Comments on: What’s so special about a hyper quirky kid?

By: Tara R

Tara R — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 03:21:44 +0000

thanks.

I can relate.

By: franticallysimple

franticallysimple — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:56:50 +0000

My daughter has some similar issues. The diagnosis OCD has been batted around, but it's not the whole problem. I'm still trying to figure it our so I can help her…
Thanks for sharing your story.

By: Cassie

Cassie — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:47:50 +0000

As I began reading this I felt like it was written especially for me! Thanks so much for posting. Sometimes when our children's are not severe we feel as if they are not as important. Thank you for empowering us.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:39:22 +0000

Ah yes, the power of the Dx. We fight to have it, and the answers it brings, then as soon as we get it, we fight for the world to see past it, to the beauty and strength of our children, each unique as snowflakes.

Excellent post!

By: The Laundress

The Laundress — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:06:25 +0000

Beautifully written.

Yes, your girl is wonderful….all of our children are. They are special in their own way. As a teacher I've seen kids with all levels of abilities and each and every one has something wonderful to share with me.

You are lucky to have understanding teachers where you are. And you are a great mom. A patient mom and a loving and caring mom…what more can your children ask for???

I can't wait to hear more about you here on this special site.

beautiful.

By: Half-Past Kissin' Time

Half-Past Kissin' Time — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 02:55:54 +0000

As a spec ed teacher, my heart goes out to kids like your daughter. So many people just don't understand why these kids can't just "act right." Students with healthy issues are more often understood or at least treated with some compassion. Keep fighting the fight!

By: Trish

Trish — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 02:07:50 +0000

What can I say but yes, I agree with all of the above. It is hard to deal with the issues of any special need or disability, whether they are obvious or not to the outward appearance, and I hope more and more people will learn not to jump to conclusions about why a child is behaving a certain way.

By: ibdawnk

ibdawnk — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:49:54 +0000

Thanks for your thoughts. I have 4 "special needs" kids whose needs are not apparent to others at a glance and I truly get the feelings you express in here. It's nice to know that others out there get it. Thanks for thise post and for your willingnes to be transparent.

By: Queen of the Mayhem

Queen of the Mayhem — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 22:22:26 +0000

I love that you are so willing to share your trials and tribulations with the world. I can only imagine how many people with a similar child feel better knowing they are not alone!

You go girl!

By: lonestar818

lonestar818 — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:32:50 +0000

Great post . I have three boys with autism, two of whom are extremely hyperactive (due to sensory issues) and I can soo relate to what you said about feeling like a bad parent (and plenty of people willing to reinforce that notion). The best thing I ever did was to ditch the "mainstream" parenting books and articles, as well as all the conventional parenting advice I rec'd, because none of it worked for us anyway… often had the opposite effect it was supposed to. When our twins were dx'd with autism and sensory integration disorder at age 3 it was like someone flipped the light switch on… finally things made some sense and we could find some books / resources that were actually helpful.

You make a good point about education, especially since there is no outward indication that they have issues. I would much rather make people aware that my sons have autism (if it's someone who's going to be interacting with them on a regular basis, not everyone we pass on the street, lol) than leave them to come to their own conclusions about why they do what they do. We've found that people are *generally* more patient and kind when they understand that the boys aren't being willfully disruptive, and that with a little help and an un-overwhelming environment they can contribute quite a bit!