Monday, December 01, 2008

happy MONDAY!

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monday mornings are always a struggle around here. what keeps me going, though, is seeing this simple statement from my daughter.

the weekend is just long enough for ashlyn to get used to staying home, so then when the routine changes and it's back to school, she gets all discombobulated and it's rough getting her back on track. it kills me that she struggles so much with changes in her environment. i often feel helpless.

this morning was even more difficult since the holiday had her out of school for 5 days straight.

java diva commented in the post where we decorated the tree and asked whether that was ashlyn laughing or crying..........she was most definitely crying. it's a common sight around here, and one that i've been photographing more and more lately because it's the reality of our family.

for my new readers, my oldest daughter was diagnosed with Sensory Integration Disorder in October 2006, but more specifically, Sensory Defensiveness. her sensory meltdowns are such a daily part of our lives.

it's so difficult to explain and understand, even for me. i really don't know if i've even done a good job explaining it to family. here's the best description i've found online from wikipedia.org:

"Common symptoms of sensory defensiveness include intolerance of high-pitched noises, intolerance of overhead lights (especially fluroescent lighting); experiencing a feeling of being attacked upon being touched (especially from light touch or sudden touch); intolerance of certain types of fabrics in contact with the skin; becoming nauseated upon smelling something that does not smell bad to normal individuals; difficulty maintaining eye-contact; severe intolerance of foods due to taste, texture, or temperature; and generally becoming overwhelmed when exposed to a lot of sensory stimuli at once.

Intolerance in this context should not always be taken as unwillingness to be subject to the sensory stimuli in question; rather, intolerance is an inability to process the sensory stimuli in any way other than as over-stimulating, because the sensory stimuli provokes a fight-or-flight reaction. This is also known as sensory overload.

Sensory defensiveness can vary between individuals:
1. The senses that are problematic for one person may not be so for another. (Commonly, individuals report major issues with two or three senses and minor issues with the other senses.) 2. How easily and the way in which a particular sense bothers individuals varies (e.g. high-pitched noises may annoy someone, or they may hurt his/her ears; touch may provoke anxiety, or it can be painful).
3.The triggers for a particular sense vary between people (e.g. one person may be sensitive to the texture of mushy foods, while another may be sensitive to crunchy foods). "

so, for ashlyn, just about EVERYTHING is overwhelming in some way or another. we did do therapy for a while at the children's hospital, and she was in a special needs classroom last year, but she still struggles. and that means our whole family struggles. it's stressful and change is difficult, even when it's extra days off from school.

on days like today, i just need to look at her simple note that tells me........she's okay. and pray that we are doing all we can to guide her as parents and get her the help she needs. this parenting business is HARD.

anywho............on a lighter note, LOL...........how's about a giveaway!!!
you know the drill---leave a comment.
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28 comments:

  1. Oh, Tania, I'm so sorry to hear Ashlyn has SID! I can't imagine how bumpy your journey is daily. I definitely want to cry now looking at that picture! (For you too!)

    And I'm so excited Stacy won! :)

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  2. I can only imagine what parenting is like for you from day to day! You are a BRAVE mama. Hugs for you and your daughter on this Monday after the long holiday.

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  3. God Bless You and keep you.
    I have learned this year to surrender all to God and he will sustain me.I am glad that her note reminds you it's not all trying that she is ok and that there are good times not just meltdowns.Y'all are in my prayers.
    Jennifer

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  4. Thanks for sharing that about your daughter. My courage goes out to you and your family.

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  5. Sorry to hear about Ashlyn's SID. I understand how hard it is to deal with a special needs child in whatever dimension. It sounds however, like she was put into the right family for her understanding and patience with her. Good luck. By the way found you from JYC.

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  6. Your day-to-day challenges must be many and stressful, still you have time for all of us. You are an amazing woman, Tania.

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  7. Tania, you sound like such a great mom that is doing all the right things. hang inthere.
    That parade looked wonderful by the way & congrats to yesterdays winner.

