About the author:
My name is Rob Gorski and I thought this would be a great chance to introduce you to Lost and Tired. I figured I would start things off by telling you a little bit about myself and my experience within the special needs community.
As I said prior, my name is Rob Gorski and I’m really excited to meet you. I’m a 33 year old Autism advocate, writer, hardcore techy and Google android fanatic. However, more importantly, I’m a father to 3 amazing beautiful special needs boys. All 3 of my boys on the Autism Spectrum and have other serious health issues. Gavin is 12, Elliott is 6 and Emmett John is 3. My amazing wife Lizze, and I have been together for 11 years and married since 2003. I was a firefighter and paramedic for many years until I was injured and later needed at home 24/7 after Lizze became ill.
Things are very difficult and everyday seems to be more challenging than the last, however, we always somehow manage to survive as a family.
I recently discovered that I enjoy writing and soon realized that writing was a great outlet for me. I think it was so beneficial because I was able to really vent my frustrations and walk away feeling a little less burdened by the stress in my life. Essentially it made me a better father, husband and all around person.
My new found passion for writing led me to founding the multiple award winning Lost and Tired blog. I created Lost and Tired as a means of sharing our story and reaching out to others within the special needs community, particularly those families touched by Autism.
My goal is to educate people and help them better understand what life can be like for families with a special needs child (or in our case, children). I share our story from my perspective and in a very honest and transparent way, even if it doesn’t paint me in a good light. I want to dispel the misconceptions surrounding Autism and show how my life and the lives of my wife and children are affected by it each and every day.
Since I began writing about 2 years ago, I have been interviewed several times, both in print and on the radio. I have also been published by CNN as well as countless other blogs and websites from around the globe. Lost and Tired has grown tremendously since its inception, garnering 12,561,878 hits in 2011 alone.
My personal philosophy is that only when people can understand and relate, will they become truly Autism Aware. I believe that sharing our stories is the best way to educate the public as well as other people within the Autism and special needs community.
I have also created a dedicated support forum called, Autism Help. Autism Help is a support forum for anyone touched by Autism. We are a group of parents that have been there. It’s a safe, private and judgment free place to seek advice, vent your frustrations and share your victories. Autism Help is accessible directly from my blog or via the Autism Help app for android devices and located on the Google Play Store.
I love my family more than anything in the world but I’m still human and can feel overwhelmed, frustrated, defeated and angry. I think Lost and Tired summarizes in a very accurate manner, where I find myself on many days. I want others out there in similar situations to know that they are not alone and it’s okay to feel these things. I encourage others to share their story with the world in order to help break the silence and spread Autism Awareness.
Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance.
I really look forward to getting to know all of you. Please take a second and introduce yourself and share a bit about what your experience below.
Until next time.
Holy Cow!!! That was just plain stupid. It was implied that since you had one child with autism you should have been "smart enough" not to have anymore kids.....really???? I have 4 kids. My oldest is 12 years old and has very classic autism and epilepsy. My other 3 (ages 7, 3 and 2) are perfectly healthy, normal kids. So if I see a stupid person, should I be allowed to tell them they shouldn't have any kids because stupid is also a high risk for any offspring you have? I, personally am loving your blog and can't wait to read more. I wish you only the best. Keep on taking care of those precious gifts!
Just commenting to say that I'm so glad I found your blog through CNN. Your family is in my prayers. My recent post Inspiring The Boy
I'm sorry to hear of your situation and of your wife's illness. That must be very difficult on you and your family. I hope she is doing better and recovers soon. However I find it difficult to have empathy for your having 3 children with autism. I'm sure you understand once you have one child with autism the risk for the other children having autism greatly increases with each child thereafter. So knowing that information I would have assumed you would have been better prepared for the situation. Not everyone would understand your reason for bringing these children into the world and the burden they place on society. I wish you all the best but wanted to give my opinion (and of others who feel the same way but are hesitant at posting).
