Autism, Aspergers, Rob Gorski,Special Needs Parenting, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Fibromyalgia,

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Dec 14 2012

Dedicated to all the victims of the Connecticut shooting

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Regardless of your personal beliefs, what happened today in Connecticut is an absolute tragedy. Please put what divides us aside for right now and join hands in a moment of silence for the victims of today’s tragedy. 

With that said…….

Very rarely am I at a loss for words but……….I am today.

My heart breaks for all the children and families affected by the Connecticut school shooting today. The loss of life is beyond a senseless tragedy. I want to say how completely heartbroken for those killed in this despicable act.

Everyone is in our thoughts and prayers and will remain there. angels_never_leave

As a parent, this is my absolute worst nightmare and I can’t even begin to understand what these parents are going through.

Please hug your children tonight and be thankful that you have them.

As a society, we have to work together, despite our differences, be it race, religion or political beliefs and do everything possible and then some, to ensure this never happens again.

When I personally experience a tragedy, I tend to find meaning and comfort in music. For that reason, I wanted to share two songs I felt compelled to listen to after hearing about today‘s events.

Please keep all those involved in today‘s shooting, the victims, their families and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

 

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Permanent link to this article: http://lostandtired.com/2012/12/14/dedicated-to-all-the-victims-of-the-connecticut-shooting/

Apr 04 2012

The Lighter Side of #Autism: 04/04/2012

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Emmett appears to be coming into another fever flare.  He’s super grouchy and ended up missing speech therapy due to this friggin PFAPA. 

Despite him being miserable and grouchy,  I’m wanted to share some positive moments I have with Mr.  Emmett John today.

As challenging as things are for the Lost and Tired family,  I try my best to find the positive in each day and share it with you all by showing you The Lighter Side of #Autism.   Enjoy…

Me and Emmett :-)

Me and Emmett :-)

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Emmett comforted by Bella

Emmett comforted by Bella

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**Thanks for reading**

       -Lost and Tired

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Permanent link to this article: http://lostandtired.com/2012/04/04/the-lighter-side-of-autism-04042012/

Apr 03 2012

#Autism, Animals and Independence

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I wanted to share with you all another victory Emmett has experienced since getting his puppy, Bella. Bella is a Boxer puppy and Emmett’s new best friend. Our hope was that she would help to bring Emmett out of himself a little bit and we could continue to make some forward progress. I wanted to empower Emmett with a sense of independence, as well as responsibility. So far, Bella has not only made a great addition to the Lost and Tired family, but she has helped Emmett to do things that he has never been willing to do before.

He will now walk in the mud to go bring Bella back into the house after she goes potty. He as some significant sensory issues that have always interfered with him getting dirty. He normally will not tolerate his shoes getting muddy or wet. However, if Bella is involved, he is willing to do whatever it takes to care for her.

In the short video below, you will see Emmett, patiently trying to groom Bella. I only got the tail end of the process on film but you’ll get the point. He feels a sense of responsibility for her and wants to interdependently care for her as much as possible. She provides comfort for him when he is upset and consoles him when he’s in a fever flair and in lots of pain.

Animals and Autism can be a truly amazing combination. Please feel free to share your experiences with Animals and your Autistic child or child with special needs. :-)

 

Permanent link to this article: http://lostandtired.com/2012/04/03/autism-animals-and-independence/

Mar 13 2012

I’ll be there for you

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Bella had a appointment at the Vet this morning. Emmett was very anxious to go along with Bella. He wanted to make sure she was okay.

He was so freaking adorable, and he did such a good job taking care of his friend Bella. The Vet was so nice, as usual. He explained everything he was doing, so that Emmett understood. He was concerned but super brave when it was time for Bella’s vaccine.

The Vet said that Bella was the perfect dog and that Emmett was doing an amazing job of caring for her.

I explained how Emmett and Bella are perfect for each other. Bella helps Emmett to do things that he wouldn’t do otherwise. As his father, I’m so incredibly proud of how well he’s doing with Bella. Watching him today show empathy, compassion and genuine concern for her, filled me with an overwhelming sense of pride.

I got some cute pictures of the two of them today. Simply priceless. :-)

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**Thanks for reading**

       -Lost and Tired

Please join our Community Autism Support Forum

MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected

Posted from WordPress for Android

Permanent link to this article: http://lostandtired.com/2012/03/13/ill-be-there-for-you/

Mar 06 2012

Coping with meltdowns

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I’m really struggling with Gavin and these meltdowns.  They happen anytime he is held accountable for his actions. I’m to the point where I feel like I have to choose between disciplining Gavin and putting the entire Lost and Tired family through one of his meltdowns.

