Read more about the article Do you know what it means to be in survival mode?
Autism Parenting Insight / Inspirational Posts / My thoughts

Do you know what it means to be in survival mode?

I've not spoken about this in a while because I have been so caught up in the struggle; it hadn't occurred to me. During therapy tonight with the kids, our therapist mentioned that I'm in survival mode. I'm very familiar with survival mode but hadn't actually thought about it in a long time. I think many fulltime caregivers experience survival mode, but it can happen to anyone. Survival mode is a state in which a persons functionality is temporarily but significantly reduced to preserve what little physical and emotional resources they have left. This is not to be confused with laziness because it's not at all the same thing. Someone enters survival mode when they are physically and emotionally bankrupt. This is common for caregivers and parents of special needs…

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July 3, 2019
Read more about the article I dropped a plate last night
My thoughts

I dropped a plate last night

I was supposed to do an interview or a pre-interview interview for a show I was invited on. Yesterday was supposed to be very informal and just a meet and greet kinda thing. I had it planned out that I would jump into the Google Hangout while I was helping my Mom after her knee surgery. The interview came and went without me joining because I forgot about it. It's totally my fault, and I never do that. I always do my best to make myself available when someone wants to talk to me. I figure it's nice to connect with new people, learn about their story, support their efforts, and help raise awareness for mine. I've apologized, and if you're reading this, I truly am sorry that I missed…

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July 3, 2019
Read more about the article He’s like a raw nerve
My thoughts

He’s like a raw nerve

It's been a long ass day, and I know this will come as a surprise to you, but I'm exhausted. The boys had therapy tonight, and for the most part, it went okay. Several teachable moments arose during the session, but I'm not sure much was learned. Emmett's like a raw nerve. His new meds aren't really helping yet cause it's too soon and he's having a rough time with life. Elliott is dealing with lots of teen angst, and Gavin's is just significantly struggling in general. Add some frustration to the mix, and you have an explosive combination.. Elliott and Emmett are mostly manageable. I mean, it's a long of work, and it's exhausting, but it's manageable. Gavin is incredibly confused at times throughout the day and making decisions…

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July 3, 2019
Read more about the article Sometimes #SpecialNeeds parenting can break me
Autism Parenting Insight / My thoughts

Sometimes #SpecialNeeds parenting can break me

I'm really struggling with Gavin lately. He's a great kid, and while there's some debate over his motives, I personally don't feel like he's doing anything on purpose. Yes, he's making choices that drive me fucking crazy, but I don't think he's trying to do so. Frankly, Lizze and I agree that there is an element of choice involved in at least some of the things he does, we just don't really know for sure where that line is. I'm supposed to call the Cleveland Clinic later this week and find out the results of his neuropsych testing from a few weeks ago. That's going to provide more insight into how his brain is operating and more importantly, at what level he's functioning on. Lizze, Dr. Pattie and I all…

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July 2, 2019
Read more about the article I think today will be better
My thoughts

I think today will be better

I didn't sleep for very long, but I managed to get at least a few hours. That being said, I feel pretty good this morning. I was up and at the park today by 6:30 AM. My walk went well and I'm feeling pretty good about starting the day like this. Last night was pretty rough for me, but I think that there's a chance today will be better. ☺

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July 2, 2019
Read more about the article All things considered
My thoughts

All things considered

As I predicted in my last post, while my kids were enthusiastic about going for an early morning walk, their enthusiasm didn't last long. Elliott was wearing sandals because his shoes are now uncomfortable for him. They aren't too small, and they're in very good shape. I think it's probably sensory related. Anyway, he was also getting eaten alive. The bugs love him, and he barely made it the first one and a half miles. Emmett did okay, but he was pooping out pretty quickly. I relocated us to a different part of the park in a bid to avoid the bugs, and salvage the walk. Unfortunately, Elliott was done and wanted to go home. I got less than two miles in, and it's a bit frustrating. It was a…

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July 1, 2019
Read more about the article It’s just one of the sacrifices we make as parents
My thoughts

It’s just one of the sacrifices we make as parents

I got up this morning at 7:30 AM to go walking. As I was getting ready to leave, Elliott hopped out of bed and decided he would go with me. Before we could get out the door, Emmett decided the same thing. I don't mind when my kids come with me, but it does slow the process down, and they often won't finish. Many times there are sensory related problems that interfere with them walking. Things like their shoes feel funny or clothes itch. Inevitably, I won't get my three miles in, but it's also essential that they get out as well. It's just one of the sacrifices we make as parents. While I'm losing some distance and intensity, I'm gaining some time with my kids. 🙂

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July 1, 2019