New changes..for the better.

In Dec my husband had surgery for reoccurring polyps and was diagnosed with Samter's triad. He was told to follow a salicylic acid free diet. At the same time our kids were very hyper (two on ADHD medication) and I was leaning toward trying the Feindgold diet. So on February 22nd we purged our cabinets and haven't looked back. At first shopping was overwhelming for us. - Searching through our new "bible" to see if a product was approved while Tink, Hulk and Doc were running up and down aisles. Cold lunches would soon be added to the daily routine as well.

Mr. Holland and I noticed a calmness come over us after about one weeks fully on it. As for the kiddos it took them about 3 weeks. I love spending my weekends with them now. - Normally our weekends would consist of shipping some of them to Horsey's house aka grandma. They are happier & calmer than I have seen them in a long time.

Last Friday I decided (with Doctors ok) to try and take Tink off her ADHD medication (Vyvance). - We suspect that she does not have ADHD, but may have SPD. We have tried this in the past, unsuccessfully. The weekend went very well (to my surprise), but Monday was what I was dreading. What would her journal say when she got home that afternoon?! - I had this on my mind all day. When she got home not only did her journal say "Great Day!", But her report card also had improvements since last quater. Yay! Happy day.

It's really scary! - the stuff they say is "OK" to put in foods and in cleaning & hygiene supplies these days. Artificial colors, flavors, fragrances and sweeteners. None of this NEEDS to be in what we consume or use, SO why is it? How many more children NEED to be diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, SPD and many other issues and problems till they stop adding it?! Just food for thought....

The Proprioceptive System

Proprioception is the process by which the body can vary muscle contraction in immediate response to incoming information regarding external forces, by utilizing stretch receptors in the muscles to keep track of the joint position in the body. SIGNS OF PROPRIOCEPTIVE DYSFUNCTION: 1. SENSORY SEEKING BEHAVIORS: __ seeks out jumping, bumping, and crashing activities __ stomps feet when walking __ kicks his/her feet on floor or chair while sitting at desk/table __ bites or sucks on fingers and/or frequently cracks his/her knuckles __ loves to be tightly wrapped in many or weighted blankets, especially at bedtime __ prefers clothes (and belts, hoods, shoelaces) to be as tight as possible __ loves/seeks out “squishing” activities __ enjoys bear hugs __ excessive banging on/with toys and objects 2. DIFFICULTY WITH “GRADING OF MOVEMENT” __ misjudges how much to flex and extend muscles during tasks/activities (i.e., putting arms into sleeves or climbing) __ di...

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...

Autism Night Before Christmas

This poem was written in 2008 by Cindy Waeltermann, who is the founder of the organization Autism Link . I just discovered it today on facebook ... Though many of you might like it... Twas the Night Before Christmas And all through the house The creatures were stirring Yes, even the mouse We tried melatonin And gave a hot bath But the holiday jitters They always distract The children were finally All nestled in bed When nightmares of terror Ran through my OWN head Did I get the right gift The right color And style Would there be a tantrum Or even, maybe, a smile? Our relatives come But they don't understand The pleasure she gets Just from flapping her hands. “They need discipline,” they say “Just a well-needed smack, You must learn to parent…” And on goes the attack We smile and nod Because we know deep inside The argument is moot Let them all take a side We know what it’s like To live with the spectrum The struggles and t...

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