Rob, I just saw your article on CNN, never have I been able to voice my biggest fears for my 10-year old daughter. You had it totally, thank you for being a friend to Tim and for talking about it. If others will only learn a little about autism. there will be hope for all our children. God Bless.
[...] note: Rob Gorski writes for “Lost and Tired,” where he blogs about the reality of raising three boys on the autism spectrum. He and his wife, [...]
Hi there! I am a member of the disabled community who can relate well to feeling lost; however, I have had 35 years to get used to my partial-sightedness and have learnt some valuable tips about coping. I have a blog over at http://diamondpanes.blogspot.com/ which I would love you to visit. I fully agree with what you say about writing being helpful and I think we have a lot to offer the world in terms of raising awareness about particular disabilities. Congratulations on your commitment to your wife and sons, and I wish you all the best in your advocacy for autism. My recent post New Barriers for the Blind
Your story, A heart shattered by a glimpse into autism, was the most touching thing I've ever read. It was exquisitely written. You have a flair for writing, such that I have never experienced before. Thank you.
Rob, my heart goes out to you. My eight year old son is high functioning autistic, and autism pretty much rules everything that happens at our house. I really can't imagine how hard it would be my wife and I had three autistic sons. Your story on CNN was beautiful and heartbreaking. My own son will be more or less okay *I think* because I see him making significant steps towards behaving how "normal" people behave, but I used to be very concerned that he might end up exactly like Tim. I wish the best for your beautiful family and for Tim. Thank you for your compassion to Tim (and I know that you really didn't have a choice when you realized what stood before you, but thank you for being a good man nonetheless )
You are a kind and good man. Great article on CNN! Hope things become better. Its awesome that you are spreading the message and creating awareness on Autism!
Rob, I applaud your willingness to put it all out there on behalf of your family, and yourself. You described the pain that parents like you and I kind of push off to the side as we struggle with the here and now of autism. I have one boy, 13, who is diagnosed as high-functioning so I can't even say I know how you feel. But, I know a little bit about it, which is sometimes almost (but not quite) more than I can manage. Keep fightin' the good fight and I am confident your effort to reach out will bring you and your family some relief. Happy Trails!
I saw your article on CNN, it really hit home. I am a single mother of a 12-year-old boy with Asperger's. I know that a large portion of the worlds homeless people are people who have some form of mental illness, autism etc. and that somewhere along the way they fell through the cracks of the system. I tried to set my son up years ago with disability thinking he would need it.. I wasnt even taken up for consideration because he wasnt " autistic enough". I am terrified of what will happen to him as he grows older, of what will happen when I am gone.. I am all he has. I see the man in the parking lot as what could happen to my son.. My sweet innocent child who never quite fits in, who struggles to communicate with other children, and whose teachers don't really even understand how to deal with them.. The struggles he has to go through on a daily basis break my heart but I am absolutely terrified that all of our children will fall through the system someday because there is a lack of support for them. I wish i could help that man there is no reason he should be living on the streets.. there should be programs for this especially considering that autism is an epidemic. We have not even begun to see what can happen to our children. anyway.. Reading Rob Gorski's article really shook me. Ty for opening sharing this with the world and helping to open up eyes to what can happen to our children.
Rob, I am touched. I don't have money now but anytime I do I will send you money. I just prayed for you and all the families with children with autism.
Hi Rob, I read your story on CNN while at work this morning (shh don't tell). I was moved to tears. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. I am a single mother with 2 children ages 7 and 9. I am going to start the testing process for my 9 year old for ADHD and autism in a few weeks. In reading your blog - I realize that should he be diagnosed with either - it is a manageable situation. Thank you so much for this!!
Dear Sr. Thank you for opening the eyes of so many people with your story, I am not related to people with Autism but your story has open my eyes to the cold world we create create for people that are simply different. I dont have much but if you have a way people like me can donate and help out even if its little, I would like to know. God bless you and your entire family, be strong. Thank you again
Just read your story on CNN. As a parent of a son with Fragile X Syndrome I can relate to your id of an adult with autism. Just curious if you have thought of having your boys tested for Fragile X, its genetic and tends to reoccur in families with boys. Thanks for the amazing story.
