Read more about the article We had some #vaccine related hiccups
Elliott / Emmett John / My thoughts / School Related Issues / Vaccines

We had some #vaccine related hiccups

I wanted to explain the hiccup with school that we ran into. I mentioned this in a recent post and never circled back to explain. I figured I start the day off with some writing and this is a good place to start. The issue we ran into is with vaccines for both Elliott and Emmett. Vaccines are extremely important and for the most part, we've maintained their vaccine schedules. There were, however, a couple of exceptions. Emmett's issues stemmed from his fever disorder. After consultation with his pediatrician at the time, it was decided to put off his MMR because he was constantly running a fever. We were trying to figure out his health issues and no one wanted to muddy the water. He eventually received his first MMR…

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June 26, 2020
Read more about the article Focusing on the positive
COVID19 / Elliott / Emmett John / Lockdown / My thoughts

Focusing on the positive

There's so much going on right now and our lives are on hold in many ways. The stress is getting to all of us and it's quite common for me to hear the kids fighting throughout the day. They are so overwhemled by everything and I just don't know how to help them purge some of that stress and anxiety. Anyway, I wanted to share this because it made me so happy to see. I was working and when I realized how quiet the house was, I went to check. I wanted to make sure everything and everyone was okay. It's not a common occurance for the house to be quiet during the day. When I walked into the living room, this is what I found. Elliott and Emmett were…

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May 6, 2020
Read more about the article My kids had their first telemedicine appointment yesterday
Akron Children's Hospital / Behavioral Health / COVID19 / Elliott / Emmett John / Link / Lockdown / My thoughts

My kids had their first telemedicine appointment yesterday

It's been a few days since I've written. Things are getting rough here in The Autism Dad household and I'd be lying if I told you I was doing fine, because I'm not. Not at all. The kids are absolutely overwhelmed, anxious, overstimulated, angry, frustrated and fucking terrified. They're absolutely terrified and it's not easy to reassure them because they're too smart. They know how bad this is and while I constantly reinforce that we're safe because we're socially isolating, they aren't feeling better about it. I'm not trying to be all doom and gloom but this shit is crazy. This is about as serious as it gets and I can look out my window throughout the day and see countless people not taking this seriously. The boys and I…

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April 9, 2020
Read more about the article Elliott was seen by @akronchildrens hospital today
Akron Children's Hospital / Elliott / My thoughts / Pediatrics

Elliott was seen by @akronchildrens hospital today

It's been a long day and I'm definitely tired, but I'll begin at well, the beginning. Elliott and Emmett were both home from school today. Elliott has been sick since Thursday night and Emmett's been sick since Saturday. Gavin is currently doing great but I think I'm getting sick as well. I've started with a cough today and I'm feeling rundown. No, I didn't buy masks. This was given to him because of his cough. There was some minor concern because we traveled and spent time in places where COVID19 has been confirmed. Exactly 2 weeks after we arrived home, Elliott spiked a fever. I called Akron Children's Hospital this morning because he had a well check scheduled for today. They decided to change the appointment to a sick appointment…

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March 10, 2020
Read more about the article Houston, we have a fever
Elliott / My thoughts

Houston, we have a fever

Nothing is ever easy in The Autism Dad household. I was able to get to sleep early last night but woke up because Elliott wasn't feeling well. Long story short, he didn't sleep well and was under the weather. I did manage to get Emmett to school, which was a bit challenging because he doesn't like going alone. Anyway, Elliott went back to bed and woke up a little while ago with a fever of almost 103°F. I'm not sure if it's a cold or not but he's very congested and has a headache. It sorta seems like the status quo for when he gets sick. It's usually upper respiratory in nature and sets in rapidly. I just have to watch him closely because he's prone to pneumonia and other…

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March 6, 2020
Read more about the article First things first, Happy Birthday Elliott
Elliott / Happy Birthday / My thoughts

First things first, Happy Birthday Elliott

I want to start out by saying Happy Birthday to Elliott. He turned 14 today and I couldn't possibly be prouder of the young man he's becoming. The plan for today is get the boys to school and go walking. I have a meeting at 11am and that should last about an hour. I have to pick Emmett up early and get him to Akron Children's Hospital for a follow-up. Lizze and her mom will be picking up the other 2 kids because it's Wednesday and they have a visit this afternoon. I will drop Emmett off on our way home. They're celebrating Elliott's birthday, so I'll celebrate it later this week. It sucks that we have to do things this way but it's okay. I have Elliott everyday and…

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March 4, 2020
Read more about the article How my #Autistic son overcame his anxiety today
Elliott / Inspirational Posts / My thoughts

How my #Autistic son overcame his anxiety today

We had a really busy day today and I'm quite tired. We had our share of ups and downs I wanted to point out something that happened, as well as how I handled it. As I mentioned the other day, we were celebrating Gavin's 20th birthday today. Most of my family, including myself and the boys, went bowling this morning and out to lunch afterwards. Overall, this was a very positive experience and for the most part, everyone had fun. The boys are very good bowlers. Unfortunately, Elliott became overwhelmed by all that was going on and his anxiety went through the roof. Lately, Elliott has been struggling with significant anxiety and quickly becoming overwhelmed in social situations. Elliott didn't want to go out to eat because he'd already had…

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January 20, 2020
Read more about the article Creative ways my kids avoid talking during therapy
Elliott / Emmett John / My thoughts

Creative ways my kids avoid talking during therapy

The boys had an emotional therapy session last night. Gavin didn't participate outside of briefing us on his rather bizarre missions he's been going on lately. Frankly, it was weird and kind of uncomfortable to listen to. Elliott and Emmett had some things that were upsetting them. These were things that I couldn't help with because I don't have any control over other people's actions. They didn't want to talk about it but they eventually did and I'm very proud of them for doing so. Mr. Emmett went and found a blue bucket, cut out facial expressions, and taped them to the outside of the bucket before putting it over his head in an attempt to avoid talking about these things. He evertually opened up but it took some time.…

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December 11, 2019