Accessory Tuesday: Executive Zippered Portfolios

Does anyone else here have a child diagnosed with level 1 autism (ASD-1)? Mine was diagnosed right before the pandemic shut down our schools for a year and a half. Prior to that, she was in normal schools and was doing well academically, but had some challenges with listening and some quirks (running around aimlessly at recess). Kiddo had some friends but lost them one by one over probably being too intense and (to the other kids) odd in relationships (a lot of talking at people vs having convos). Then the bullying started, so it was a relief that schools shut down. After going back last year, it’s obvious that kiddo needs help with social skills. The school is reluctant to do anything “since it’s not academic” even though the school system employs OTs, etc., often for elementary grades (kiddo has now gone to middle school). One doctor recomended ABA therapy; the ABA people wanted 40 hours of therapy a week (IDK what for — kiddo really needs to be in school with maybe some help around that schedule); after a year on the waitlist I told them that we just were going in a different direction (which would up being no direction at all). Part of our problem is having a girl — she is able to do everything, just her social skills are not where a middle school girl’s are and she is differing and getting teased, losing friends, etc. She can go to the dentist, get her hair cut, etc., so many in our local autism group are looking at a very different skill level (like needing your kid qualified for SSI and respite care for grownups). And she may be “better” off than similar boys, but she is flailing and unhappy in social settings (and is aware of it). OT? There doesn’t seem to be any good social skills group for her type of deficit, but I see this as being something that something worth pursuing (and she wants to pursue it and keeps asking me — doctors, psychiatrists, therapists have ideas that are more theoretical than linking us up with any specific provider). It’s like if you want dance lessons, you sign up for dance lessons and for this it is terribly murky and unclear.

I’m the mom from yesterday who needs a break. I’ll definitely ask the nanny (she’s been out sick). But talk to me about sleepaway camp. The 5 year old isn’t really the one I’m trying to get a break from but the 17 month olds will be 5 someday, right? :) We live in Texas, but I would obviously drive for this experience. My exposure to camp is limited to baptist summer camp and I’m not really looking to recreate that whole experience. What sleepaway camps do you use or have you attended?

I don’t know what I’m looking for – this is a vent. I’ve had really low lows the last few years, and I’m not there but I’m just…tired.

The last few months:
– Uvalde, Roe, just all of it.
– DH has been on multiple work trips – I have ample help but it’s still tiring to play cruise director
– I’ve had to navigate the whole neuro/EI/private therapy for DS #2 plus my anxiety spiral (the latter is my deal and something I have to always be aware of, yes I’m on a SSRI and monthly therapy)
– DS #1 has been increasingly needy and clingy – like this morning he was talking about what I’d pack in his lunchbox one day and when I responded “I think IF I pack your lunch it would be healthy” and he burst into tears and told me I hurt his feelings, he’s also been climbing into our bed early in the AM because he feels lonely…
– I love my big job but my boss tends to get on the hamster wheel and I’m tired of walking her off the ledge about how X team member doesn’t respect her, or that no one cares about the work except her, etc.
– DH was COVID+ after one of these work trips, thankfully no one else got it, but we had almost a week of everyone at home and then the running around of testing to get kids back to school
– All PTO I’ve taken has been for kid stuff – doctor appointments, life admin, etc.
– I’ve had 3 bouts of GI stuff. It’s resolved quickly each time but sucks. I’m someone who usually does not have to deal with this, so it’s not a great development.
– My workout routine has completely fallen to the wayside, and I feel gross – hoping to fix this today

I have no vacation in sight right now – we are planning a trip later this year but it will be a long-haul international flight for a family trip for a happy family occasion but won’t be relaxing. And honestly, I could easily plan something for myself but I’m just tired and don’t feel like coordinating logistics.

This weekend I’m sending the kids to my parents’ house for Sat afternoon-Sunday late afternoon, which will help (and they’ve been wanting it, too). Happy to take any suggestions to help me feel refreshed. I do get downtime/alone time but have spent that time reading/resting. I have a PTO day on my birthday, mid-week in a few weeks which will include a massage.

I know this is a general question, but tips on getting kids to be less spoiled? We’re seeing a lot of very spoiled behavior from my 4 year old lately. I know 4 year olds are supposed to be self-centered, but it seems out of step even for her age. We don’t give into demands and whining, but it seems like we should be doing more to nip this behavior in the bud. But I’m not sure what.

I don’t know what happened to my comment. Apologies if this double-posts!

You could do Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater. Busch Gardens and Adventure Island in Tampa, beaches in St. Pete and Clearwater, downtown St. Pete/Tampa Riverwalk/Ybor City. I would probably split the time and stay 1/2 on one side of the bay and 1/2 on the other because the traffic can be abysmal.