04/28/13

High School Trauma: Road to Recovery II

I did not recognize it until the next day, but I went into PTSD (C-PTSD) symptoms. Anxiety filled me, as well as irritability, I was shaking/shivering, cold, nauseous and I started to fixate on facebook. I made myself get off, I had tears, all the sudden I felt ugly, worthless, depressed, panicked at noise, everything became loud and buzzing. I could not eat and I could not sleep. I felt alone and scared. It was not until the next morning that it all made sense when I was still having those symptoms. They were intensified because I had not slept in a couple of days and because of my confusing interaction with Joshua’s teacher, but at least I was able to understand what was happening.

My high school days were some of the most painful and confusing times.

I was in an abusive relationship for three years of my stint in that school. However, I was unaware that I was being abused. I knew that my unnameable fears and anxieties were at high levels during that time. I was stalked; my personal space and time were continually violated. Other girls who called me things like “slut” and “whore” bullied me. There were rumors spread about me that were vile, I found out later that my boyfriend said many of them at the time, or my so called friends. While I sat at home babysitting my sisters taking care of the household because my mom worked 50-60 hours a week, and my step dad at the time was a drug using, drug selling, womanizing lazy jerk, there were claims that I was out partying and hooking up with numerous guys. Nice.

Many other things happened too.

I felt like I had to continually watch my back. Several girls hated me and I did not know why. Many guys confused me. My teachers did not change their attitude toward me either. I had two teachers who ever said anything positive to me. My U.S. History teacher, who said that he knew that I was much smarter than I let on and my literature teacher who said she wanted to see me in advanced literature. She was impressed with my writing skills and with my major assignment that I did on “Death.” My economics teacher did compliment me because of my hard work on a stock exchange project we did. I did get an award for that – I just remembered that.

It is hard to remember any good memories because there were so many traumatic ones.

In my home life, my social life, and at school. I had no safe place anywhere. I was in the vice-principles office often. Either for skipping class or smoking. I was in the nurses office a lot too because I always felt sick. They never asked me why, they always assumed I just did not want to go to class because I was a delinquent. I could not tell them that a math teacher made fun of me all the time in front of the class. He was the football coach and found it amusing to mock me when I asked questions. I could not tell them that the P.E. teacher found it amusing to measure my BMI and then proceed to call me obese. (He said that he was joking.) When I was maybe 120 pounds. That was a great thing to say to a teenage girl who had a boyfriend who was already calling her fat.

I dropped down to 100 pound by the next years.

I could not tell them that I skipped and hid in the bathroom because I found a huge bag of marijuana in my step dad’s coat pocket one day and I just needed to be alone to try and process what to do. Or that my boyfriend accused me of cheating on him. Or that my mom woke me up at three in the morning demanding that I do the dishes even though we had no dish soap so I was forced to use powdered laundry detergent. I could not tell them that the boys made derogatory comments to me that half the time I did not understand so I did not want to be in class. I could not tell them that several girls in another class that I was in threatened me.

No one listened and I did not know how to be heard.

When I tried to tell my story, they did not believe me or thought that I was being unruly because I could not get my words out. This caused me to have meltdowns, one major one with screaming, hitting, and raging in the office. IN ADDITION, when that happened I recall at least once being asked if I was having my period. That is not even the half of my life that happened while in that school. I understood how important it was for me to go and turn my thoughts into positives. I really wanted to see my niece perform. I wanted to be there for my sister, and I wanted to see my dad and step mom. I decided this time around I was not going to internalize my fears. I shared a little on facebook to get it out. It gave me the strength to text my dad and tell him that I was having problems because of all the negatives I had associated with that place.

Thankfully, he was supportive along with my sister and step mom.

They did not make a big deal out of it, but I could tell they were trying to “be there” for me. My dad met us in the parking lot. The school looked so tiny and not scary at all. It felt very different walking in there with my kids. It had only a momentary affect on me. When I looked down the hallways, my lung filled with heavy air. It smelled the same; I saw my locker when I was a senior. I saw the hallway where my other locker was when I was a freshman. The foreboding left as quickly as it came when I walked into the auditorium. It was where I had been in a beauty pageant. I discovered that pageants were not my type of thing, but I had positive memories of that day. I had memories flood of when I was in choir and my performances.

Eww, and that horrible electric blue dress we all had to wear that one year!

It made me laugh. We sat into the front row and all three kids did great. They sat the entire time and relaxed in the semi-dark to some tunes. Daniel asked a bunch of questions, but he did an amazing job at sitting there and trying to be quiet. He enjoyed himself. During the performance, I noticed that the woman I had talked to about music therapy was there. She recognized me and came up to me afterwards. She said that they have been working on a project to start “Sensory Friendly” concerts. She said, after watching Daniel she knew that it would be a great project to start. We talked for a little bit longer about the summer schedule for music therapy and went on our way.

It was a positive social interaction for me (with a woman) in my old school.

The whole thing was positive. When we were leaving, my dad decided that he wanted a picture of my locker on the way out. Another guy, went by the lockers with his wife and he had the locker next to me. I did not remember him at all so I think he was a couple of years before me, but I am not sure. I am not sure I would remember many faces from my school days. I took a picture of the kids in the hallway to help melt away the past memories of those hallways being filled with negatives.

Their smiling faces consumed them.

