The Give and Take

Our family had a busy evening tonight. Right from school we threw the boys into two separate cars and split. One was going right to Alan's holistic doctor apt, the other going to pick up Vinny from school. But it didn't end there, we then grabbed food really quickly and we headed to basketball for my middle guy.

With a jam packed evening ahead of us, and it nearing the end of a full week of school and ABA for Alan, this spur of the moment doc apt was anything but ideal. With the rough patch we have been facing I got in contact with his homeopathic doctor out in Oregon. I explained via email everything we have been seeing. I didn't stop there. I then contacted his holistic doctor here to see if we can get in sooner then March 31 (which is when we were scheduled for). After texting and explaining the aggression we were seeing, his holistic doctor said to bring him in immediately, which was today. We knew it was going to be chaotic.

So we went to the doc apt, all of us. Alan was not a fan this time. The energy testing was really bothersome to him, which it usually isn't a big deal. In my head I already know how tonight's going to go with our packed schedule. Sometimes nothing is ever easy, and that's the rut we are in. The doctor gave us some new ideas to try which we are always so greatful for. New ideas and docs that never give up on him, it's very refreshing. After the appointment we headed to a quick dinner. Alan didn't eat much, and he usually doesn't when he is overstimulated. We didn't force it and again moved on to our next activity for the evening, basketball.

Arriving super early we had ample time in the gym before anyone else came. It was good for us. Alan sat for a while with his tablet, watched his brothers run from one end to the other. I was super excited about being able to come tonight. I've missed 95% of these activities because they are in the winter, the same time as the basketball team I coach. So being able to make tonight to watch Vinny was something that I was really looking forward to. Alan, had other plans for me, though. Once the other team showed up, and things became more loud and chaotic, he bolted. And took me with him. As of now we have spent most of our night in the chapel of the church that he found an open door to. It's just too much for him in the gym with such an overstimulating chaotic night. Even after a bathrooming break, I tried getting him back in the gym, but it lasted for one minute and he headed out again. At this point, why fight it? He is really enjoying the chapel and I can't think of a better place for my son to want to be in. So him and I spent the majority of our night there, in the peace and quiet, it was almost beautiful in a way.

In short, as much as I would have loved to watch my Vinny play tonight, Alan needed me more. That's usually how it goes. Vinny had his Dad coaching and his little brother there too, so I can't let myself feel too guilty because that's a deep rabbit hole I can go down very easily. The time we spent in chapel was very important to Alan tonight, and I am glad I recognized it and didn't fight him on it. It's the give and take that makes this journey doable. The give and the take.....

With Grace-

This Autism Mama