Autism the big winner

I refer to my recent trip as cupcakes revenge.  The idea of what makes this so hard is the fact that I had a conversation with my sister before I left concerning a trip she wants everyone for Christmas break.  I decided this long road trip would be the perfect trial run.  The run by favor was more like it.  the trip started okay we had went over what was to happen when, I had a social story thanks to Dr. Boyer (Cupcake's rock star former teacher) , I had ever imaginable sensory item that she could want including sand and water boxes.  I made sure that all the snacks were easily available and that we gathered her favorite blanket, pillow and Barney.  The IPad was fully charged and the phones and two tablets.  This was not my first rodeo, I've been doing this for twenty years now.  I know that preparation and scheduling are the keys to success.  we drove the first four hours with Cupcakes videos going full blast and made it to our first stop.  We were to stay at the Ramada Inn and relax then drive to Chicago the next day and then on to Ohio.  Well this is where things fell apart we got to the hotel and they could not find our reservation. Oh well I thought its tie for some food anyway let's do that first.  We went to the hotel restaurant and Olivia looked very upset and distracted all of a sudden my meltdown radar was going off.  Full alarm!  Nonsense this is going so smooth.  All of a sudden Cupcake got up from the table and ran to the gift shop that was across the hallway.  I followed and explained that we had to finish eating.  I could not get her to leave she began to throw things off of the shelves those little bells and glasses with the towns name on them were flying everywhere I was trying to catch as may as I could and it was no use.  Finally after the screaming and yelling were over she threw up not once but twice.  She had made herself physically ill.  I got her to the car and after cleaning up and paying for the damage $200.00.  I tried to get her to go and check in.  She would not leave.  I ended up calling the hotel and not checking in but driving all night and day.  As I cried my way through two states I wondered what I could have done differently and the answer is nothing.  This is autism this is my reality.  How depressing... Yet I survived to fight another day.  I rested for two days and now I finally can concentrate enough to have a little clarity.  I won't stop trying but maybe next time we will fly. 

I dedicate this blog to my very good friend Sharleen Johnson and to cupcakes amazing teachers who are still cheering her on and provide a level of support I do not deserve. Thank you, Alex Boyer, Garrett Petrie and Roberta Buccina. Sorry I let all of your training go to waste.