I walked out feeling a little more whole than I had before. It felt good. I could finally, look at the building and feel peace. I feel a little teary eyed right now in a strange sort of way. It feels as though I have lost a large chunk of my identity, but that I have gained a large part at the same time. I think I am going to be able to pull out some positive memories from school soon, after all of these negatives ones settle their voices. I knew coming back home was going to be challenging and liberating – I am glad that I am here.

A few resources.

Psychological and Behavioral Impact of Trauma: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Signs of Trauma in Children

Types of Traumatic Stress

Happy pictures!

[Show as slideshow]

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04/28/13

High School Trauma: Road to Recovery I

I had not realized how much school associated trauma affected my emotions and anxieties while dealing with the kids teachers this year. I will get to my high school situation in a moment; however, my reaction about my high school was enhanced due to an interaction with Joshua’s teacher so I need to process it. I experienced bullying from grade school onto my high school in various forms. Many times, my naivety caused my downfall. I would not understand jokes, innuendos, behaviors etc… at the bus stop, on the bus, in the classroom, or out on recess, and that led to being made fun of constantly.

I was made fun of for the “odd” things I said and did.

I was made fun of for my birthmark and my looks in general. The kids made fun of my clothes, my mom, and my home. Others things as well like, how I could not stay quiet or still in class. Similar types of mockery went on through middle school and high school. I did some stupid things because of my naivety. I was clueless at the time, but I wanted to be liked and I wanted to have friends. If people dared me to do something, I would think that would make them like me. It only got me into trouble, made me more of a mockery, confused me, and caused feelings of isolation and depression.

The only group that accepted me was the “rough” crowd for the most part.

[There is just too much to write about.] They made fun of me too, but it was for my innocence and they found it amusing to have a girl in the group who had never kissed, done other “naughty” things, who did not smoke, or drink. Some of those things changed quickly enough. I was still a prude in many ways and it was funny to make fun of me for being that way. In grade school, though I noticed how my teachers did not see me in that light. They treated me as though I was the “bad” kid. I was ignored or I was being disciplined for my disruptive behaviors. I had problems sitting still.

In conduct, I regularly received a U for unsatisfactory.

I could not stop talking. I had problems writing. Art class was torture for me because of all the cutting, drawing, painting, multiple sensory and fine motors issues, and at that time, dealing with abstract art for me was very difficult. (Now I love it.) I was placed in intermediate reading even though at home I was reading encyclopedias, Grimm’s’ Fairy Tales, Aesop’s Fables, and various types of poetry and literature for fun by nine years-old. Though I loved numbers and understood them in a unique way I could not grasp the way they taught it in school and I was placed in basic math. I fell through the cracks.

I was invisible unless I was acting out.

I was sent to the hall many times. I was forced to beat chalkboard erasers to clean them as punishment, which was so painful to me that I would be sick for a couple of days afterwards. The dust made my stomach hurt, it made my nostrils raw, and I coughed for days because the dust seemed to be stuck in my lungs. It dried out my eyes and made them burn. The worst part was that I could not get the residue off my fingers and hands. Even after I would wash them, I could fill the dryness caked to my skin. It was awful!

I have all of that infused to my brain when it comes to teachers.

I especially have the anxiety and fear of not being heard by them. I would get in trouble for acting out and the majority of the time I was acting out because another child was messing with me, or I felt trapped in a desk forced to sit and listen to something that we had already gone over 50 million times! When I would try to explain myself to teachers, they only saw me as being disrespectful, unruly, and obstinate. I had no voice and I finally took on the perception of myself being nothing more than a nuisance. I felt that way at home and at school.

At the beginning of the school year for my kids this year, I had to work through those feelings.

I did not realize it at the time. I assumed it was all my social anxiety, it was a big change, and it was new. I did not know what to expect so I was anxious. I felt much better after talking to Daniel and Ariel’s teacher. I felt all right after speaking to Joshua’s teacher. However, by my next interaction with her I was thrown. I will not go into great detail, but she and I just do not click. I have not been able to find any sort of understanding of her way of communication and it has caused me to spiral into some severe anxiety attacks throughout the school year. Joshua had made several comments in the beginning of the year about her that I assumed were probably his own anxieties.

After a while, though I listened to him.

I think we just do not know how to communicate. Some people you cannot find a way to reach equal communication. I have found it difficult because I get on well with all of Daniel’s teachers and therapists. I have explained to Joshua’s teacher my concerns about his reading issues, yet his academics are excellent. He barely needs me at all for math or science expects to read or write out some words for him. He does great in language arts as well, except he has problems reading the computer screen. He takes a little longer to process his words when reading in general. I am concerned about him having dyslexia and I have sent an email to Daniel’s special ed teacher about getting Joshua evaluated through the school.

It was prompted after my interaction with Joshua’s teacher Friday morning.

I will keep this part short, and in fairness, she has been gone on maternity leave for several weeks. It was her first week back. In a way I am happy that all of it transpired because I also asked about getting Joshua evaluated for Aspergers or ADHD through the school. I am waiting on my psychologist to get him scheduled for an evaluation, but it looks as though it will be the middle of the summer. Daniel’s special ed teacher will be working with Joshua and me for his IEP if he is diagnosed so it does not hurt to ask her questions.

I know I give so many details!

I am trying to stay focused. Because of all that had happened on Friday morning, I was struck with anxiety and fear. I became fearful because I had emailed several questions about Joshua and about Daniel in regards to adding more accommodations to his IEP. I started to become overwhelmed with fears that they all think that I am a bad mother and that I do not do enough for my kids. Then, the thoughts that they feel that I am a helicopter mom and want ALL of these accommodations to make it easy for my kids and myself. I started to panic that Joshua’s teacher would want to retain him despite his high scores and massive improvements that he has made.

