Read more about the article We had a massive meltdown this morning 
Emmett John / Meltdowns / My thoughts

We had a massive meltdown this morning 

This morning was nothing but one gigantic meltdown and I think I already spent my ration of energy for the day. 😫 Emmett was so upset this morning because he had a tummy ache and didn't want to go to school.     The reality is that his tummy ache is anxiety because he is so anxious about everything in his life. He genuinely loves school and isn't getting picked on or anything like that.  Part of the issue this morning was his shoes and socks.  They just didn't feel right and by the time I was able to fix that, we were already 15 minutes late for school.  Emmett was also worried because he has to take his shoes off at Martial Arts and putting them back on, isn't something…

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September 28, 2015
Read more about the article This new rule in @the_autism_dad household will hopefully make a positive impact
My thoughts

This new rule in @the_autism_dad household will hopefully make a positive impact

I've made the decision to adopt a relatively major change to the way I've been doing things in our house.  Starting today, all screens (TV, tablets, laptops etc) will be turned off at 6pm. This rule applies to the boys because I need access to my phone and so have to work but the idea is to end the day without the use of screen time.. The only exception is that Elliott will use his tablet to listen to music at night and Emmett will watch an episode of something on Netflix before falling asleep.     The music is a positive thing but I'm hoping to slowly reduce the need of TV at bedtime for Emmett.  He really doesn't even watch it, it's essentially background noise and it lights up…

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September 28, 2015
Read more about the article Gavin’s IVIG Infusions are changing today and here’s why
Gavin / IVIG Infusion

Gavin’s IVIG Infusions are changing today and here’s why

Tonight's posts will have to do with some changes that are coming. The  two changes that will be discussed, beginning with this post and ending in the follow up a few hours later, should bring about positive results.  In this post, I wanted to share a change that is being made to Gavin's biweekly IVIG infusions that should improve his experience.  Let's get everyone caught up.  For starters, why is Gavin on IVIG and what does it do? I'd have to look back for the exact date but roughly 4 years ago, it was discovered that for some unknown reason, Gavin's immune system had become permanently and severely compromised.  No one has any idea what happened or why but there it is.  As a side note, this happened about the…

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September 27, 2015
Read more about the article This was a pleasant diversion 
My thoughts

This was a pleasant diversion 

We had a pretty fun afternoon. The boys and I went to visit my parents for a little bit today. We were able to hang out and watch the Browns lose to the Raiders. 😕 It was just a nice little diversion for the day and a pleasant change of scenery for everyone.  I picked up pizza on the way home because that's all the boys will eat in their school lunches. Now we're just sorta chilling out and having a nice quiet evening at home. 😀 It's been a pretty awesome day...    

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September 27, 2015
Read more about the article Feeling hella motivated today
My Personal Victory / My thoughts

Feeling hella motivated today

I woke up today and was dead tired because I was up with Emmett last night. He was super clingy last night and I didn't sleep well at all.  The boys let me sneak a short nap in before lunch and I'm feeling really good.  I'm taking on the laundry today as well as vacuuming everything that is vacuum-able. 👍 The reason this important is because I haven't felt motivated like this in a long time. I don't think that I'll question it but instead ride the motivated scooter as long as possible.  It feels really good to be making progress in my life.  As stupid as it may seem, I also feel like I'm improving the boys lives as well by tackling the house and making it a more…

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September 27, 2015
Read more about the article How’s Mr. Emmett doing this morning?
Emmett John

How’s Mr. Emmett doing this morning?

After a rough night with Emmett and not getting much sleep because he was super clingy, it's a brand new day.  The question is how's Emmett doing this morning? Thankfully, Emmett's having a great morning and doesn't appear to be in any pain or discomfort. I haven't directly asked him about his ear yet and that's mostly because my sleep deprived brain hasn't gotten there just yet.     You could see the stress and anxiety in Emmett eyes yesterday. He was completely overstimulated and I'm not sure why.  This morning however, it's like someone hit the reset button and he's been able to shake it all off and start over. He's seems pretty happy today and while I'm not going to push my luck, I do think I will try…

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September 27, 2015
Read more about the article I met with the school over my concern with Common Core math and I’m not sure what happened
Emmett John / School

I met with the school over my concern with Common Core math and I’m not sure what happened

As I try to bring everyone up to speed on the goings on with my family, I should briefly bring this up. I mentioned prior to this weekend that I was going to be meeting with Emmett's teacher over this Common Core math situation we have been struggling with.  Going into this meeting, I'm fully aware that the school isn't to blame for this but unfortunately for them, they are the messenger and I suppose that puts them on the front lines.     That being said, I went into the school prepared to stand my ground and demand that Emmett not be forced to learn this bizarre way of doing math. In many ways I did what I set out to do but I don't think I accomplished what I…

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September 27, 2015
Read more about the article I think poor Emmett might have an ear infection 
Emmett John / My thoughts

I think poor Emmett might have an ear infection 

Without dwelling on the massively challenging evening we had, I suspect I know what was behind Emmett's irritability.  About 2 hours after I tucked him in for the night, he came down the steps and looked like he's was going to burst into tears. He climbed onto the couch with me and I noticed he was pulling at his ear.    I don't think he was fully awake because when I asked him if something was hurting him, he sorta mumbled yes and started fussing a bit before he feel back asleep on chest.  My guess is that he may have an ear infection.  I had been thinking that he was hitting a fever flare because he was having a really, really rough night and that typically means that a…

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September 27, 2015