Gavin's the only one of the three boys who was able to fall asleep tonight. Elliott finally crashed about 11:00 pm and was really frustrated because he was tired but couldn't sleep. Then of course there's Emmett. It's currently about 1:00 am and he's still not able to sleep.    It's looking like it's going to be a really long night.  These kids have had a really challenging week because there's been a great deal of change and kids on the Autism Spectrum tend to not do so well with change.  I'm laying in bed trying to help Emmett fall asleep and he's currently climbing the headboard like a little spidermonkey... We do a lot with music in this house and so I'm playing this song on repeat right now,…

Rather than have a much needed night off, I ended up with Emmett staying home, while Elliott and Gavin went and visited their Mom. For most of the night and all of today, Elliott wanted to come home but managed to stick it out until noon, when he returned home. Gavin wanted to stay the whole time, so he's still there and will return around dinner.    It's been pretty chaotic and I more tired now than I was before all of this transpired.  With that being said, I did really enjoy my alone time with Emmett. I don't know what was behind his refusal to go but his Mom and I decided that it was best not to push him too far.  Emmett and I spent the last evening and…

I've been a special needs parent for roughly half of my life. I'm so used to the challenges that I face on a daily basis, that I don't always remember that they are there.  Sometimes you can get so used to something that you simply don't know anything else. Over the years I've become quite acclimated with Autism but ADHD is something relatively new for me. It's been over a year since both Elliott and Emmett were diagnosed officially with ADHD.     I'm honestly not sure what I struggle with more as a parent, Autism or ADHD. They both present their own unique parenting challenges but ADHD is much newer to me and I'm still trying to figure it out.  There are many overlapping symptoms and it's sometimes really difficult…

Emmett has been up since about 3 am and shows no signs of slowing down. It's been a really long and restless night in The Autism Dad household.     Poor Emmett was really stuffy last night and he really struggles with things like this. It's a sensory nightmare for him.  On the positive side, everyone's in a good mood.  All that's going on this morning is Gavin's IVIG Infusion. I don't expect any issues there and hopefully it won't take too long.  

Considering what today was, I think I did pretty well. Progress was made on the divorce papers and that's a positive thing for both of us.  This past year has been the toughest of my life but I've discovered just how strong I truly am.     The boys will be going to visit their Mom and Grandparents tomorrow and I while I don't like being away from from kids, I'm happy they get to go. Frankly, I'm feeling burnt out and in need of a break.     Maybe I'll treat myself to a burrito at Chipotle tomorrow night for dinner.  I'm emotionally drained and just need some time to myself but I made it through the day. That's something I'm really proud of.