Welcome. My name is Jennifer. I am 35 years old (but is that relevant??). I am divorced but in a relationship (8 years). I have two children. Both boys. The oldest is 15 years old and the youngest is 7 years old. My life isn't always easy with my kids, but I wouldn't trade them for the world! My oldest has been diagnosed with ADHD, Tourette's Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Asperger's Disorder (Autism Spectrum Disorder). My youngest has been diagnosed with ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Sensory Processing Dysfunction, and Autism (moderate-high functioning). The days might not be quiet in my house, but they are surely full of surprises!!
My oldest, Derek, is more low-key. He's quiet USUALLY. His tics (running up and down the hall, pinching, arm flapping, and screeching) is what bothers him the most. He is on medication, but has been weaned off a lot of them since he feels that they are not helping in any way. As any teenager, he spends most of his time in his room. He gets easily frustrated from ANYTHING. He would sleep in until 1 p.m. every day if he could. He is at the age where he does not like to do ANYTHING with the family (and that hurts me). He hates germs and likes to be by himself more than with others. He gets good grades (80's and 90's) in his high school. He is mainstreamed with no special education needed. He has lots of "friends", but doesn't "hang out" with any of them (although last year he hung out with 2 or 3).
My youngest, Cody, is high maintanence. He is NEVER quiet. He has problems keeping still and quiet and doesn't really know how to "wait his turn" to talk. When he has something to say, he says it no matter who else is talking. Cody is always running around, jumping on something, or spinning on his spinners (exercise pilate spinners)...He has been chewing on everything lately! Toys, blankets, pencils, paper, etc. He will be starting a new summer program for kids with special needs. He will be attending Kasson Road school (upon our requests) this fall. He has a lot of "issues" at school. He has an IEP, as well as an extra behavior plan. Cody screams a blood curtling scream when he is frustrated (which in return frustrates anyone else around)....He is also a "runner"...he runs away when he is frustrated too. He's above average in math and reading. His report card shows a lot of promise (3's and 4's) but where the "social interaction" comes in, he gets 1's and 2's (mostly 1's)...He doesn't like to sleep. He stays awake until 11 pm most nights (although he goes to bed around 8ish every night)....He doesn't really get up, he just lies there and sings.....and sings....and sings some more. Cody has the hardest time with getting dressed. At the moment (and the past 7 or so months), he has only been able to wear Hanna Andersson pants and shorts(only one style) and Hanna Andersson shirts (a few others too). No socks. He can't "deal" with the feel. He is very sensitive to smells (throws up on strong smells).
Both kids see a psychiatrist (known as the best one in New York State) and have for the last 11 years (Derek) and all of Cody's life. Cody also sees a psychologist to work with his frustration issues.
I opened this blog thinking that maybe others wanted to voice their problems, or questions, or advice. Feel free to comment on anything or ask anything.....I also opened this blog to keep in touch with the friends and family that I seem not to see very much at all anymore (I am really sorry)....thanks and have a great day!!
