Greyson has gone from 3 seizure meds, down to 2 in the past month. This transition has caused him to act out, become extremely impulsive, aggressive and nocturnal, though he doesn’t really sleep during the day either.
Derek and I can deal with the lack of sleep, but the aggression is the worst of it. It all started with aggression towards Duke during meals, then during tantrums, but now anytime G is around Duke, he’s biting, hitting, pulling on or trying to tackle him. The aggression then began to target Derek and I, but as former TSS, we can handle anything. When the aggression became centered towards Roslynn, we knew it was best to remove her from the situation, for her own safety.
The hardest decision that we have had to make thus far has been moving Roslynn out of our house, temporarily. My parents have been so incredibly supportive and opened their guest room door to Roz, so she wouldn’t be attacked by Greyson anymore. Watching her curl-up in a corner, violently shaking, crying and screaming “he’s gonna get me, help me mommy!”, was a push over the edge that we needed to make this decision. My parents presenting this offer also came at the best time possible, after an extremely difficult two weeks. I thought that maybe Roz would be upset that she was going to be away from us, but she’s living her best life at Nana/Pop-Pop’s house. The best feature of staying with them, according to Roslynn, is the KING SIZE BED!! She is loving having such a big bed all to herself and is getting some much needed, overdue attention.
Roslynn and I are glued at the hip. She is the baby girl I always hoped for: a 4 year-old little genius with an amazing ear for music. She is so timid and kind, and she has the sweetest little voice and personality. This has been very difficult for us, but especially for me. I truly feel incomplete and empty without her, though I see her every day and call/FaceTime her multiple times a day. Luckily the weekend is coming soon, which means I can stay with her for sleepovers in said King Size bed! This is all temporary, just until Greyson is stabilized on his medications and the aggression has subsided or at least becomes manageable.
Moving onto some more happy thoughts…..
My favorite time of year has finally arrived. I love Halloween, Thanksgiving and the fall. I adore the colors on the trees, the crisp air and the smell of wood burning in a fireplace. This year, Roslynn has chosen to be Snow White for trick or treat night, but that has changed almost daily. Greyson managed to make it to one house last year, before we had to return home due to a giant tantrum. We have stuck with the Star Wars theme for the past two years, but need suggestions for this years costume.
2018 Wookie
Roslynn really hopes that he will go as Dopey….though I don’t think G would keep the hat/ears on, or any part of the costume either. Naturally I am so indecisive, so I never know what the kids should go as- suggestions are appreciated!
Getting through this tough time with med transitions, growth spurts, no sleep and full-time work, takes a strong team. Derek and I know how extremely important family is, so we agreed before getting married, that we wouldn’t bring kids into the world if we weren’t prepared to go through it together, for life. I’m glad to say that we are pushing through, as a team, to conquer these rough times. It seems like most parents that have kids with special needs, tend to end up divorced directly because of their child and the stressors that accompany a disability. I see it every single day at work: many families that come in without the other parent being involved, or a nasty custody battle is taking place over the child. It just makes the already difficult situation so much worse. I’m extremely blessed to have such a wonderful husband, family, in-laws and friends, who all support us and provide us with the best opportunities and care for our children. We could never imagine doing this without them!
In the Halloween spirit, I do encourage those not as familiar with the “Blue Pumpkin” initiative, to do some research. The best way we can all learn about those who may be different from us, is by educating ourselves and others. This is how acceptance and understanding becomes contagious. Let’s start a virus of Autism education for those unfamiliar with the condition, and spread the only way to “cure” the symptoms of ASD- acceptance, love, understanding and kindness. Even the smallest gesture goes a far way.
Happy (early) Halloween, y’all and please send me costume ideas for G!
La Vie de Autism 
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