Tonight was no exception.

Gavin went into the kitchen and on his way he just shoved his way through those of us standing there and he almost stepped on the puppy.

I pulled him aside to talk to him about what he did and why he shouldn’t do that.  He basically ignored me because he was to worried about getting back and watching TV.  So as he blew me off and went back upstairs,  I told him that he was to go shut his TV off.

That’s all it took to send him stomping up the stairs and into his room.  He was literally shaking the ceiling with each successive slam of each foot into the floor.

I called him down and told him that he was going to have oatmeal.  That is the only thing that works with him. It’s a very long story that if you have been following me for awhile,  you likely already know.

My whole point with talking to Gavin was to help him understand that he has to pay attention to what’s going on around him.  He can’t just shoved his way through people like they aren’t there. He needs to learn these things and it’s my job to teach it to him.  Lucky me…

Anyway,  he launched into a meltdown that sent Elliott and Emmett scrambling for safety.

I’m so sick of having to go through this every time Gavin is held accountable for his actions.  He is starting to self-injure again and that can’t be allowed to continue.  I’m not sure what to do about this but I do know that Gavin cannot be allowed to dictate what happens through his behaviors.

This is a longer video than I would normally post.  The reason I did this is because I want people to see what a meltdown can be like.  I also want to share how I manage situations like this.  I don’t always say or do the right thing in these situations but there aren’t any instructions and no one to guide you through.

Permanent link to this article: http://lostandtired.com/2012/03/06/coping-with-meltdowns/

Mar 04 2012

What happened 6 years ago today?

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Elliott Richard turned 6 years old this morning. I know that many of you are new to my blog so I thought I would introduce you to Elliott and share with you something about him. :-)

Elliott Richard (ER) is our 6 year old miracle child. He survived a VERY complicated pregnancy and was born premature, 6 years ago today. Shortly after birth his left lung burst followed by his right lung. He then battled pneumonia. It was honestly the most helpless I have ever felt in my life. We were told to prepare for the “worst”, At one point he was almost life flighted to the Cleveland Clinic. He spent about 2 weeks in the NICU but fought through it and came out the other side. He is now, ironically, the healthiest of all the kids. Elliott Richard is extremely advanced for his age.

He loves animals and anything his big brother Gavin likes. He likes playing his Nintendo 3DS and drawing in bed. He is a gentle soul and a very sweet and compassionate little boy. He struggles with anxiety and may have a touch of ADHD as well. Elliott Richard went through the Akron Children’s Hospital Autism Clinic in order for us to become more “Autism Aware” of him. We got a better idea of what makes him tick and how we can help him with his struggles. Elliott Richard is a “big little” brother. Meaning he is a big brother to both Emmett John and Gavin.

He was diagnosed as having Aspergers and is on the very high end of the spectrum. Elliott Richard is our “lady killing” social butterfly. He is in kindergarten this year and is doing very well. We are struggling with anxiety issues but academically he’s doing great.

He is always looking out for his brothers but takes a lot of abuse physically from Gavin and physically from Emmett John. We do everything in our power to help Elliott Richard along his journey and we are truly BLESSED to have him in our lives.

This video is a something I put together 5 years ago to celebrate Elliott making it to the 1 year mark. This was a tribute to the NICU that saved his life.  I cry every single time……still. It often helps me keep perspective. I have made it a point to share this on his birthday  every year. I reminds me just how preciously fragile life can be….

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Permanent link to this article: http://lostandtired.com/2012/03/04/what-happened-6-years-ago-today/

Feb 29 2012

#Autism and Animals: The Amazing Victory

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Sometimes the stars align and we have a victory. Today was one such day. I introduced you all to Bella, the newest member of the Lost and Tired family. I talked about how she seems to be helping Emmett with a few of his challenges.

I know this may not be the case for everyone out there but animals and Autism have been a good combination, at least for my kids.

We had a major breakthrough this afternoon with my littlest minion, Emmett. Emmett is very sensory sensitive and really struggles in that department. He has to feel the ground to see if it’s wet before walking outside. He doesn’t like getting water, dirt or mud on his shoes. I can’t tell you how many meltdowns we have had over something this simple.

Today however, something happened. Just watch and see if you see what happened. I’m so thrilled with this and I’m glad I was able to record this happening. I know our good friend Julia will probably catch this right away.

Please watch the video and celebrate today’s amazing victory.

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Permanent link to this article: http://lostandtired.com/2012/02/29/autism-and-animals-the-amazing-victory/

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