Created a New Tote

When Robin and I got the ideas for our t-shirts, we were only thinking about how they would help our lives. However, when other parents and families of Autistic people heard about them they wanted us to make them available to anyone. Thus our Autism Bites t-shirts were born.

Since that day I've had a few requests to add to the choices available. I was recently contacted by a parent and a group of teachers that wanted a tote bag with a face and saying combonation that we did not have. Here is what they wanted -



Its a great idea and one that can be used for any disorder, not just Autism. Christmas is approaching, if you can't find what you like in what we are offering let me know and I'll see what I can do. Thanks!

Dad

Swine Flu Shots?

Every year the "experts" predict what flu shot is needed for the upcoming season. From many reports and books I've read on the subject (what parent of an Autistic child hasn't studied this subject?) the favored choice is effective less than 25% of the time.

It's a crap shoot.

Then there is the 'extras' that are included in each dose. The thimerosal content of a lot of shots has been greatly reduced, but not necessarily the aluminum or formaldehyde, or the use of fetal and animal tissues in the manufacturing of them.

I've read that this shot DOES include thimerosal. Thanks for your concern CDC, but no thanks!

Autism x 6: How Do We Do It?

We've been getting this question a lot recently in emails. And it is a question that we've been getting from day one. My wife is the glue that holds us together and works hard to make our family feel more 'normal'.

We both grew up not knowing what a special needs family was. The last few years have been a crash course, near literally. We are not perfect or have any unusual talents that help us make it though each day. We just plug along and do the best we can.

Some days it is overwhelming and maybe we escape with too many DVD rentals or midnight snacks, but you do what you have to do to maintain your sanity.

No one asks for challenges like these precious angels bring to a family. However, we figured that God must really want to straighten us out to have given us six children with Autism. I feel they are here mainly for us to learn from them, instead of the other way around.

We used to complain a lot more (i.e. not enough money, need a home of our own, etc) but we are getting better. Hey! It looks like the children are doing a good job with us after all.

They are the special ones. Me? I'm just the Dad.

Autism Rate Now 1 in 100, Still Autism x 6 for Us

1 in 100? It's scary, it's terrible, it's the end of the world!! Naaaah, if you have children with Autism you just learn to deal with it.

However, friends don't come over any more, family avoid you, you're in foreclosure or going bankrupt. If you are so bold as to step out into the outside world you get the "look" or stares usually followed by unsolicited parenting advise.

You may not be able to hold down a regular job. You need a lot of time off. You had the hope that there was a government program, an agency or charitable organization that could help with SOMETHING.

Then 'how life really is' sets in.

After awhile you come to realize its all up to you. You stop feeling sorry for yourself. You stop caring about the mean people, uncaring family members or government indifference to your plight.

You come to accept your life with an Autistic child(ren). Then you learn to embrace it. To appreciate their innocence.

Sure the meltdowns, the poop, the constant messy home STILL aren't that much fun -- but you deal with it. You realize your blessings and find peace in your life.

1 in 100? It's still 6 in 6 for us.

Dad

Autism X 6: A Year Later

On October 1st Discovery Health channel will be showing our family story... again. During this past year it's been aired about 8 - 12 dates that we know of. It was shown in Australia and in England as well. Discovery Health did not tell us about the Australia showing (they don't have to). We found out from a number of emails from some new Aussie friends.

The show in England had a bit of lead up advertising and media attention. Robin was interviewed by a woman's magazine, we asked for a copy like we always have done with the other media, but we didn't get it. The most amazing thing for us was that we did not get a single response to the documentary from anyone in England. Maybe something was lost in the translation. Not sure.

We've had all the range of responses as you might expect. People wondering how we do it, other wondering WHY we did it. We received email from well wishers and others calling us the foulest names possible. Some have told us we deserve a Extreme Home Makeover show, and others said we don't know how to clean up a home. We've been accused of using our kids for financial gain, but the truth is we are worse off financially then a year ago -- just like the rest of the country.

But we are glad that the show was made and the other documentary, Keys to Unlocking Autism, that we were a part of. Awareness is the key and the beginning steps to making the life's of persons with Autism better. But even though the term 'Czar' is getting a bad rap lately -- we need one. An Autism Czar to coordinate the efforts correctly, as much as possible.

We call ourselves 'Autistic Parents', other parents know what we mean. Some goofs have thought we were saying we are Autistic too. We know how to handle the joys as well as the crap, literally, being parents to six children with Autism. And we're still plugging away a year later.

Dad

Autism x 6: Update to Our Main Website

I've made changes, updates and have refocused the meaning of our website: AutismBites

Autism with six children is still not the best part of the day, however we want to focus more on the positive. We've found that certain things work for us and make life A LOT better. Maybe it can help your family too.

Updates are on the main page, about us and links. Who can tell me first, the major change made to our blog?

Dad

Autism x 6: Living a Day at a Time

According to Robin, when I get an update during our nightly phone calls, Bobby is the one who has taken a hold on the list of chores I had given each of the older three kids. Emma and Nephi... not so much. I have given them a cash incentive for chores done to help keep our home somewhat orderly. But it looks like they would rather have the dolls, Legos, Transformers, etc. without the labor. They will be sad to learn that that is NOT how it works.

I have been busy working, of course, thus my lack of attention to this blog and other places on the net I used to hang out. My past few nights, actually 3 in a row I've had to drive during the midnight to 6am hours. This morning I did not HAVE to get up early so I didn't set my alarm clock and woke up naturally. 12 and 1/2 hrs is what it appeared that my body needed.

Tonight and all day tomorrow I'm camped out at the Flying J near Indianapolis, IN. I've been thinking and writing ideas down for a fiction novel. And the last time I was in Salt Lake I talked with the CEO of my trucking company, Central Refrigerated, about the idea I had of applying informational Autism Awareness stickers (10 or so inches across) on the company's trailers. I'm hoping that the idea will catch on and that other companies and possibly independent owners will do the same. I hope to find someone (Autism Speaks, hmmm...) that will pay to have them produced. An idea I had anyway, we'll see where it goes.

Dad