Rob, I just read your story about Tim on CNN. Thank you for sharing. I have been humbled by your grace and understanding.
Hi Rob, I just read your article on CNN - "A Heart Shattered" and it also brought me to tears thinking that our 18-year-old son with disabilities could end up in the same situation. I feel as if I got a wake up call to reminded me that we will not always be there for our son and we need to set up a plan to ensure that this does not happen to him. My heart goes out to all the Tim's out there. Thank you for sharing and I too wish you and your family the best.
Hello Rob, I read your post 'A Heart Shattered' on CNN and it touched my heart. I am a Speech Therapist who works with children on the spectrum and I truly understand and emphathize with the challenges you and your family face on a day to day basis as well as your concerns about your childrens' future. Please know that there are people in this world who care, who love and who are willing to help in any way that we can. Each time I see one of my beautiful kiddos accomplish a task or say a word that they have never done before as a result of a little love, time and patience that I gave to them...it truly reminds me what life is all about. May God bless you and your family and continue to give you unlimited strength. Be blessed. KJ
Rob, Thank you for your courage and honesty. I read your blog about your friend Tim through the CNN link. My 12-year old cousin struggles with Asperger's, but was just "formally" diagnosed in the past few months after many, many challenging years. I've watched my uncle struggle with some of the emotions you're sharing and hope that he will read what you've written as well. Most of all, though, you remind me that there is no room in this world for judgement, only compassion. Thank you for sharing. Best.
Dear Rob, I read your article in the CNN Blog and connected here. A truly incredible story indeed, so heartfelt and touching. You write really well and I wish you and your family well. Your writing will shine a much brighter light on the issues faced by autistic people and their families and will hopefully bring help in some way. You are without doubt one of the most strong minded people I have known. I wish you and your family all the best in life.
Hi Rob! I too read your post "a Heart Shattered" and I have to say that you brought me to tears. I immediately saw my own 10 year old son in Tim and the unknown parts of his future as a special needs child soon to be adult. Thank you so much for sharing with the world your trials, tribulations, and good times too. I wish your family wellness and will keep you in my prayers. Again, thank you so much.
I also connected here through the CNN blog. What an incredible story, Rob. God bless you and your family.
Rob, I connected here through the CNN-posted story about Tim. Thank you for sharing that moment with the world and your thoughts about it. Thank you for doing the right thing. So many people pass through the rat race of life with blinders on. We all need to slow down and look for those in need and do what we can to help. I don't have a personal connection to anyone diagnosed with autism, but am shocked at the statistics on how many are afflicted. Best wishes to you and your family.
[...] note: Rob Gorski writes for “Lost and Tired,” where he blogs about the reality of raising three boys on the autism spectrum. He and his wife, [...]
[...] note: Rob Gorski writes for “Lost and Tired,” where he blogs about a existence of lifting 3 boys on a autism spectrum. He and his wife, Lizze, [...]
[...] note: Rob Gorski writes for “Lost and Tired,” where he blogs about the [...]
