Read more about the article Gavin said something very disturbing yesterday and this is how we’re handling it
Autism Parenting Insight / Gavin / My thoughts

Gavin said something very disturbing yesterday and this is how we’re handling it

Yesterday Gavin told me something and it's really concerning for a number of reasons. I'm just going to get into what he told me and then discuss the reasons for concern and what we can do about it. Out of nowhere, Gavin approached me yesterday and wanted to tell me something. I had assumed it was about a game or something and was not paying a great deal of attention. The next words out of his mouth were "I keep having thoughts of stabbing you guys". That got my immediate and undivided attention. I remained calm and asked him to explain a bit more about these thoughts. He gave me the following example: when I'm washing the dishes and cleaning a knife, I think about what would happen if one…

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February 5, 2019
Read more about the article I had to really prepare Emmett for his doctor appointment today
Akron Children's Hospital / Emmett John / My thoughts / Pediatrics

I had to really prepare Emmett for his doctor appointment today

Emmett did really well at his impromptu doctor appointment this morning. He needed to be seen because he's running a fever and presenting with what looks like strep throat. Poor Emmett won't talk because it hurts too much and Advil doesn't seem to help. Anyway, on the way to the appointment I prepped a nervous Emmett for what would most likely be a throat swab. He hates those and I don't blame him, No one likes those but in Emmett's case, it's a sensory challenge. I figured that would likely be the worst case scenario and I was right. He kept backing away from the nurse but ended up doing awesome. We immediately distracted him and got him giggling. Fun fact, Autism parents become masters in the art of redirection…

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February 4, 2019
Read more about the article Emmett is absolutely miserable and will see the doctor this morning
Emmett John / My thoughts

Emmett is absolutely miserable and will see the doctor this morning

Just got back from taking Elliott to school and Gavin for his blood work. Emmett has an appointment at 10:30 AM to make sure he's not dealing with strep (which is a frequent friend of his). It's a good thing we scheduled the appointment because his fever is climbing and he's over 101°F now. He's not talking because his throat hurts so bad and with the fever, it feels like maybe it's strep throat. That would explain everything but is easily treated and he should be feeling better soon. Again, assuming it's strep throat. It's so hard to know what's going on because running a fever doesn't necessarily mean anything when it comes to Emmett. He runs fevers all the time and he's not sick. When he has symptoms that…

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February 4, 2019
Read more about the article I’m worried
Emmett John / My thoughts

I’m worried

Emmett isn't feeling well this morning. His throat has been bothering him for the last day or so. He woke up in tears about 4 AM because it hurt so bad. He's not talking and may be actually running a fever. I say maybe because he's pushing 101°F but he also has a fever disorder and he runs fevers for no reason. Unfortunately, he won't be in school today as a result. If he feels better, then I'll get him there later. Emmett loves school and hates staying home. If he ever wants to stay home, something is definitely wrong. The school is working with us and Emmett is staying current with his work. His grades are impacted and we have a general doctor's note sorta covering the health issues…

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February 4, 2019
Read more about the article Getting myself back on track
My thoughts

Getting myself back on track

January was kind of a wash for me in regards to walking. When my grandpa passed in early January, that sorta took the wind out if my sails and I just stopped walking everyday. I was also experiencing high levels of anxiety and that only made things worse. I was averaging about 80 miles a month and I just bombed in January. I've cut myself some slack and I'm not beating myself up over it. Beating myself up over it serves no purpose. What I am going to do is correct this going forward. That being said, I made myself go walking this afternoon and it went pretty well. It was cold but not too bad. I'm glad I went and was able to grab about 3.1 miles.. It felt…

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February 3, 2019
Read more about the article The boys are having a really good morning
My thoughts

The boys are having a really good morning

We're having a really good day. It's not like it never happens but when it does it's definitly worth sharing because it's a hugely positive thing for us. Gavin's been sleeping for most of the day thus far because yesterday took a toll on him and he needs his rest. This is one of the reasons we try to avoid exciting events with Gavin. They simply take a toll on his body and that can be dangerous. Our motto is everything in moderation. As for everyone else, it's been a pretty good morning. I don't think I've heard any fighting or arguing and that's awesome. It's so nice to see everyone getting along today. :-) The only thing we have on the agenda is celebrating my Mom's birthday this afternoon.…

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February 2, 2019
Read more about the article I have GOOD news and BAD news
Gavin / IVIG Infusion / My thoughts

I have GOOD news and BAD news

I'm going to start with the good news first because I feel pretty good about the good news. ☺ We celebrated Gavin's birthday today and I think he really enjoyed it. I picked the boys up from school and took them to pick out some things for Gavin that could be from them. We then picked up his cake and ordered Chinese food. It went pretty smooth and I'm grateful for that. Gavin decided on the 1st Transformers movie and we all watched it with dinner. He's really happy with everything and that feels good. He spent all morning playing Kingdom Hearts III and he says it was worth the wait. ☺ Unfortunately, this couldn't just be a good day. There's always a counter weight that seems to keep things…

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February 2, 2019