The final anxiety blow was about Daniel.

They decided to move him forward to third grade because of how much he has progressed and improved. I started to fear about that, but I had no definitive fear, just a foreboding fear. Those thoughts were consuming my brain and then, the plans for Saturday started meshing in there too. My plans for Saturday started to mix and mingle with my other lingering anxieties. I take the kids to the YMCA so Ariel and Joshua can do gymnastics. I had originally, planned to take Daniel swimming during that time, but now they have scheduled swim lessons. That means we have to wait until Ariel and Joshua are finished then go swimming. I am at the Y for almost three hours. :-/ My dad texted me earlier in the week and said that they were coming for the weekend and wanted to know if they could see us.

Our schedules were not working out.

I found out my niece was going to perform in her choral on Saturday and I thought that would be a great thing to go to, something new for the kids. I was waiting on my sister to tell me the when and where it would be. Ok, so I had all of that anxiety from earlier with the teacher, my general anxiety about family coming and being at the Y for almost three hours, (trying to keep Daniel entertained for an hour) then, my sister texted me the time and that it was going to be at my old high school. My body sunk for a moment. I had a strange response that I cannot articulate. I thought, “Well that sucks.” and moved on.

However, my subconscious self did not move on.

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04/21/13

I’m Too Tired… Product Of Overload

I was going to attempt to finish the post I was working on, but my brain is just too exhausted. I am fighting with an array of emotions for many different things. This week was a rough one for Daniel. He refused my help on several days, and I was not able to bring any peace. This can make me fall into sadness and negative thoughts. The reason is that I get overwhelmed with thoughts like, “I am the only one who knows how to help him and if I can’t then what?”

I have fears run through my head about never finding a positive solution to help him.

I know that this is not true. However, when I do not get sleep, breaks, and the school schedule is overwhelming for the week, I get tired. As I write this I seem to have an apologetic tone. In a way, I do feel like I should apologize. I have this feeling that I should be sorry for not having all that it takes to be a parent that is fully capable of handling every situation that arises. That sounds ludicrous writing it out, but I am sure I am not the only mother who has or has had those thoughts.

I have given my energy to helping all three of my children and doing my daily tasks.

I should not feel as though I am less for not being “spot on” with everything this week. Sometimes I have no idea what Daniel needs, MOST of the time I do. However, those times when I think of everything possible, I do everything I can think of, and then, go in search of answers and still find none, those days seem to wipe out all the other days that I do have the answers and can help him. He is much better today and this week looks promising. I am drained and quite honestly ready for school to be over.

I need a boost to get me motivated for the last couple of weeks of school.

It is not helping that I am extremely frustrated with standardized testing. I have read entirely too much about it the last three days and it is getting to me. I think if I take the rest of the day off from thinking about school stuff tomorrow and reading that information I will do much better. I hope. I need a break from negative language starting from how people talk about themselves or our world, to how people talk negatively about autism. I thought about what could have happened to Daniel this week if he was in a school setting.

I thought about how he could have been treated.

I thought about how people would have perceived him had they witnessed what he was going through. I knew that most likely they would not have considered all that he had done in the two weeks prior. Not because they are inconsiderate, but because the way we process and are affected by change, environments, sensory stimulation, and social dynamics are so foreign to them that those things would not be in the forefront of their minds. They would not have considered all of the social activities he had done. They would not have considered everything that he was still processing from all those situations. They would not have thought about all of the sensory input and social settings that his brain was still pondering.

Without clear context for some because many of them were new for him.

They would not have considered the weather changes, pollen floating around, or how the pressure changes affect him. They may have thought that he was being unruly and obstinate by refusing to take his tests or work on his research paper. Tests that are about 50 questions with reading comprehension and math problems that he has not done before. A research paper that I have had to convince him repeatedly to work on over the course of several months that is due soon. He still sees no purpose in it and this coming week I have to find a way to convince him to try to write a few paragraphs of it.

Sigh… that makes my heart hurt just thinking about it.

He is feeling better, to force him to do so much handwriting, well that could be too much. Granted he has had several months to work on this, but it is a challenge to convince him to do assignments unless he finds a good reason for it. I tried many different ideas and repeated some. The one that worked this time was reminding him how much he loves sea turtles. I hope it lasts through the writing part. I could be wrong about how he may have been treated. We could find a great school staffed with grand teachers who are able to devote such time and energy on thinking about my son’s needs and how his brain processes.

It is not out of the question.

The reality is even the best teachers are not always equipped with the time or resources for that. These thoughts do ring through my head because when I cannot help him, I begin to question whether homeschooling is the best for him. When I thought about all of that, the one thing that did help him when nothing else could was reminding him that it was ok. When he said things like, “Why do I do this?” I explained to him how he is affected by all of those I mentioned earlier. It helped to understand that nothing was wrong with him, we just needed to find better ways to help him decompress. Some of his behaviors were not ok and the positive is that he knew that.

He tried very hard not to fall into them.

