Those of you who have kids with ASD know how the weekends can be. My kids are supposed to be with their dad on the off weekends, which hasn’t been happening much lately, so I am put to the test. The routine of the weekend is very disruptive for most of these kids. There isn’t school, and they have to adjust to the 2 day change-over. We routinely have movie nights, with popcorn and sleep outs in the living room….but this too can get old. Nights can be rough- so we avoid sleepovers and friends over to avoid conflict. Weekends are usually family time for most people – and this is also true for us – but also our most difficult time- as I am sure that my kids both have ADD and need constant movement. So – each week I try to come up with a plan that will work for all of us – but in the end, I am so glad when it’s Sunday. 🙂

There is a common theme with my daughter. Her afternoons are usually terrible – dare I say “horrendous”. She can keep her composure all morning and then after lunch she just has the roughest of times. Thankfully – she only has to go until 2:30 – so it’s a short afternoon. I have literally spent the last 4 years trying to figure out better meds, better schedule, better teachers, better aides, and anything I could think of to make her afternoons good. Nothing works – and I think I have finally given up to the fact that 4-5 hours is as much as this child can keep it together.

I take Phoebe to ABA therapy. It’s controversial – but I have seen improvements in her overall ability to have better conversations and ask pertinent questions. Tonight – after a chaotic dinner – where her impulse control was tested – I put her to bed. Where it was quiet, and calm she looked at me and said….”Mom, Tyler and Tanner have turtles (cousins – where she stayed last night). One is a boy and one is a girl. Tanner says that his is the boy and Tylers is the girl. Their names are Molly and Jason(?). They are kind of small.” To most of you this is nothing. To me this was a huge step. Most of her comments are all over the place. This was 3-4 consecutive thoughts that went together!! I praised her for it immensely…and she was very proud. Thanks to the ABA therapist.

This day did not start well. However, this time it really wasn’t Phoebe’s fault. I sent Phoebe to school with 2 left shoes. They look identical – and at 6:15 am I thought they were the same. So, off she went. Well, when things in your autism world are not right – you have a bit of a problem. Phoebe had a terrible morning without shoes. I finally got there and her day was a little better- but not much. She told her teachers – “it’s my moms fault.” Of course it is….:) Hopefully tomorrow I don’t send 2 right shoes.

Ok – this post has nothing to do with therapy. This is about the potential predator that is targeting young children in Saginaw. He drives a white truck – possibly with a stripe. If you see this truck or anything looking like it–call the police. PLEASE. I fear for the kids like Phoebe – who can’t understand what someone might do to them. She would willingly go with someone – or talk to someone. PLEASE- even if you don’t have children – keep your eyes out for this person or anyone else who might be hanging around. Thanks.

I made it home. I am fine- my daughter, however had a royal meltdown when I got here. This is to be expected. Things that are not the same rattle her world. So – as happy as she might be that I am home – it also just makes everything different for her. For Phoebe’s autism–daily routine and predictability are everything. I learn to live with these days- and know that tomorrow will be a better one- for her and me.

I hate leaving my house. Well, let me rephrase that- I LOVE leaving my house to go on vacation, up north to the beach, or out to dinner for that matter. It’s times like these when I leave the kids with my mom and dad that I fret the most. My children aren’t “normal”. Phoebe has MAJOR anxiety when I am gone- which causes me to have major anxiety. I am used to her quirks, her schedule, and her crap to be honest, but for my parents- it’s not that easy. They aren’t used to the routine, or the schedule- and it’s hard!!! I appreciate that they can help me out more than anyone will ever know- but know they also don’t let on to how hard it really is. For me, being the parent of a child with ASD has become routine, but until you live it – you don’t really know what it is like. For that, I say thanks to all those who helps us out. (thanks mom and dad – I won’t ask again anytime soon. )

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