otherwise wouldn't have. The trick to avoid this, in my expression, is redirection. Autism parents have to master the art of redirection, and it is an art form. Thankfully, my kids are older and manage much better but redirection is still very helpful at times. Today was one…

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May 11, 2022
Read more about the article Today’s going to be a good day
My thoughts

Today’s going to be a good day

The last couple of days have been rough for me. I experience with emotions is very intense. That's not necessarily a bad thing but it can be overwhelming. I've always been that way but as I've aged, it's become easier to manage. Not perfect mind you, but manageable. When I get like this, I can start drowning in what feels like a tsunami of feelings, fear, and pervasive thinking. I always thought that was normal but as I'm learning more about myself, I'm understanding it's very much an ADHD thing. It's so interesting to step back and look at things because I'm able to recognize patterns in my behavior that make much more sense now. Once I recognize the problem, I can work on addressing it. The hardest part for…

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May 11, 2022
Read more about the article I’m so proud of him
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Gavin / My thoughts / Proud Dad Moments

I’m so proud of him

I had a conversation with someone today (did a video about it here) and I remembered a bit more about why I started doing everything I do. It was a reminder to me that while evolution and growth can be positive things, it's important to stay true to your roots. I've been thinking alot about this today and I'm feeling inspired to want to make some changes to how I write. My concern for privacy hasn't and won't change, so there are parts of our lives that are simply off limits. That doesn't mean I can't share the cool things my kids are doing and obstacles they've overcome along the way. I've gotten away from this since I became a single Dad a few years back and honestly, I'm not…

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May 10, 2022
Read more about the article I’m 43 years old, and finished my first round of #ADHD testing
ADHD / My thoughts

I’m 43 years old, and finished my first round of #ADHD testing

The other day, I received a phone call from my psychologist. There had been a cancelation and he was hoping I would come in a week early to get started on my ADHD evaluation. I had to clear my afternoon schedule but I jumped at the opportunity to get this process started. I've been waiting for a couple of months to undergo this evaluation and hopefully, get the help I need to better manage my symptoms. I arrived at the office about an hour or so after hanging up the phone and nervously waited in the lobby. Eventually I heard my name and made my way into this small room off to the side. It was cluttered with books, papers, and boxes. It reminded me of my speech therapists office…

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May 6, 2022
Read more about the article It’s taking some time but that’s okay
My thoughts

It’s taking some time but that’s okay

It's been a really long day and I'm physically and emotionally drained. At the same time, it's been a good day as well. We overslept a bit this morning but I got the kids to school on time. The boys are doing pretty good and I'm always grateful for that. Gavin's doing well and he helped me around the house today. I was able to get the bulk of my work load done earlier this week, so I'm trying to get the house caught up while I have the time. Work is actually going great and I finished the Temple Grandin podcast episode for next Monday. I'm so excited and can't wait for you to hear it. I had some running around to do before I spent the morning/afternoon painting…

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May 6, 2022
Read more about the article Sleep. Who needs it?
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My thoughts / Sponsored Post

Sleep. Who needs it?

If you've read this blog for a while, you're probably aware of my many years of chronic sleep deprivation. In fact, many of you can probably relate, and I'm sorry about that. For anyone out there who doesn't have first hand experience raising autistic kids, let me just say that sleep can often be a major struggle. Autism parenting is 24/7/365 and there aren't many breaks. In truth, some people never get breaks at all and will be doing this day in and day out for the duration of their lives. Autistic kids can often struggle with sleep for various reasons I'm not going to get into right now. The point I'm going for is that when our kids don't sleep, we don't sleep. Sleep is so important I think…

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May 5, 2022
Read more about the article Fun for All the Family: 7 Must-See Sights and Attractions in Hampshire
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Fun for All the Family: 7 Must-See Sights and Attractions in Hampshire

You can’t go to Hampshire without visiting one of these must-see family sights and attractions! From mini adventures to full days out, this slice of Britain has it all.  Explore the county’s beautiful national parks and climb up to the top of the tallest structure outside London before trailing through ancient gardens and sweeping coastlines. Come rain or shine; there is something fun for all the family to enjoy. We’ve selected 7 of our favourite must-see sights and attractions in Hampshire to get you inspired. Read on to find out more:  Paultons Park Paultons Park is a family theme park set in the New Forest National Park. Peppa Pig fans will delight in the world's first Peppa Pig World, including 9 Peppa themed rides and attractions such as George’s Dinosaur…

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May 5, 2022