Read more about the article Insight into my struggles as an #Autism parent
Autism Parenting Struggles / Inspirational Posts / My thoughts

Insight into my struggles as an #Autism parent

Being an Autism parent is incredibly challenging. If you've been following our journey, you have probably picked up on that message by now. I try to be open, honest, and transparent about that because spin won't do anyone any good. 😉 I'm struggling a great deal lately. That makes an already challenging and complex situation even more so. Factor in depression, as well as the loss of several family members, and I feel like I'm drowning at times. My Daddy Do List keeps growing by the day. I have bills that need managing, a house in desperate need of repairs, a car that simply needs to be replaced because it's beyond repair, mounting yard work, and about million other things. I have a backlog of work-related things that need to…

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July 1, 2019
Read more about the article Influenced by #Depression?
Depression / My thoughts

Influenced by #Depression?

I got my nap in, and that may just end up being the limit of today's excitement. Lizze isn't feeling well, so going anywhere or doing anything wasn't really possible. I hate seeing her so miserable and not be able to help. It also sucks not being able to take advantage of the time to ourselves. It would have been so nice to get out of the house together and not because we have a doctors appointment. It is what it is, and dwelling on the uncontrollable is pointless. The kids just got home, and it sounds like something happened. I can hear Emmett from all the way up here and he doesn't sound very happy. Perhaps I'll just head down and see what's going on. I'm struggling a bit…

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June 30, 2019
Read more about the article I’m having such a hard time sleeping lately
My thoughts

I’m having such a hard time sleeping lately

The boys will be getting out of the house for a much-needed break. Lizze and I will subsequently receive a break as well. Grandma is taking them swimming this afternoon, and everyone is excited. I had a hard time sleeping last night but did manage to catch some shut-eye. The quality was pretty bad, but at least I slept. Stress is really taking a toll on my ability to sleep at night, and that is not a good thing. We've been dealing with a great deal lately, and I'm hoping we can find a way to right the ship and get things back on track. On the positive side of things, I dragged my ass out of bed bright and early, regardless of how exhausted I felt. I went walking…

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June 30, 2019
Read more about the article How we knew our 11-year-old son was #depressed and how we’re helping him
Autism Parenting Struggles / Depression / Emmett John / Link / My thoughts

How we knew our 11-year-old son was #depressed and how we’re helping him

I've spoken about my personal war with depression many times. This time, I thought I would take a few minutes and provide some insight into how we knew that Emmett was struggling with depression, as well as why we decided medication was in his best interest. Everyone is different, and this is not to be viewed as medical advice or replace seeking help from your doctor. Emmett is our recently turned 11-year-old. He's the youngest of our three autistic kids. He's been through a great deal in his short life from Gavin's extreme behavior to the loss of three family members in the last eight months. Everyone in our house is on at least one medication, and some are on multiple. We take medications very, very seriously, especially for our…

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June 30, 2019
Read more about the article I totally feeling like I’m going to own today
My thoughts / Self-Care

I totally feeling like I’m going to own today

It's been an oddly productive morning. While I didn't sleep well, I was up before 8 AM and out the door to get my walk in extra early. I avoid being in the direct sun during the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM, as we all should, at least without sunscreen. I prefer to walk first thing in the morning, but it was much easier when the kids were in school. I'd take them to school, go walking and be home before 9:30 AM. I've been going in the evenings, but I seem to always get behind people who are chain smoking on the track. That's a personal pet peeve but whatever. Anyway, I feel really good about getting this done before my day gets started. It bodes well…

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June 29, 2019
Read more about the article Major Update
Akron Children's Hospital / Autism Parenting Victories / Emmett John / My thoughts / Pediatrics

Major Update

Again, I find myself behind the eight ball in regards to writing. I'm really trying to get back into the swing of things, but I'm struggling a bit with my depression lately. That being said, I'm here now, and that's what matters. Last I wrote, I was still going back and forth with Emmett's pediatrician about getting him on an antidepressant. We're not excited by the idea of further medicating him, but everyone agrees that it's absolutely in his best interest. I was experiencing some resistance from the doctor for reasons that didn't make sense. We have a fantastic relationship, and I was very surprised that she seemed unwilling to manage Emmett's depression until September when he gets into the behavioral health clinic at Akron Children's. I've been around the…

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June 29, 2019
Read more about the article If you detect some frustration, you’re not wrong
Akron Children's Hospital / Autism Parenting Woes / Emmett John / My thoughts / Pediatrics / Psychiatry

If you detect some frustration, you’re not wrong

I've been struggling to write as much as I'd like if under better circumstances. This last week of my life has been very challenging, and recovering from it is taking some time. We buried my grandmother a week ago today. All of us are still feeling the impact of this, but especially Emmett. As I'm writing this, he's been up for two days now and cannot fall asleep. Melatonin isn't helping, and he's incredibly stressed out. I just got off the phone with his pediatrician's office, and I'm trying to get them to put him on low dose Prozac. Emmett has his first appointment with Akron Children's Behavioral Health in September, and he's on a cancellation list as well. For some reason, his pediatrician, whom we really like, seems resistant…

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June 27, 2019
Read more about the article It’s a difficult birthday for our youngest
Emmett John / My thoughts

It’s a difficult birthday for our youngest

Today is going to be crazy busy for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it's Emmett's birthday, and he turns 11 years old. ☺ Secondly, my Mom is having knee replacement surgery this morning, and I'm at the hospital with my Dad waiting while she gets her brand new knee. I'll probably be here most of the day. We've been trying to help Emmett figure out what he wants to do for his birthday, but he doesn't know. He doesn't even know what he wants for his birthday. This isn't something we can decide for him either. He's a very indecisive person and struggles with even the most benign decisions. He's always been this way, and it does create many issues. If we try to surprise him with something, especially when…

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June 26, 2019