August 2023

Here's what we've been up to as summer comes to an end. All photos and videos linked here.

OCD and Anxiety Behaviors

Rob: To say that Alex has "autism" doesn't really describe his condition very well. As is often the case, there are a lot of other conditions wrapped up in that, including a lot of anxiety and OCD behaviors. He doesn't like anyone to move his books or toys or pillows on his bed, and he is a creature of habits and expectations. As long as we do our routines the way we usually do them, he is usually a pretty happy camper. But things can go south if there is a change, especially if he is tired or not feeling well. Lately, his OCD and anxiety have been a bit worse. For some reason this month he got into this stubborn OCD thing with his drinking bottles (usually filled with almond milk) and wouldn't drink. Normally, he likes to always have these with him and he drinks a lot. But a couple times, he went a day or two hardly drinking anything. He still ate, although he was more picky than usual about that too. And so he, of course got dehydrated, and constipated, and very emotionally unstable. Not fun times. By the end of the month, he seems to be moving out of that stage thank goodness, but is still gets weird about not drinking when he should, and gets in these moods where he can be very controlling about little things. We just try to make sure we keep engaging with him in positive ways and doing fun things with him that he likes, which hopefully breaks down his anxieties a bit.

Childcare and Anniversary No. 8

Rob: We had a babysitter a few times in August which allowed us to get out and play some pickleball. The babysitter was not available the week of our anniversary, unfortunately. So we just went out to Texas Roadhouse, where we usually go to celebrate things, because they bring out all those great rolls and that usually keeps Alex happy. But not this time. Despite the rolls, Alex was in a foul mood that evening. We even tried to take him to the arcade after and he was still grumpy. So not the most ideal anniversary, but at least we had childcare at other times during the month.

Other Outings

Rob: We made another visit to Minnewaska state park, which was lovely as usual. It's about 25 minutes away. We often do this hike that is about a mile to a waterfall and you can walk in or along the river for a ways. Also discovered that the nearby Mohonk Preserve visitors center has this whole kids section in the basement and a nice little nature walk. 

The town had a fireworks display at a nearby park (which was postponed from July), so we got to catch that. Alex could sit there and watch fireworks all night.

And of course we've made many visits to our usual haunts at nearby parks and playgrounds when the weather was tolerable, and to the arcade, libraries, Barnes & Noble, etc. when it's too hot and humid.

What Else Is New

Rob: I've been writing a couple stories lately, one about brine shrimp for KSL.com that was just published, and one about moss for Scenic Hudson that will be out this fall. My day job mostly involves editing less interesting science stuff, like grant proposals. So in my spare time I enjoy the creative freedom and learning that comes with writing about topics I find interesting if I can find someone to publish it.

Becky: As Rob mentioned, we're trying to come up with ways to help Alex stay occupied so he doesn't get stuck in an OCD rut.   Hopefully we can get in with his developmental pediatrician soon.  We're managing to keep him happy most of the time, but tantrums have definitely increased.  I'm picking up 4 new clients this month since 4 of my kids aged out of early intervention.  I always really enjoy new clients.  New clients usually means new and interesting problem solving and a chance to get to know and train new parents, which is usually very satisfying.

Alex: He's been much better about walking on little hikes with us and not making us carry him. There's a lovely trail around a small lake at a park down the road that we go to often. So he knows it well and will do the whole thing on his own, which is great. It helps that there is a playground with a swing that he likes that we go to at the end. Also he's been a good hiker to the waterfall at Minnewaska State Park where he likes the challenge of walking on boulders and tree trunks along the river.