Daily goals, motivation and check in

@saturnzoon. I'd be telling him he either has a 30 minute break every 2 hours or he can hand over his phone now and not play at all - his choice.

Routine is handled really well by children on the Autism Spectrum. It's getting them into the routine that's the hard bit.

And as hard as tantrums are for us to witness - they are better than a further deterioration of his sight.

@saturnzoon Hi saturnzoon, hmmm.... I think lots of extracurricular activities are in order by force if necessary. If that doesn't work and he wont comply to the doctor's recommendations and mum's rules hide the phone and the computer and have a couple of drinks and let hell break out (that is probably what I would have done if in the same situation). At the end of the day you are the adult and he has to learn that he won't be able to play any games at all if he keeps going at this rate.

Tough love, tough love. gp

Hi @eudemonism, wondering how it went with your doctor today. Were you able to convey your concerns about feeling told what to do by professionals, when you would rather have an active say in your own treatment? I like my current psychiatrist very much because he always involves me in decisions to be made about my medications. I hope you can find something similar over time with your treating practitioners too. Best wishes.

@MazaritaI've sort of done my dash when it comes to being involved with decisions about my treatment. I made a big boo boo a few years back. Now they are always a bit hesitant to make any changes to my medication. They just want to know I'm receiving the needle every 28 days.

He might respond to a reward system @saturnzoon. I am not sure how old he is, but with teens it"s better to "broker a deal" with them. They won't do something if they feel they don't hold the power of choice, so if you think about it, you may be able to come up with something so it goes a bit like this ....

"How about you set your phone alarm to go off after 2 hours, and then "xyz" for 30mins .... and my part of the deal will be "abc"...."

This could be movie tickets after a week of sticking to the plan, or being taken somewhere special he really wanted to go.

The "äbc" part might involve you making a commitment of your own, such as quitting something, or changing a personal habit to a healthier choice, particularly if it is something your son has really wanted for you, or would get a buzz out of.

I hope this helps .....

Although (or maybe because) I'm feeling exhausted and flat I need to set some goals:

• get through my work day without upsetting myself or anyone else
• write a grocery list
• switch mobile phone providers

How bout you @Faith-and-Hope @Teej @eudemonism @Mazarita @Bunniekins @CheerBear and anyone else in need of motivation?