I need some respite

[zenmondo]

Conor is NOT having a good summer.

My wife thinks we should have enrolled him in some program at the rec center or the Y, but to tell the truth, I don't trust them to see to Conor's needs. I seem to be falling short in that category as well.

Conor has been throwing a tantrum now for about a half-hour. Why? He asked for toast, which I made for him, but without butter. We don't have any butter, and I don't have any money to buy butter. And he is in a rage over this.

In his rage he tried to hit me with this plastic golf-club of his. Not a wise idea when you are six, and your dad is 33, an even worse idea when your father is a black belt in aikido.

At another point he came at me with fists flying and when I gently got him on the floor he started kicking for all he was worth, so flipped him over and gave him a swat on the bottom.

Conor being unconsoloble is quickly becoming the rule and not the exception. I am getting very, very tired. My breaks are few and far-between. buffalogal doesn't have it any easier, plus she works. We really need a break, but I see no way to get one. There really is no one we trust to watch Conor. We certainly cannot hire a run-of-the-mill babysitter -- even if we had the funds to do it.

As I wrote this, Conor finally settled down, and is eating the cereal I poured for him. buffalogal wants to take him to a playground today after work, but I seriously wonder if that is wise, and if Conor can handle it.

Comments

[ssaphire-chick.livejournal.com]

you know that if it were at all possible I'd watch conor in a heart beat for a night so you and buffalogal could have a break.

[totallyobsess.livejournal.com]

I have no clue what kind of services they offer there, but here we have respite care, free to those that qualify, so I would look into that. I've never used it, but just about everyone with AS/autistic kids that I know here use it. You only get so many hours, but since you guys would use it for time alone/relaxation it would be plenty. We also have MRDD waivers that will pay for extra hours if you need it. The waivers also cover any medical costs or for any services/equipment you need. I know how rough this is. Gabe started this around age 6 also and they haven't gotten any better =(

[nectarfizz.livejournal.com]

I wonder if it is possible to look for a Special needs teacher who wants extra money?