That One Thing

Recently I was discussing with another Mom her need for Yoga and that she had specific reasons why she liked to go to certain Yoga programs or locations-- She was kinda apologizing for her need to go to specific locations because she just liked them better---
I told her that if that is the one thing that keeps her sane or focused  or centered there is no need to apologize --
This life with Autism affects every member of the family and most of the time in different ways. But; I have discovered that although this is a 24/7 365  job, you have to find a way to either release some of the pent up frustration or a diversion that feels like a guilty pleasure to maintain and even keel with your child.

Look, whether you have a typical child or one that is challenged whether you are young or older when you have your kids there will always be days or at least moments when you wonder what the hell you were thinking having a child-- Or  at least suffer from a pang of selfishness when you want to shove it all and take off for a even an hour just to get away and fool yourself that your life is something made up in your head and you really are not living the life that has unfolded in front of you--- 

I decided a long time ago that I had to have at least ONE THING as a guilty pleasure. A way to indulge myself without compromising the care of my child. A way to pamper myself so I feel like a little piece of me still remains and my total existence is not all for Autism..

For me it is my soap opera {which is now going off the air--OH I digress!} But this is how I do it-- for that one hour out of the day I AM CLOSED FOR BUSINESS--- No phone calls; no appointments; no conversations about Autism; --- This is my lunch hour and if I just sit and veg out then so be it but 1 hour out of 24 is MINE! People laugh and sure there are always exceptions -- Autism doesn't have a schedule but I tape it everyday and somehow I find time to indulge ---

Now for others maybe its getting up early and sitting quietly before the day starts in the household or its a workout -- walk with the dog--- a ball game  maybe its just messing around in the garden or the garage---even an hour of the computer --- Theres a million places and things but all I say is find that ONE THING  and  mark your territory!  Everyone benefits .

Making Decisions

Recently there was a mom who was administering B-12 shots to her son and they were causing extreme pain -- She had the "nerve" to question the pharmacy that was mixing them for her and got a lot of grief over her questions---As it turns out she finally was able to obtain these same B-12 shots from another provider and they were not causing any of the pain the previous ones were.
This is a perfect example of why you should never apologize for ANYTHING YOU QUESTION- It is another example of what I mean by  GO WITH YOUR GUT!
Certain situations just do not feel right and when you sense that, you need to act on your suspicions--and again do not apologize.

Update on Meds

Well we are a month into the new medicaation and it seems to be working-- alhthough technically Dakota has to take more MGS of Abilify than the Risperidol -- He is still on a minimal dose and it seems to be effective--I have seen a couple of "blow-outs"  but not enough to warrant a change for now--or an increase either--
Dakota has dropped a few pounds but that is not important to me, my bigger purpose is the simple fact that his body has benn using the same drug for such an extended time. He needed to try something different to allow his body a change.
So Far So Good!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

Here's hoping you all have a GREAT 4TH OF JULY!

Ok -Last post was a bit much for most.

So its been weeks since I wrote and I can tell from the response that most think I am really out of my tree---That's OK  After you live with this "crap" for 24 years your minds has gone thru just about every scenario imaginable to man!

 It gets back to wanting the best for our kids just like every one wants the best for their kids. They are human first and may people just don't realize that -- The behaviors are so big that many just cannot get over the inability of our kids to "reign it in"  AND to that I say get over yourselves. We all have warts, we all have imperfections but as "typical" people we have many ways to mask our shortcomings-- In a way our kids are much more pure or raw--- they don't care if some see their flaws---We as their parents have to support our child and educate others about it!

You know everyone has "something" every Family has some issue--It can be dysfunction to cancer or anything in between . Thats not to dismiss what other people go through but my mission is to reach and tell ANYONE  with on the scope of my voice what I can about my son and the Autism community in general. It is so incredibly important that our kids learn how to be a part of the community BUT it is also imperative that the community be educated and accepting of these kids like any other "faction" of society that may be different.

If I ever get a wide following it will be one of my priorities to preach acceptance and tolerance. These kids have value and deserve their place.
Spread the word and educate when you have an opportunity.and if you don't feel comfortable doing that then send them to my Blog! hee hee