Hi Rob, my name is Sarah and I am a single parent from the Philippines . I have seven kids, 3 of them have special needs . My kids Sidney and Red both have autism . I admire you for being honest with what you feel and how you prefer to look for the brighter side of things . I also wrote about autism hoping that people may be enlightened . Thank you for the wonderful stories that continually inspire us and for making us feel we are not alone. Blessings to you and your family My recent post Finding Your Way Home
Hi Rob, I can relate to your life and story. I am a single mum now after two failed marriages. I have Meg 27, undiagnosed ASD and her daughter, Amber, 7, somewhere on the spectrum also, Kimberly, 24 ASD, ADD and Patrick, 14, ASD, ADHD, learning disorder, sleep disorders, anxiety and looks like ODD as well. Kimberly and Patrick live with me, Meg and Amber live with Meg and Kims dad. I am able to really enjoy my families quirks and their sense of humour now that I am older and more relaxed about life. They too are more relaxed with life as they have become adults. although Patrick is very much a handful still and will be for some time to come;...not really looking forward to how long that could be. Still, Patrick has good humour and he loves his mum. I too use blogging as my outlet for coping with my family's needs. I find time is my worst plague and as Im aging, my health is taking a hard knock or two. I wish you and your wife all the best bringing up your boys. Keep writing, you are good at it...easy to follow and interesting topics.... Cheers Dianne
Hello. My name is Jennifer. I am from the Netherlands. I am also Autistic. I love your webpage very much. The world is very hard for people with Autism but I believe that God help us. The society is very different for us. Sorry, my English is not very good but I hope you understand me a little bit. I have a webpage about my live with Autism too. www.jennifer-smits.webklik.nl You're welcome. If you want you can read my webpage with a translator. I am busy to make my page in English but it is not easy for me. You can contact me on my webpage. I wish you a Happy New Year. Kind Regards, Jennifer
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Thank you everyone......
Rob like i said love your work with midNIGHT Im here to support you and your family. If you need anything send me a email at [email protected] i saw in a post you talked about Akron childrens hospital.
I don't usually keep up on blogs of certain people, and I will admit, I only happened upon the blog part of this site because of your development of midNIGHT on XDA. Now, I find myself returning to the blog from time to time. Like I said, I don't do this often at all. Your entries are very well written and from-the-heart, and with every entry I read, I can't help but hope your situation will turn around at some near point. You and your family have earned my readership, my support, and my prayer. Cheers, brother. Keep looking up.
xda is what landed me here too i think alot of people forget devs are real people too. Rob has an amazing story, i have an autistic cousin and my neighbor has a grown autistic child. I see my family struggles with autism i can't imagine to multiply that by 3 and throw a chronically ill wife on top of that. Rob you will inspire others that don't quite know what to do or how to cope.
Thank you so much. I really, really truly appreciate it.
What you are doing here is amazing.. and the fact you can Have a loving family and still develope Roms for phones you are a incredible strong family.. 🙂 Hope things get better for you. Your in my prayers
Hi Rob (and family) I am writing to you on behalf of Ken Siri, author of 1,001 Tips for the Parents of Autistic Boys: Everything You Need to Know About Diagnosis, Doctors, Schools, Taxes, Vacation, Treatment, Food, and More. 1,001 Tips guides parents through what to do from when they first suspect their son may have autism, to coping with the first diagnosis, to following up with comprehensive evaluation, continuing education, and treatment. And Siri wrote 1,001 Tips with the help of bloggers like you! Over the past few weeks, I have spent a great deal of time getting to know the blog landscape of the autism community and I absolutely love “Lost and Tired” because of your honesty and sense of humor. Your recent posts about Gavin and your real feelings of frustration are important contributions to the blogosphere! I would like to invite you to be part of our upcoming blog tour about the book. It would incredible to have a father with a son on the spectrum sound off on the book. The sky's the limit as to the content of your post, although it would be amazing to get your feedback on some of the 1,001 tips and perhaps even a favorite or two! You may also choose to do a Q&A; or select a chapter that resonates with you or your readers. It really is up to you. I can send you a free electronic copy of the book right away as well as a hard copy to thank you for being part of the tour. Some bloggers choose to offer the book as a giveaway to their readers and I think that's a great idea! I would be thrilled if ”Lost and Tired” were included in our upcoming blog tour and I'm here to answer any questions you may have. Hope to hear from you soon! Thank you, Kay Albers http://www.1001autismtips.com/ http://twitter.com//1001autismtips
Here is a piece my friend did on autism. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmRyz-OdMAs
Ron email me [email protected] I think I can help you out a bit