When he did, he apologized or said that he did not know what else to do. Now that is HUGE progress. I can understand not knowing what else to do. I can understand much of what he was feeling; I only wish I had the answers to help this week so that both of us could have had a better week. The most important things that happened this week was that Daniel knew that he was accepted no matter what and that he was understood. The week is over, we are moving on, I had to process, (I have my own overloadeness that needs to be processed as well.) and now I am letting it go. All is good despite the freaky weather! (Ariel and Joshua did just fine, they each got extra alone time with me or David. I have found that helps a lot when we are having a rough week.)

Picture time.

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04/17/13

Book Review

I was asked to review Asperger’s Sibling Support: 15 Practical Tips for Parents/Caregivers. The book was written by Trish Thorpe. It is written from her experience being the younger sibling of an Aspergers sibling.

I was very interested in reading it because I have my own concerns and challenges with raising three children. One diagnosed with Autism and my other two who show many traits. While they are most likely on the Autism spectrum, (working on diagnosis) there are similar issues that happen in a family with Autistic and non-autistic siblings.

As I read the book, I did have to pull out of my own Aspergers thinking and not take words literally or personally. I think that is a good thing. When I read her words, I was able to see from her perspective as well as place others who are in my own life into her position. In doing so, I was able to see how much of her heart to share and help others was written into this book. I share that because there is much talk about how Aspergers/Autistics are perceived as people that lack empathy. It is a touchy subject and it is addressed in the book briefly.

My personal experience reveals otherwise, however, from others my actions and behaviors have been perceived as lacking empathy. In every case, we are individuals and express ourselves in unique ways.

I felt that the book was an excellent guide to help with children, especially younger ones, in order to help them to understand their world with an Aspergers sibling. I think it is a beneficial tool for parents to help know how to communicate to their children about Aspergers; the challenges and the benefits of Aspergers.

It gives great bullet points and short precise helps. The book shares simple examples that can be applied quickly and with ease. It gives insights as to how to help better understand and have compassion for their sibling with Aspergers, but it also addresses that the needs of non-autistic siblings should not be ignored. I think that is extremely important too.

I believe this would be a great book for anyone who has a child(ren) on the spectrum to help them know how to communicate to their other children. It may be a useful guide to teachers as well.

I really liked the way that she was positive and gave more resources to help seek support for siblings.

I have linked above to her book and website for more information.

Go check it out!

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04/14/13

Whirlwind Week

This entire month has been full of activity. The kids and I have been doing all sorts of things in addition to doing our regular school schedule. I have been trying to get them ahead of schedule because my mom is supposed to come the third week of May. I think that is when, I will have to double check. Their last day of school is May 23rd and I would like them to be finished as soon as possible. Ariel and Joshua are almost down to only language arts and math lessons, but Daniel is a little further behind on his assignments.

In the last two months, I have seen huge progression with Daniel and Joshua in their reading.

They have been working so hard, but I am concerned with the Dibels readings coming up. I did manage to get their teachers to allow us to print off their monitoring reading stories ahead of time so they would not be on the computer screen. It is too difficult for them to read on there and being timed makes them nervous. Both of them need the paper lying flat and words covered so they do not get overwhelmed with all of the sentences, they can look like masses of letter blobs to them if they are not covered.

All three of the kids have improved a great deal in their handwriting.

We have been working on it and I have tried to make it as fun and positive as possible. It wears them out though. I have to keep it light on the lessons if I am going to have them do writing assignments on that day. No, practice does not make perfect. We cannot do it every day because it is too much for them to process.

They will become overwhelmed and it will turn into a negative.

I was so excited for Ariel because she practiced on her own with cursive. She has started reading in cursive too. It has boosted her confidence with writing because she thinks it is easier. I was so happy that Daniel actually wrote in cursive for me too. He did have to turn in one of his writing assignments in cursive. I was so proud and excited, until I saw that the teacher gave him a 5 out of 10.

I am not sure how I feel about that.

However, I do not want to dwell on that right now because this post is all about the great things that are happening. Our week actually started on Saturday the 6th, (with continued activity since then) when we went to my aunt’s for my birthday party, on Sunday I think we stayed home. Then, on Monday, Ariel and I went to the YMCA. I wrote what happened on Monday about the bully situation, but the awesome news is that Ariel recovered well and wanted to go with me on Thursday night. She went right into the children’s center with no problems and had a great time. I had a great time Piloxing … except I ate yogurt earlier that day and that was not a good idea. My belly felt awful afterwards. I do not do well with yogurt anyway; I have no idea why I decided to eat it that day. :-/

I forgot on Wednesday that I took the kids to play Putt Putt (mini-golf) after school.

A cool whirlwind image!

During our school breaks, I made phone calls – one for music therapy and another to set up dentist appointments for the kids. I will set mine soon. Yippie! I can’t wait to see what all needs to be done in there. I still have two of my baby teeth; one of them seems to have a cyst of some sort above it. I may have to go to an orthodontist for that. I really do not care I just want my teeth cleaned and my one cavity taken care of before I panic again that I have a cavity at all! Yes, it is my first and only cavity. I am a little freaky about my teeth. Oh, and yes! I made phone calls and had no anxiety issues!

I am getting over my phone anxiety, a little bit.

I still have my moment’s right before I call and right after I get off the phone, but other than that, I am doing really well. I forgot I had to talk to Joshua’s teacher on Wednesday too. On Friday, I had to talk to Ariel and Daniel’s teacher about placement for next year. Ariel will be going into all gifted classes. She wanted to hold off on talking about Daniel until she spoke with his special ed teacher. I had to talk to her on Friday too. I know she was getting a feel for where I was at with placement for him. That is another post all together, but I did make it clear that I was gearing toward him moving on to third grade. We are supposed to have a meeting with all of his therapists, teachers, and another woman whose title I cannot recall at the moment.

