Miah has been somewhat of a nighmare this last week, it seems like his autistic traits have come out full force. He hasn't behaved like this in a long time, we are back to not being able to go to the store with out both of us being in tears by the time we are done. He tends to cycle alot as far as behaviors, but this has just been a bad week. I called my ex and his advice is "have patience!" Believe me that man does not even know what patience is, so all that did was p*ss me off! Do you guys ever get tired of always being patient? I love my little boy to death, there are just some days where I feel like I can't do it anymore. How do I get over it so I can be the best mommy for him....? Thanks for lettin' me vent!

I sooooo know how you feel. Before I had my son my middle name might as well have been Patience, but sometimes you feel like no one can possibly be put through all this and stay sane. The behavioral cycles that you mentioned are draining and a lot of times depressing, (at least to me) and sometimes it feels like the only thing that keeps me together is speaking with others who empathize with you and also knowing the "bad" cycle will end. Getting some type of break for yourself seems a must- a chance to regroup and recharge yourself so that you'll be ready to jump back in the ring. There are times when I HAVE to remove myself, JUST SO I can be the best mom for my son. Wherever you can shut yourself away for a while to de-stress- write in a journal, listen to some music, call a friend, sit and cry for a minute, whatever is your thing or whatever you need to do for a while, I'd go do. (I've done all of these, by the way.) Everybody needs an outlet to get their balance back, then you can come back your son feeling put-together again and ready for the other side of the cycle.

I know how you feel Mary, I have days that just seem like disasters and then all my worries that were sitting dormant in the back of my mind jump to the front and I feel like the world is going to collapse on top of me! I just try to take it one day at a time when that happens, I try to make it through that bad day and hope the next will be better

People have always told me I'm a patient person, but my patience is tested to it's limits on a regular basis with my boy. I love him soooo much but when he's using destructive behaviors or meeting his sensory needs with my shaving cream a different part of me comes out lol.

If you're ex wants to help you "be patient" maybe he should take the kiddos for an outing every once and again so you can rejuvenate yourself, get a massage go to the spa or just take a long bath or something. You've got to take good care of yourself so you're strong for your kiddos.

Thanks guys, sometimes it's just nice to talk to someone who understands! I don't have any friends around here that have kids with autism so when things get hard I tend to start feeling very alone! Miah has been really hard to handle all week, so I finally took him to the Dr. cause I couldn't take it anymore and she said he has double ear infections. Now I feel horrible because here I was getting all frustrated with him and he was in pain and just couldn't tell me! Hopefully things will calm down with him now.

My ex isn't the type to try and help! He see's the kids when it's convienent for him and a lot of times he tries to leave Miah with me because he takes a little more effort and my ex doesn't like that! But oh well, the kids all went to bed at a decent time last night so I got to take a long bath and have a glass a wine. I'm feeling better today, and tomorrow will be better! Thanks for listening guys it makes such a difference knowing that there are people who understand!

Boy do we understand. I hope your son feels better.

Have you thought about respite care? I'm not sure if you're using this service already. It's a great alternative for parents who have challening issues with their children.

My son doesn't have Autism but he was tested for it. I can can totally relate with you though. I was just thinking about it today. I was having to guide him through step-by-step, hand-over-hand to take his vest off of his closet hanger. Watching him was painful and he was struggling! He'll be 8 in a few months. Sometimes I just feel like every little thing, I have to break down for him. I don't mind but it's hard.

Hugs to you. It's not easy and our patience wears thin sometimes. If you can find support ANYWHERE, it'll make a world of difference.

What is it about the store he's reacting to?