A.D.H.D. - A Lifetime of Distractions

"Mr. Magnificent & Hulk"

These guys are very creative with tons of Squirrels!

Having ADHD is like trying to climb to the top of a mountain with a backpack full of rocks. You are ready to make the climb, but a little anxious because you've been told that you just aren't cut out for mountain climbing, that maybe you shouldn't even bother. But you know you can do it. And then you realize there are people that are just zipping up to the top of that mountain ahead of you. You tell yourself, "But I did all my prep work! I am smart! So why can't I move as fast as everyone else?" Then you find ways to get some of those rocks out of your backpack. Learning coping mechanisms takes out some of the rocks. You still have some rocks left in the backpack, but you find you can scale that mountain much easier now. You aren't giving up, you aren't having to stop for hours to convince yourself into getting moving again. And then you make it to the top of the mountain.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination, but remember symptoms of ADHD can often be mimicked by other disorders.

When It's More Than Just Squirrels.

Hulk being hulk! Hulk was a very lively baby, who hated to sleep alone. As he grew, he found a love for drawing. We would find his creations everywhere. On the walls, furniture, doors, and on any paper he could find. He has an amazing ability! He also has some uniquenesses. He loves dressing-up and being different characters, sometimes I think he'd rather be them than himself. Hulk has sensory processing disorder. The food on his plate can't touch. He occasionally has poor eye contact. Some noises, materials, and smells bother him. I noticed these things around the same time Tink was diagnosed with ASD, so of course the thought was in the back of my head. Once you have one child on the spectrum, you get this radar for other kids. Hulk started school, Kindergarten, First grade went well. Except at home he was very hyperactive, impulsive, and couldn't focus. He was diagnosed with ADHD. By the end of First grade he was falling behind in reading and his t

Preparing for the future

For the past week I have been trying to keep my mind off the results of Doc's evaluation, still waiting for the phone call. I have been working on some ideas for the new sensory/therapy room. S ensory bins are wonderful hands on fun for many ages including toddlers and preschoolers! Many skills can be learned and explored through sensory bin play including social and emotional communication, literacy, fine motor skills, and more! Sensory bins provide an outlet for children to engage in a meaningful way and also receive sensory input that their little minds and bodies crave. Exploring through touch and feel can be a positive experience for most children. Sensory input from sensory bins works with your child's nervous system. Some fillers may be preferable to others, so don't give up trying! Let your child be your guide! Use a sensory bin to talk with your child about what he or she is sensing! Great communication and self-awareness activity. What do

Before you judge, understand why.

I really wish there were no judgmental people in this world, but there are. Autism is a condition which is difficult for many to understand and, once again, our family has experienced ignorance. This post is to all of the people that have seen and judged my daughter lately - a six year old child sitting in a jogging stroller whining and crying, yelling and screaming, kicking her feet, repeatedly pulling the visor down and demanding things. This is what YOU see. You might think "What a spoiled brat!" or "She's too big for that stroller." She isn't doing it to get her way. This is Autism. Let me explain... She rides in a stroller because it's the safest place for her. Crowded, fast-paced and noisy environments cause her anxiety, which triggers a sensory overload and she tries to flee. She also has Joint Hypermobilty Syndrome that makes her to become very tired and causes pain in her joints. Although she tries very hard to conform anywhere sh

Welcome to Holland

Search This Blog