Read more about the article How Autism related meltdowns impact me as a parent, and how I cope
Emmett John / Insights and Education / Inspirational Posts / Meltdowns / My thoughts

How Autism related meltdowns impact me as a parent, and how I cope

One of the hardest parts of being an Autism parent for me this week so far, is meltdowns. When it comes to Autism, I always tell people never make assumptions. Having said that, I feel pretty safe saying, if you're an Autism parent, you're probably intimately acquainted with meltdowns.  Meltdowns are exhausting for everyone, not just the person having one.  I mentioned earlier in the week that Emmett was coming into a new fever cycle. When he hits one of these things, he's generally quite miserable, and far more prone to meltdowns.  The fever cycles don't cause the meltdowns directly. They seem to decrease his ability to cope with all the things around him, that would already lead to a meltdown. Things like light, sound, his clothes, and pretty much…

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June 8, 2017
Read more about the article It was a draining day, and we are doing it again tomorrow 
My thoughts

It was a draining day, and we are doing it again tomorrow 

I'm completely drained after today. I've been nonstop since this morning, and I'm fricking exhausted. We went from bed, to the dentist, to the Garden Center, to Dr. Pattie's, to Walgreens, and finally home again.  For the most part, the boys did awesome today.  Both Elliott and Emmett are physically, and emotionally drained after the dental excitement this morning. Keeping that in mind, the few meltdowns we had this afternoon were understandable.  Once the boys were in bed, Lizze and I went to bed ourselves. We're both drained, and have to be ready to do it again in the morning. Gavin has to be at Dr. Reynolds first thing.  With any luck, I'll get some sleep tonight.. ☺ 

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June 6, 2017
Read more about the article Why my kids with #Autism hate the dentist
Dentist / Elliott / Emmett John / My thoughts

Why my kids with #Autism hate the dentist

We survived another trip to the dentist, with two of our kids with Autism. Part of the problem with dentists, and at least my kids on the spectrum, is sensory in nature.  There are so many strange smells, sounds, tastes, and even lighting at the dentist office. That alone can take a toll on a kid with sensory issues.  Then you need to factor in anxiety, and someone shoving fingers in their mouth, with scary tools. In many ways, that's a perfect sensory nightmare, worthy of Stephen King.  As far as today went, once we arrived in the waiting room, Elliott was really upset. He was scared, and it was made worse by the fact that he had to wait about twenty minutes before being called back. Anxiety is not…

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June 6, 2017
Read more about the article Thank God for cooperation 
Elliott / My thoughts / Proud Daddy Moments

Thank God for cooperation 

We're getting ready to leave for the dentist, and I'm super grateful for the good mood the boys are in. Everything is easier with cooperation. ☺  I do want to mention Elliott, because I'm extremely proud of him this morning.  Elliott seriously dislikes all things doctor related, and suffers from extreme levels of anxiety when he knows he has an appointment. This morning however, he's doing really well. He knows he has to get a filling, and he's not putting up a fuss about going.  I'm super impressed, and very proud of him. ☺ 

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June 6, 2017
Read more about the article I have bad news and good news – Which do you want first? 
Dentist / Elliott / Emmett John / Gavin / Lizze / My thoughts

I have bad news and good news – Which do you want first? 

The boys are going to the dentist today. Originally, Lizze had class, and my Mom was going with me, but that's changed. Due to a temporary, but frustrating insurance issue, Lizze will not be in class today.  Part of me is upset because I know how important it is for her to be there, but the other part of me is all like, thank God because both boys are having work done at the same time, on opposite ends of the office, and I'm only one person.  My Mom was going to go, but since Lizze will be home, she doesn't have to anymore.  I don't know how much experience any of you have with Autistic kids and the dentist, but it's not always a good combination to say the…

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June 6, 2017
Read more about the article What life is like 365 days after my wife moved back home
Lizze / Marriage Maintenance / My thoughts / Reunification

What life is like 365 days after my wife moved back home

June 5th, 2017 was a milestone day for our family. It has been 365 days since Lizze moved back home, with me and our boys. This move ended our almost two year separation.  You can read earlier posts about what life was like prior to one year ago. I'll try and give some brief background for all those new to our story, before updating on our current status.  Our separation basically resulted from a combination of caregiver burnout, along with both mental, and physical illness. Lizze went through a very difficult period, and we later discovered this was in large part due to caregiver burnout.  Essentially, she ran herself into the ground, caring for our family. Caregiver burnout is very real, and results from someone putting so much into caring…

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June 6, 2017
Read more about the article How to easily check @VivintHome Smart Deadbolt battery levels
My thoughts / Vivint Gives Back

How to easily check @VivintHome Smart Deadbolt battery levels

In this brief video tutorial, I show you how to check the battery levels of your Vivint Home Smart Deadbolts. It's much easier than you think, and you can do it from your favorite mobile device.   This super short video is just over a minute, but you'll be checking your deadbolt batteries like a boss. ☺   https://youtu.be/JvhJrpm8hTk If you are a special needs family and need help, please visit Vivint Gives Back. This is a program that provides special needs families with the equipment to make their homes both safer, and smarter. The goal is to limit the ability of your special needs child from getting out of the house and wandering away.  The equipment is free, monthly service is based on your income. Visit Vivint Gives Back and see what you qualify…

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June 5, 2017
Read more about the article 7 reason I know Emmett’s in a fever cycle
Emmett John / My thoughts / PFAPA

7 reason I know Emmett’s in a fever cycle

As the morning goes on, it's become very clear that Emmett is in a new fever cycle. He's a little tyrant today, and isn't super pleasant to be around. This, taken with all the other symptoms he's presenting with, makes it very clear this is a fever cycle.  Unfortunately, he's supposed to be at the dentist in the morning, and he keeps missing these because of fever cycles.  In review, here are the symptoms he experiences during a fever cycle: Painful mouth sores Fever Not eating  Not sleeping Very moody Very aggressive Joint pain

12 Comments
June 5, 2017