I will worry about that later.

On Friday, I dropped the kids off at grandma’s house for about an hour and half to give me a little break before we went to the Autism Awareness event. Then! Saturday I took Ariel and Joshua to their gymnastics class and Daniel and I went swimming. (At YMCA again.) AND Daniel actually put on a life jacket for me. He has refused and refused for years. The last time he wore one he was four years-old and we went to the beach. I took him to the deep end and he was latched onto to me for the first few minutes. I pulled him off and held him by his hands, until he was finally comfortable enough to let go.

He swam in the deep end by himself!

I told him how proud I was of him and he was proud too. He said, “I am doing it! I am swimming in the deep part all by myself. I am floating though.” Lol! This is such a great thing. He has been afraid of the deep end for a long time. I am just so pleased with all of the things we have been doing lately. I am also so proud of all that the kids have been accomplishing. Daniel has amazed me with his willingness to try new things. It has also been so wonderful that he has been enjoying himself so much more when we do things. He wants to go places and do new things. That is much different than, almost a year ago when we moved here and he refused to get into the car for months.

His attitude about school has changed as well.

His teachers and therapists said that he seems like a new kid. He is happy most of the time. He is willing to read or participate much more than before and if he does not want to he is able to communicate that. YAY! Now it is not all fun and awesomeness. There are moments that are not fun at all. Today happened to be an ALL day not-so-fun day, but being that we did so much this week I was ready and expecting it. I have been kind of cranky all day and so have the kids.

The day did not go as planned and we are socially and physically tired.

The kids and I did work on the yard for a couple of hours yesterday too. (They helped a little, it was more like they played while I worked. ) That is a lot for all of us. This coming week is full too, not as much as this week. I think we will take more breaks this past week. Still I am so happy about all that we have done, it feels good to be able to go out and enjoy ourselves even if it feels like a whirlwind!

My post may sound like a whirlwind, but it has been one of those kinds of days – my brain is frazzled!

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04/13/13

Our First Autism Awareness Event, Um …

Last night, I took the kids to an Autism Awareness event in town. It is the first time that I have been able to take them for various reasons. It was the first year that I felt that Daniel would be able to go and enjoy himself and want to participate. I was not sure what to expect. I tried not having any expectations. I knew that I was walking into an event where it was called “awareness” and that word can have multiple meanings depending on each person’s perspective. I was not sure if the organization that was heading it was for acceptance or had other feelings toward Autism.

I had done my research about them and by all that I read they seemed to be very accepting.

Though, I still was not sure and being that I had so many negative experiences where we lived before I am very cautious. Little history, I had several churches claim they were accepting only to discover they thought Autism was demonic and/or Daniel needed healing or deliverance. NOT. I also, reached out to another organization that claimed they were there to help Autistic children with therapies, cost of therapies, and connect families for support, only to discover that they were pushing a cure Autism agenda. That is only a couple of experiences I had, I do have a few more, but I think that is enough info to explain my cautious attitude.

I kept my guard up and knew that if I felt or saw any of those types of things that the kids and I would just leave.

Thankfully, it was in a school only minutes from our house, easy to find and it always helps when we do not have to be in the car long. All the kids can get car sick, and Daniel still has moments of car anxiety that can be triggered going to new places. It was at a school in their gymnasium. We had to register when we got there and everything seemed very smooth and positive. The only thing that bothered me was that they had a DJ, blaring loud music that did not seem appropriate for young children, who have sensory issues. We could feel the vibrations out in the entryway. It was thumping and pounding, Daniel started to ask why his body was vibrating and why was it so loud.

I told him that we did not have to stay if it was too loud, but he said that he wanted to go in.

Everyone was very nice, but no one talked to us. They all just looked and smiled. I took it upon myself to take the kids around to play the games and make some crafts. They had a table sitting out with T-shirts to buy, but I was not sure what that was for until later. I was a little confused by everything because it was my understanding that it was an event for families with children who are Autistic and who have disabilities. They said on their website, to come help celebrate autism awareness month by coming to the event and that they provide this program as a service that is for families in our community raising a child on the Autism spectrum. (I paraphrased that.)

Here is where I had expectations.

What I read about the night indicated to me that it was for families raising a child(ren) on the Autism spectrum and to share information and resources offered by the community. No one spoke to us about the dog therapy when we went over, several times, to see the dogs and pet them. They talked to themselves and the dogs just sat there being pet. When I went to the table where the T-shirts were to see what it was about, no one talked to me except to ask what size shirt I wanted. I said that I did not have any cash; she asked if I had my checkbook. I did not. I had not expected to be giving money. I clearly did not understand the purpose of the event. She seemed to not know anything about what the organization offered and directed me toward a several handouts, but her main focus was for the fundraiser.

In my reading of the information on the website, which I read several times, I did not notice the fact that it was a money-raising event.

I could say that was my own confusion, I honestly do not know. Maybe I read things to literally, I do that you know. I was very pleased to discover that they have a positive outlook about Autism. There were several people wearing shirts that had the puzzle type of logo, but the images swirled into words that said, “Autism Embrace the Amazing!” Their organization uses their funds to provide help for families who cannot afford therapies, help with legal issues, getting SSI information and assistance, they help advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities, and have parent support groups.

