Learning Disabilities

Stimming can be funny sometimes. I do a lot of verbal stimming. So a few times a day I'll sing the corn song from tiktok "It's corn! A big lump with knobs. It has the juice! (It has the juice) I can't imagine a more beautiful thing. It's corn! I can tell you all about it! I mean, look at this thing! When I tried it with butter, everything changed!" My spouse always laughs and now often joins me for this one. I'll also randomly say "woohoo!" (I play a lot of Mario Kart) And I hum one of the Pokémon route songs from the older games (can't remember which) What is one way you notice yourself stimming or what are some funny stims you have?
#neurodivergent #neurodiverse #Neurodiversity #NeurodevelopmentalDisorders #IntellectualDisability #IntellectualDisabilities #LearningDisability #LearningDisabilities #Disability #ADHD #audhd #Autism #AutismSpectrumDisorder #AspergersSyndrome #Aspergers #SensoryProcessingDisorder #Anxiety #Depression #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #MentalHealth #Spoonie #MightyTogether #CheckInWithMe #DistractMe #Dyslexia #Dyscalculia #Dysgraphia #Dyspraxia #TouretteSyndrome #Hyperlexia #RejectionSensitiveDysphoria #RSD

Maturing (at least somewhat) as a mother of children who turned out to have some disabilities, I grew along with my children, and like almost all parents, I turned to “the experts” when I needed help with day to day life with my kids. Who doesn’t ask the experts? I found out in 2002 that our oldest son had Asperger’s syndrome, which is what would now be referred to as Level 1 autism spectrum disorder. I realized fairly quickly that I too had Asperger’s that had been missed, since in the 1970s and 80s nobody was looking for female children with autism because they were supposed to not exist.

As time passed, all my children were diagnosed with learning disabilities, and more were diagnosed with autism, in addition to mental health issues. These diagnoses led to participation in therapy, medication checks, social skills groups, occupational therapy, cranialsacral therapy and chiropractic care. Later, trials of ADD medication. The younger two also had multiple X-rays for supposed scoliosis. In the midst of these activities, we did actually have a life. I’m so glad we were able to homeschool!

In short, there were many challenges my children experienced that I did my best to help them with. Over time, with three children, I believe I am counting accurately when I state that in total they went through ten psychological and educational evaluations. Each of these found something that was causing problems.

Evaluations usually include the tests that were used, what the results mean, and the recommendations the clinician has for your child. Most of the time in the report, there is much information to take in. Recommendations often include more than one type of therapy, be it physical, speech, mental or occupational, socializing recommendations, a referral to a child psychiatrist for medication, and probably other guidance that you, as the parent, are supposed to follow. After all, you have just asked the expert! It would be a waste of time and money to not put the recommendations into action, right?

The message most parents get is that they should probably—just—panic.

I just went to my first academic conference. It was one of the most amazing things I've ever done, and gave me confidence that I really belong in my field. But I still felt like there were times when I struggled to fit in, and wondered if others thought that I was awkward or strange. Looking back, I hope I didn't misrepresent myself to others who might someday hire me, or read something I've written.

I am neurodivergent. I often question whether I can own that label, since I'm not officially Autistic or ADHD, but my cerebral palsy, associated vision challenges and learning disability create struggles within certain social contexts. I don't always know where to stand, what to say, where to look or how to end a conversation. It's one of the many things I've tried to hide whenever I can...I live in an exhausting place of accepting and often being proud of my physical disability, but struggling with its cognitive effects.

I confided in a trusted family member about my thoughts, and their response unsettled me. They replied, "yeah, I always worry about how you come across too." They elaborated that "sometimes you seem so neurodiverse, and other times you seem so capable" and encouraged me to ask trusted friends and mentors for feedback and advice on how to interact with others in these academic situations. Part of me knows that I need to improve these skills to be accepted in my field, but another part of me really craved to hear that I am enough as I am. Of course, I've been told that many times, too...I'm blessed to have many wonderful, validating people in my life. But I'm still left questioning how much of my true self is really welcome.

#CerebralPalsy #Disability #LearningDisabilities #Neurodiversity #Anxiety

I have learning disabilities and mental health diagnosis on top of that and holding down a job is rewarding yet anxiety and stress inducing. I feel paranoid and stressed at work even though people dont interact with me much. I guess that makes it worse because I dont feel safe or a connection with others there. I try inner affirmations and repeating positive songs and lyrics in my head. What else can I do to create this sense of safety im looking for at work?