Read more about the article #COVID19 requires new routines for my #autistic kids
Inspirational Posts / My thoughts

#COVID19 requires new routines for my #autistic kids

I'm making some progress in the creating a new routine department and I'm pretty proud of myself. Actually, I'm proud of my kids as well because they're slowly adjusting. We're on day 143 or 144 of COVID19 lockdown and yes, it's a lockdown. We have been to the park a handful of times and spend time in our yard when it's safe, we are otherwise locked down. I'm following CDC guidelines for people at high risk. It's not a difficult concept folks. That's directed at the trolls who complain about my use of the word lockdown. One of my biggest challenges since schools shutdown has been establishing a routine. That's not an easy thing to do with autistic kiddos. The kids and I were still getting our footing after the…

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July 26, 2020
Read more about the article If my sensory sensitive kids with #Autism can wear a mask, WTF is your excuse?
COVID19 / Inspirational Posts / Lockdown / My thoughts

If my sensory sensitive kids with #Autism can wear a mask, WTF is your excuse?

I know I'm not writing nearly as often as I normally do and the truth is, depression is really kicking my ass. I'm still functional but definitely struggling. As of today, we've been on lockdown for 98 straight days. As you can probably imagine, it's running a bit long in the tooth at this point. Unfortunately, there simply isn't any other options. With Gavin being immunocompromised, there literally isn't another way to keep him safe. We're in this for the long haul and that's likely to be awhile. I've been hearing from readers both here and on social media, that their husband, wife, daughter, son or other loved one is immunocompromised as well and they're in the exact same boat. While my heart goes out to all the other families…

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June 11, 2020
Read more about the article The biggest challenges I face with my #autistic kids on #COVID19 lockdown
COVID19 / Inspirational Posts / Lockdown / My thoughts

The biggest challenges I face with my #autistic kids on #COVID19 lockdown

I've been talking to some fantastic experts on my podcast recently. My goal is to help parents better help their kids navigate the COVID19 lockdown. The feedback thus far has been very positive and I have more interviews coming. One of the most common things that everyone is saying is essential, especially in regards to autistic kids, is routine. Routine is paramount to helping our kids feel safe, secure, and in control during these scary, uncertain times. Generally, autistic kids require a very rigid structure and a strict routine in their daily lives. I'm not going into the whys at this point, so please just accept that as fact, because it is pretty common knowledge.  COVID19 and our response to it has thrown our lives into chaos. Schools are…

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May 4, 2020
Read more about the article No Regrets: Trading One Dream For Another
Inspirational Posts / My thoughts

No Regrets: Trading One Dream For Another

I wanted to share something that happened recently. There's so much going on that sorta drowns out moments like these. The other day, Elliott was digging through some drawers and he found a very special piece of my past. I don't talk about it much because it doesn't really matter anymore and truthfully, it sometimes makes me sad to remember all I gave up. The picture above shows my old uniform shirt from when I was a fire medic. I haven't seen it in I don't know how long. For those that don't know, when I met my soon to be ex-wife (I fucking hate saying that but I don't know how else to say it anymore), I was just finishing up medic school and already working at the fire…

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April 30, 2020
Read more about the article My kids deserve the best version of me
COVID19 / Inspirational Posts / Lockdown / My thoughts

My kids deserve the best version of me

If I rated my sleep last night on a scale of 1 to 10, it would probably be a 4. I've had better but I've also had worse. I didn't get to bed until well after midnight and that is something I'm trying very hard to correct because I need to take better care of myself. Self-care is so important and yet it's so hard to practice. I've spoken about self-care countless times over the years and I'll continue to do so moving forward. It's just that important. Right now, the COVID19 lockdown has everyone in the country on edge. The stress level across the board is palpable. That level of stress increases exponentially when you're an Autism or Special Needs parent. It increases exponentially if you have a loved…

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April 19, 2020
Read more about the article To Whom This May Concern
Inspirational Posts / My thoughts

To Whom This May Concern

Look, am I okay? No. No I'm not. I imagine if I asked you the same question (and I do almost every single night on Twitter), many of you would answer the same way. The world is absolutely crazy right now and a lot of us aren't doing okay. I'm not a unique case here. So many people are struggling right now. The big difference is that I'm openly sharing how I feel. Not everyone is comfortable doing that and that's okay. My kids and I have been staring at each other for 37 days now. The house feels like it's shrinking and I'm exhausted. There are times that I really struggle and there are times that I'm doing okay-ish. At least as good as one can do under these…

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April 13, 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 We don’t have to be perfect parents and that’s good, especially for me
Inspirational Posts / My thoughts

We don’t have to be perfect parents and that’s good, especially for me

While talking with a new friend of mine recently, I was reminded of something I've lost sight of in recent months and perhaps even recent years. We were discussing selfcare and the possibility of working together on something for Autism Awareness Month this year. We were coming at this from slightly different perspectives but I was challenged to step outside my normal way of viewing things and I gained a very unique perspective from someone I have a tremendous amount of respect for. While I was on this thought journey, I was reminded of the importance of recognizing our limits. Something I have been forgetting lately is that I'm only human and therfore burdened by my very human limits. I tend to have this view of myself that says I…

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January 5, 2020