Their main purpose is to improve the life of young autistics through support and acceptance.

That made me very happy, and the atmosphere, though it felt odd to me was not negative. I am glad I went and I think the more events I go to the more I will get a feel of how to interact. Possibly, another event that is more directed specifically toward Autistic families will be a better fit. It was a wonderful experience for the kids. They had so much fun playing with all of the sensory toys and running around the huge gym. I do admit, I was a little worried when I realized we were in a school building. I never had to think of it before, but now my mind goes there. What if someone without understanding was to come in and attack solely based on the false perceptions of Autism from media and certain circles. I hate that I was thinking of that, but I did.

I had to scan the gym, look for the exits, think of an escape route, just in case.

I was not paranoid; I only felt that I could not be that naive to believe that everyone is accepting of Autism. That is what all of the negative media has done to me – it has made me cautious and feel that I need to protect my children from ignorance that could turn to violence. I did not think of it long, only to have a plan and move on. Because of that though, when Daniel was digging around in a toy bin for what felt like forever, (he could not decide what he wanted) and I lost sight of Ariel for a moment, I felt anxious. I scanned that gym like a hawk. When I located her, I told Daniel that I would be right back; I did not go far at all to yell for Ariel to come closer. However, when I turned around Daniel was gone.

Again, my eyes scanned the gym like a hawk.

Panic started to set in because I could not see him, finally, I spotted him. He was walking very fast straight for the exit. I could tell that he was in a panic from behind; he was walking faster and faster. I was yelling his name, his hands were flapping, and everyone just watched. I thought that was very strange after the fact. I told Ariel and Joshua to stay there and I ended up in a full on sprint because he was heading out the exit doors, and no one stopped him. :-/ I caught up to him, put my arms around him to give him a squeeze, and then, turned him around. His face was red, tears were in his eyes, and he was breathing heavy. He could not even tell who I was. I kept looking at him, squeezing his arms, saying, “Look Boo, it’s mommy. I am right here.”

After about the fourth time, he was able to recognize me.

Then, he said, “I thought you left me.” I reassured him that I never leave him and that I was right there. He apparently, did not hear me when I said that I would be right back. I said it three times, but I think it was all too much to process with the noise, toys, and excitement. I found it odd that no one stopped him or tried to stop him after they saw me yelling his name and running. I would have stopped any young child heading toward the exit doors without a parent, but that is me, I guess. He does look older since he is so tall …

I think writing this out indicates that I do have certain expectations.

I did not realize it, but I do. Overall, I am very happy with how everything went. The kids loved it, Daniel enjoyed himself, and the noise did not affect him the way that it used to. Even 6 months ago, we would not have been able to stay very long. We stayed for an hour and a half last night! We all left feeling good. The other thing I discovered was that the event was to help raise money for their Autism Awareness walk that is happening in a couple of weeks. I would like to participate, but I do not think I will be able to. I do feel that it was good for us to get out and try it. It definitely helps me with my social anxiety. I was confused at first, but then, I sat and thought about all I had observed.

I watched the young and older ladies line dance to music like Cotton-Eye Joe and I Am Sexy and I Know It.

It felt off, but I did enjoy seeing some of the kids that were there having a great time dancing. Joshua got his groove on to some songs and then, Daniel jumped into a little moves too. It was great! As I observed the volunteers and some of the other people who seemed to know each other, the words, “This is for them.” popped in my head. I realized that there were sensory toys and stations set up in the gym, but the bulk of the event seemed to be geared toward the people that already knew each other and for those who are not Autistic. I had a moment when I understood the lack of collaboration between autistic adults and autistic events.

It is one thing to read about it from others, it is another thing to experience it.

While, I fully understand the need to do things that will reach people not on the autism spectrum, I wondered if they would be willing to work with adults on the spectrum. It also, made me wonder what kind of event could be done for us in my community. I see us do a lot of campaigning and activity via the internet, but I have not seen too many activities that are done by Autsitics at a local level. Though, I have only thought of this and I have not done much research. There could be things, I just need to look. However, I do know that in my community there is not anything. I have been in communication with a woman in town who started an Aspergers adult group last year, but it dwindled due to several reasons.

She and I have still been trying to think of activities that would be good for the group.

However, life has been a bit hectic and full of activity so I have not been able to spend much time on that either. I think I am going to set some goals that will be attainable in the near future with this, but I also plan to set goals for next year’s Autism Awareness/Acceptance month. I plan on reaching out to this organization and meeting with another woman in town that heads up a local support group to get a feel. Of course, my first plan is to get connected and learn who these people are as people without any pressure on myself about these goals I am thinking about. I want to meet others who are working with the autism community in my town. I am hopeful because of the positive attitudes I have encountered so far, in every new social adventured, we have tried.

I am excited because they have been accommodating, accepting, and kind.

I am not sure where I am going with all of this, but I am processing. I do know that I would like to be more active in the community. I think it would be great if people were willing to listen to an adult autistics locally. Who knows, if I were to speak up maybe I could find others around here who would like to as well. I would like to find more mothers who are autistic themselves, I think it would be beneficial to find more women in my real life, but if that is not the case I would like to be open to other mothers who I could connect with. You never really know who you can find some sort of bond with, it may not be related to being a mother or autistic at all. I could find a friend at the YMCA in one of my classes.

Something has shifted in my thinking that I noticed last night.

