Read more about the article The simple, practical, and powerful reasons we chose to #vaccinate
Autism Parenting Insight / My thoughts / Vaccines

The simple, practical, and powerful reasons we chose to #vaccinate

While I will never tell someone else what to do with their child, as I would hope no one would do to us, I will share why we've chosen to vaccinate our kids. My wife and I decided very early on, that we were going to vaccinate our kids. We both have had all of our vaccinations growing up, and want to protect our kids as well. We also have a great deal of respect for our children's pediatrician, and trust her to help us give our kids the best shot at a healthy life. Shot... See what I did there? lol Aside from the common side effects like fever or redness at the injection site, none of our kids have ever had a problem. I think Elliott's arm swelled…

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July 14, 2017
Read more about the article (Review) This TENS Unit is Amazing
Outside of the Box Thinking / Reviews

(Review) This TENS Unit is Amazing

I ordered this TENS Unit by Techcare after my wife received the same model a few weeks ago for a review she's working on. I suffered a major back injury in 2001 while working as a firefighter paramedic. I've been living in pain ever since. For the most part, I'm okay now, but I have flare-ups that limit my ability to walk, and I'm living through one now. I decided to try my wife's TENS until and see if it would help. I ended up taking it over and essentially living with it on my back. It's absolutely amazing and I had to get my own. I want to also add that I'm not getting paid or compensated for this review. I paid full price for the device and I'm simply wanting…

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July 13, 2017
Read more about the article #Autism, #Vaccines and the doctors appointment from HELL
My thoughts / Vaccines

#Autism, #Vaccines and the doctors appointment from HELL

I didn't think this appointment was going to be a huge deal. I thought it was a well/medication check, and I was right. Unfortunately, part of the good check meant two vaccines for Elliott and ear flushing for Emmett. Truthfully, the appointment was a nightmare before we even knew there would be shots or flushing. Elliott and Emmett were in rare form, bouncing off the walls, fighting, and incessantly talking while I was trying to speak with the doctor. Then, of course, we learned about the vaccines and ear flushing. Once that happened, the bad dream turned into a nightmare. Elliott massively freaked out. He was already incredibly anxious because he was at the doctor's, and this pretty much shot him through the ceiling, no pun intended. It was awful,…

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July 13, 2017
Read more about the article There’s no way to win this war with #Autism involved
Autism Parenting Struggles / My thoughts

There’s no way to win this war with #Autism involved

We had to get up this morning at the ass crack of dawn, in order to have the boys to Akron Children's Hospital for appointments at 8 am. Elliott and Emmett are there for good checks. It's also an ADHD follow-up.  I don't plan on anything unexpected coming from this appointment.  The only wildcard in play is Elliott sleep issues of late. I'm not overly concerned, but I do want to bring this up and see what she thinks. It's always a good idea to keep the doctor in the loop.  This will likely be one of those appointments where the drive takes longer than the doctor, but whatcha gonna do. Good pediatricians aren't always easy to find. ☺  I should also mention that I prepared the kids for the…

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July 13, 2017
Read more about the article I remember why I don’t take all 3 of my kids with #Autism shopping at once 
Autism Parenting Insight / My thoughts

I remember why I don’t take all 3 of my kids with #Autism shopping at once 

I'm completely exhausted after a long day. I took the boys to therapy, to order Gavin's new glasses, and then to the grocery store. While at the store, I was quickly reminded why I avoid taking all three of them shopping at the same time.  Don't get me wrong, they weren't terrible, and frankly, after the long day they did well.  It was more exhausting than frustrating for me because I had to constantly keep them focused. They were all over the place and wrangling them wasn't easy. Gavin was simply oblivious to his surroundings and kept walking into people and things.  Elliott and Emmett were pushing each other's buttons, and it quickly escalated.  My back is killing me, I ended up spending to much at the grocery store, and…

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July 12, 2017
Read more about the article Maintaining our marriage while #Autism #Parenting
Autism Parenting Advice / Marriage Maintenance / My thoughts

Maintaining our marriage while #Autism #Parenting

Managing the amount of stress associated with being an Autism parent is a real challenge. Maintaining a marriage and or outside relationships is just as challenging.  There are days that can prove to be more challenging than others.  My wife and I felt that stress come to a head this afternoon when the kids were visiting my parents. We were looking at the same issue, only from a different perspective, and it got tense.  It's so easy to sorta turn on each other when we are both so incredibly stressed out. It's important that we be cognizant of the fact that stress is playing an influential role in our disagreement.  We never set out to take things out on each other, but the reality is, it sometimes happens. Aside from…

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July 12, 2017
Read more about the article Once again I find myself grateful 
My thoughts

Once again I find myself grateful 

The boys have left the building, although for a slightly shorter time than originally planned. My back still hurts so I don't know if I'll make it shopping or not.  We have Dr. Pattie's at 4pm and the boys should arrive home in time for that.  Once again, we're both super grateful for the break.. 

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July 12, 2017
Read more about the article Finding balance when the kids are gone
My thoughts

Finding balance when the kids are gone

The boys are going to spend the day with my Mom. I think they're getting picked up just before lunch. Lizze and I have no plans, aside from grocery shopping today.  I do want to try and get some things done around the house. Frankly, thays only ever really possible when the kids are not home. At the same time, not resting during the time away from the kids can be a mistake.  The challenge is finding a balance that works, without tipping the scales to one side or the other. 

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July 12, 2017