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  8. What a fun pretty RAK you are offering. Sorry to hear about your daughter.

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  9. love the giveaway today! Such cute stuff! :)

    I sent you an email. :)

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  10. One of my closest friends has a little boy with the same diagnosis. We work to help her out so she can have moments of sanity in her days. Thanks for sharing so much information.

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  11. You go super mum! Scrapping must be a great outlet for the challange of daily life!
    What a cute Rak you have today!
    God Bless you and your family.

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  12. so sorry to hear about your daughter.I know it can be difficult at times.may God be with you and your family. thanks for the RAK. THAT IS SO KIND OF YOU. FISKATEER#5012 EVE.

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  13. Tania...this world needs more moms like you I can't imagine your daily life...and yet when we open ur blog every day you have this beautiful smile for us...you are truly an amazing woman.

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  14. Tania...this world needs more moms like you I can't imagine your daily life...and yet when we open ur blog every day you have this beautiful smile for us...you are truly an amazing woman.

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  15. You ARE an amazing mom. God knew exactly what he was doing when he gave Ashlyn to you and Doug. :) Love ya friend!

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  16. I can only imagine whats its like for you being a parent for a child with SID, May God be with you and help you always.
    Thanks for the changes to win, you're such a brave and kind person.

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  17. Sounds like you are doing a wonderful job as a mother. Big hugs for you.

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  18. Tania, you are one strong woman!! I am a teacher and I can only try to understand what you are going through! Thanks for sharing all that information...I never knew anything about Sensory Integration Disorder. Hope that family members and friends can help you out when you really need it!

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  19. I am so excited that Stacy won!!!!!!! :D WOOOHOOOOOO

    You are a fantastic woman to have to deal with 3 kids everyday.

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  20. Bless her heart and yours too. Know you are in my heart and prayers.

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  21. It sounds like you are doing a great job mom...I can't imagine how trying some days can be. Thinking of you :-)

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  22. Bless your hearts, I know it is frustrating but you guys are doing an amazing job!

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  23. You can do this Mom! No one could do any better, because no one could love her as much as her Mom! Trust yourself that you do the best possible with each situation. She is blessed that you care so much. What a beautiful note.

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  24. Just love her and be there for her Tania...remember God only gives us what he knows we can handle.
    Debbie #4668

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  25. You are a great mother. God wouldn't have given you something you can't handle Darlin'! Would home schooling make it better? I wish I could help you and make it better. ((HUGS)) and prayers for you all!

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  26. Tania,I've had 8 kids, and I've never heard of that diorder.. you'll never know what to expect from day to day.. I feel like crying with Ashley..that must be overwhelming for Parents.. our kids were good when they were small. but once they were a year old , the crying fits begin.. but they grew out of it.. I feel so sorry for you...Mariah #2457

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  27. Tania I can relate to your daily life. I have been co-raising our 8 year old grandson along with our daughter who is a single mom. Chase was diagnosed with SPD when he was 5. Life is challenging to say the least. We finally were guided to a Children's Behavior Clinic where he has also been diagnosed with Asperger's. We are fortunate that he is very high functioning. In fact he is wise beyond his years. This clinic has been a Godsend for us. They have been a great support to not only us but to Chase and have helped us with every day challenges. I truly believe Chase was a gift from God and he has brought so much joy to our lives that much out way the chaos. Never stop researching or being your child's advocate. Your daughter is beautiful by the way. Hugs and prayers your families way!

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  28. thank you so much for sharing. you are a great mom.

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thank you for taking time to connect with me in this space! i will do my best to leave comments answering any questions you may ask. if you are commenting on an older post and you dont see your comment publish right away it is because I have comments set to be approved before publishing on any blog posts older than 10 days old due to a recent influx of comment spammers. i will see your comment, approve it and reply to you....if it isnt spam. xoxo :)

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