I did not feel so lonely as I looked around and saw everyone talking, laughing, and hanging out. I did not feel hurt when people did not talk to me. I was satisfied with smiles and short conversations. I was not seeking them to understand my son or me. I was simply content and at peace observing, understanding certain dynamics, and enjoying all the children and my children. I was not offended at the lack of “autismness.” I understood what and why they did what they did. I think it sunk in for the first time that if I want something to be “Autism Friendly” that I am going to have to jump in and do something about it. I will be pondering this. Next! I can’t wait to write my next post sharing about all of the awesome things that has happened with the kids this week. It makes my heart overflow with joy when they are happy and proud of themselves!

I feel that last night turned out to be a spectacular evening on multiple levels.

Pictures!

[Show as slideshow]

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04/5/13

Celebrate Good Times, Come on …

I am quite chipper today. I have a huge sense of accomplishment in multiple areas of my life. I feel like celebrating it! I feel much better about Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month. I am excited about all of things that have been happening. (Look here Autism Acceptance Month.) I dealt with my personal issues and anxieties. I finally, came to the conclusion and acceptance, once again, that I will never make everyone happy.

I will participate in my way and not feel badly about how I contribute.

I think my fears are triggered by the familiar feelings that I have from church settings. (long story) I have moments when I feel as though I am an Autistic and Autistic parent who does not belong in the Autism community, and other times I am overwhelmed with understanding, belonging, and acceptance. I am not sure how to articulate those feelings very well.

I am not sure if others feel that way too, but I thought it was worth sharing.

I believe I have written about it before, however, my mind is spinning with all sorts’ positivity. This week I FINALLY fulfilled many of the goals that I have been talking (writing) about for what has seemed like decades. I got Ariel and Joshua signed up for gymnastics, which will start next Saturday. While they are doing that Daniel and I will enjoy some swimming action. I signed Ariel up for gymnastic camp and Joshua into basketball camp for the summer. Daniel is signed up for Music Therapy social group for the summer session. I am waiting on his evaluation to determine if he qualifies for a Medicaid Waiver.

I hope he qualifies because his therapies will end when school ends.

The Music Therapy is covered under the waiver. They provide OT, Speech, academic helps, reading, sensory integration, as well as use the social groups to connect all aspects of the therapies. He would receive an individualized evaluation to work on his specific needs. It would be so perfect for him. He is naturally drawn to music and he uses it to help him process what he learns already. He loves everything about instruments, sounds, rhythms, beats, and on and on. He has taught himself several songs on the keyboard. He keeps asking for a “real” piano. I am keeping my eyes open for some great miracle of a bargain in hopes that something may pop up.

I also, registered Ariel into fine arts classes with a home school co-op.

She will be learning from a technically trained artist for drawing and painting 101. I think this will help her with her natural talents as an artist. She also decided to take Beginning Strings, which is taught by an instructor who holds a Master of Music and Suzuki Pedagogy. We will see how everything goes. It is fantastic to be able to experience these things. I admit I was a little concerned, I have seen some home school co-ops that have not been as professional. Not all are alike and I am NOT generalizing, but still I am not going to pour money into something unless it is worthwhile and will be beneficial to my child’s learning.

I think you know what I am trying to say. (I mean no disrespect to anyone, please know that.)

The woman I spoke with said that there are many girls her age taking the classes. Ariel and I are elated! She has been asking to make friends with girls, but it just has not worked out. I have been taking her with me Monday and Thursday nights to the YMCA to hang out with other kids. It has boosted her spirits. She really needs some time of her own away from the boys. She has been requesting it and I am happy to have a place to take her that she is enjoying.

I am amazed at my sudden fearlessness.

It is as if something has clicked. I have gained a whole new voice and perspective about myself. I have surprised myself at how outgoing I have been. I do know that I can be very outgoing, but then, be extremely introverted as well. Being introverted does not mean being shy or unable to be outgoing. I have noticed that after my social encounters I have taken the down time that I need. For instance, when I come home, after getting everyone else undressed, re-clothed, and taken care of, I take about 15 minutes to myself. This has made a huge difference in my stress and anxieties. I have also stopped worrying about what people are doing, or “trying” to tell me.

I assume that if they have something to tell me they will.

If they do not and expect me to “read” between the lines, that is their problem. I have no time for that stuff. I will no longer spend unnecessary energy on trying to figure out the communication twistings of others. It is their responsibility to tell me what they want me to know. If they expect me to read their mind, well that is simply unrealistic. I have taken on that mindset in my closer social circles. When I meet new people, I now go in not worrying about whether or not they will accept me. I go in with a positive hopeful attitude. If they like me and want to get to know me, great. If not, oh, well. I have boundaries and understand how to use them now.

Before I was desperately seeking for people to understand me, accept me, and acknowledge me!

The root of this issue was that I had not done those things for myself. I had been swallowed up in searching for an identity through others without realizing it. It is good to receive those things from others, but I should not look to others for them. Much of it had to do with being confused for so long about who I was and why I thought so differently from others. Why was I such an odd, quirky individual who did not even seem to fit in with other odd, quirky individuals? I have concluded that some days I feel perfectly fine in my own skin and other days I do not.

There are times when I can be extremely social and outgoing.

There are other times when I cannot. I will go with each cycle of myself and live happily accepting all of my different ways of being. Currently, I am in an outgoing, adventurous type of cycle. While I am in this cycle, I will get as many goals accomplished as possible. I will try what I want to during this time because it will give me the foundation of doing those things when I feel less adventurous. (lessening my anxiety in some ways) On Monday, I got to my cycle class late and all of the bikes were full. I looked at my aunt and said, “Bummer.” Then, walked down the hall to the next class, thought it was Zumba and decided to find out.

