Read more about the article I have enough to worry about already
My thoughts

I have enough to worry about already

Elliott is off to school while Emmett is home because of a fever flare. I'm really proud of Elliott because he did awesome this morning. Neither one of the boys likes going to school without the other but Elliott has been be very good about it this week. Emmett is in rough shape but is currently working on his makeup work with Lizze. I sent the school pictures of his mouth and that helps to document his absence. I've been stressed out because of these new truancy laws in Ohio but I've recently decided not to give a single shit about them. Here's the thing - these laws were not written with kids like Emmett in mind. He's living with medical issues that can often interfere with school attendance. We're…

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January 30, 2018
Read more about the article Please keep Emmett in your thoughts and prayers
Emmett John / My thoughts / PFAPA

Please keep Emmett in your thoughts and prayers

I mentioned that Emmett would be home from school today. The reason for that is rather bad fever flare. I'm pretty sure it started on Saturday because that when the physical symptoms began. At first, it was just one sore on the inside of his lip, but as of Sunday evening, he's got several more. The poor kid is in a lot of pain and isn't eating much as a result. He doesn't eat enough on a good day, and this makes things worse. Right now I'm making him milkshakes and mixing SlimFast powder in for some nutrition. These are cold and numb his mouth enough that he can relax a bit. Unfortunately, it doesn't last forever, and he goes right back to being miserable. There isn't much we can…

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January 29, 2018
Read more about the article So far, I’m pushing through the exhaustion
My thoughts

So far, I’m pushing through the exhaustion

Work has been keeping me pretty busy lately. That's never a bad thing because anytime I can improve our financial status, it's a good thing. I haven't had much in the way of work this morning, which frankly is probably a good thing because I'm so tired. I do have myself a new writing buddy. Ruby sleeps on my lap while I write and I'm not sure if that helping or hurting.. ☺ While it's true that I want nothing more than to climb back into bed, I'm forcing myself to not only keep my activity level up but also workout as well. I even using the laundry to help me reach my flights of steps for today. The more I push through this exhaustion, the more I'm going to…

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January 24, 2018
Read more about the article We’re giving serious thought to homeschooling at least 1 of our 2 kids with #Autism, that are still in school
Elliott / Emmett John / My thoughts / School

We’re giving serious thought to homeschooling at least 1 of our 2 kids with #Autism, that are still in school

Full disclosure. I'm exhausted and having a hard time putting thoughts together tonight. I'm going to try and make this as coherent as possible but no promises. Lizze and I are seriously talking about the logistics of homeschooling the boys. Between Emmett's inability to wear clothes and Elliott's emotional struggles that are the result of several things related to school and severe anxiety. The main concern is Emmett though because his struggles physically prevent his attendance. Things with Elliott could be corrected with proper intervention within the school. The idea of homeschooling the boys is not something we take lightly, even in the it's just a possibility phase of talking. There are so many potential downfalls to homeschooling but at the same time, there is a substantial upside as well.…

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January 23, 2018
Read more about the article Don’t count your blessings before they put their pants on
Clothes / Emmett John / My thoughts / Sensory

Don’t count your blessings before they put their pants on

I'm going to keep this short because I'm already spent and it's not even lunchtime. Unfortunately, this morning didn't quite go as planned when it came to Emmett and his brand new pants. In fact, it went the opposite of who I was hoping it would go. Emmett woke up really early and that doesn't usually bode well for his limited ability to cope with the world around him. I ended on the couch last night because my allergies were really bad and I couldn't stop sneezing. Rather than keep Lizze awake, I moved downstairs. I woke up to Emmett not being dressed for school and already in distress over the fact that he was going to have to wear his new pants. They fit great while at the store…

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January 23, 2018
Read more about the article Creating a #Sensory Bedroom
Contributed / Link / My thoughts / Sponsored Post

Creating a #Sensory Bedroom

This is a collaborative post and doesn’t necessarily reflect the views of this blog or its author. Photo Credit Whether your child is on the autism spectrum or not, their bedroom is essential. It's their safe space to grow and learn. An area that is just theirs, where they are free to explore their creativity and relax. It's décor and design are important. No matter how old your kids are, if they are on the spectrum, you'll want a sensory space for them to enjoy, but you'll also want to know that it's somewhere that they can relax and get a great night's sleep. It can be hard finding the right balance. Here are some top tips to help you. Start from Scratch One of the hardest parts of creating…

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January 23, 2018
Read more about the article Many people will take for granted that their kids wear clothes, but not this #Autism Dad
Clothes / Emmett John / My thoughts / Sensory

Many people will take for granted that their kids wear clothes, but not this #Autism Dad

It's been a roller-coaster day here in The Autism Dad household. We started the say off with a bang or rather an enormous meltdown (see Autism Parenting Confessions: Does anyone else ever feel like giving up but won't?). It's wasn't fun. Poor Emmett couldn't tolerate his clothes and there was nothing we could do. The school pants he would wear are in tatters and we've been unsuccessfully trying to find replacements that he'll tolerate forever. After things settled down a bit, I told Emmett that we would try looking for pants again today. We ended up at Sears, which incidentally is shell of its former self. I'll be honest with you, I didn't have much hope that would find something because even Lizze's Mom has taken him out looking for…

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January 22, 2018
Read more about the article #Autism Parenting Confessions: Does anyone else ever feel like giving up but won’t?
Autism Parenting Confessions / My thoughts

#Autism Parenting Confessions: Does anyone else ever feel like giving up but won’t?

This is by far, one of the worst mornings we've had in a very, very long time. Emmett was in full meltdown mode over his clothes. Emmett's only been able to wear this one pair of pants for the last two school years. Unfortunately, the knees are blown out and are beyond repair. I've stitched them up so many times there's nothing left to hold a stitch. Iron on knee patches aren't an option for Sensory reasons. I wish I could say that I handled this morning with grace but I ran out of patience. I should say that me running out of patience means that I might raise my voice and that's it. This morning, 8 definitely raised my voice and that only made things worse. The big issue…

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January 22, 2018