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Ryland’s Journey (so far)
Even in the special needs’ community, Ry is special. He doesn’t usually fit into any of the molds – he doesn’t act like most of his peers. He’s been an individual since he was born. It’s been a long, exciting and sometimes frustrating journey with him, and it still isn’t over. We’ve only just begun…
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What People Don’t Tell You About Being a Special Needs Parent
There are some things about being a special needs parent that don’t get discussed in general conversation. Some things that sneak up on you and you kind of have to navigate on your own. Self-care and hygiene are big ones and puberty is the main cause of the conundrum. Puberty is usually considered a fairly…
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Dear Depression…
Dear Depression, You have been around so long now that I have almost grown comfortable with you – like an ugly scar that I’ve learned to live with. I expect your games and tricks now, but I need you to know that I realize what a liar you are, and I hate you. You lie…
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Saying ‘No’ to Alcohol
I don’t drink. Not anymore. Haven’t for a while now and I’ll tell you why – it’s a depressant and for a person who suffers from Major Depressive Disorder it should be a no-brainer to stay away. For a long time though I didn’t realize that and put myself through hell figuring it out. My…
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On being happy…
I’ve been writing a lot lately creating several posts for later. Trying to get ahead. There began to be a theme in all of them – they are all negative. Negative things about me, about our life as a family. I realized that I don’t want to think that way anymore. I’ve let myself fall…
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Millennial Mental Health
Paix recently had a full comprehensive mental health evaluation done. It confirmed her diagnosis of Bi-Polar II with psychotic features and ADHD but did add a new one – Generalized Anxiety Disorder. This new diagnosis is actually a very common one for her generation – millennials. In fact, I have nieces and nephews diagnosed with…
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Ryland and ABA
One of Ryland’s therapies is ABA. ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. A search on the internet will bring up several articles questioning the ethics of ABA therapy arguing that its core principles are cruel. We have not had that experience. Not to say that unkindness doesn’t happen, there is certainly room for it, but…