I walked in and asked what class it was; she said that it was Zumba.

I decided to give it a try. It was fantastic. I met several ladies that were very nice. I enjoyed myself and actually did not mind that much that I was in a room with a bunch of sweaty women, looking at a wall of mirrors! In the past, I would have gone home after missing out on the cycle class. I know I would have felt deflated. I did not this week, and last night I got to do Piloxing for the first time. Guess what? I love it! I will be going to spin class and Piloxing on a regular basis. That has changed too. I AM doing things for myself and doing things that I enjoy.

I am not only voicing when I need a break, I am saying, “I am taking a break.”

I am not sure if this side of me will be tired out by tomorrow after my family throws me my birthday party. My dad chose this week because last week was Easter and that would not work out for all of us. So tomorrow, I have family coming in, the party will be at my aunt’s house, and we will have another social event. I am looking forward to it. I think it will be good. Easter went great and we all had a great time. No meltdowns and it was very enjoyable. Daniel played on their piano most of the time.

I know that I will need to take more down time after this weekend.

I have been going for two weeks straight with all sorts of new things and social situations. Yesterday, I took the kids to get their eye exams. I am so thrilled with how well it went. The doctor and nurse were perfect. They were so accommodating. They explained every detail for the kids as well as for me. They answered the plethora of questions that each of them had. I really appreciate it when people address my children with respect like that. The kids and I had fun; it was getting to be a bit too much for Daniel and Joshua after a while. We were there for almost three hours. However, all went well and we took the day to recuperate.

Ariel and Daniel are getting glasses.

Daniel is not too excited about wearing them. That may be a challenge. It all feels surreal. The kids and I have been doing so many more things out of the house and it has not made things worse. We seem to be much happier and calmer. Who would have though? And now I will celebrate these good times because as you know, it could change at any moment. Not that I am expecting horrible things, I am only expecting the best, preparing for the possibility of the worst, and enjoying all the great along the way! There are more things to write about, but I seem to be too babbly even for myself. I’ve been this way for a couple of days …

I will celebrate the last two weeks and the major changes in myself!

Go Kool & The Gang! Lol!

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04/1/13

Autism Awareness/Acceptance Day (Month, Lifetime!)

Hello folks! This year I have found myself feeling the anxiety of the month of April on the first day of March. I do not do well with tension and now that is what Autism Awareness Month represents to me. I already struggle terribly with social situations and relationships. I have had to muddle through all sorts of emotions when it comes to the Autism Community. I have had such penetrating feelings of isolation and belonging that at times I have to walk away to gain my clarity of mind once again. My own journey started with Autism awareness transitioning into acceptance not only for my son, but come to find out for myself!

When Autism came into our vocabulary, it was new.

I had virtually no knowledge of Autism whatsoever. I had to research, process, dissect, dismantle, research more, and break down an entire mental perspective, process, loop, more looping so on, and so forth. It has taken time, it will continue. I had no idea that my life would become a daily process filled with Autism awareness and acceptance. We are all at different journeys in this process. We all have our unique perspective that is influenced by many factors. I write about my journey and my perspective it is different from my Autistic peers in many ways and it is similar in many ways. I share my perspective as a parent of an Autistic child, some autistic mothers may relate some may not.

I have had to and still am in the process of accepting that I am Autistic.

This is not a bad thing, it has given me such a new outlook on life, and how I see other people and my world. It has answered so many questions that I had about myself. It does not dismiss my challenges or my past that is filled with pains and scars. There are some days that I feel angry because had someone diagnosed me early on my life could have been much different. However, there are no guarantees that it would have been for the better, it could have caused even more struggles. There is no peace in “what could have been’s.” What we do have is the here and now.

And we can do a lot with that.

This year I have realized that I have more empathy toward those who have no knowledge of Autism, or those who are struggling with accepting that it is a part of their life. I relate in new ways to a person realizing that, they are Autistic, through self-diagnosis or receiving their “official” diagnosis. I see with a different perspective the parents who have just learned that their child is Autistic. I think about how they make their choices to take on the journey of “fighting” it or embracing it. I have come to a place of looking back at my own experience and can apply understanding to others that I could not before.

I am obviously on the side of acceptance, but I will not attack a person who does not agree with me.

I do not have to agree with you to have empathy. I can understand because I have had to go through my own process. In the beginning, it was becoming aware. At times, I become amazed at my own ignorance (may sound harsh) in believing that people know about Autism. I have been baffled when I hear or read people talk about Autism and it feels like the Dark Ages. The reality is many people still do not have an accurate awareness about Autism. There are still many misconceptions, myths, and distorted perceptions.

Media and campaigns are not always the most accurate outlets.

However, they are springboards for getting information out there. In this past year, I have seen many more Autistics writing and sharing their personal journeys. I have read many more blogs from parents who focus on the positives of their child’s (rens) autism. I have read more websites that are focusing on the needs of Autistic children (still we need more focus on needs and helps for children and parents) and slowly there are some for adults. We still have quite a ways to go for Autistic adults; I am struggling with that myself. I need assistance and help in certain areas of my life, but I cannot get it.

The positive is that I am finding resources for my son.

I am thankful for the virtual school because they have made it possible for him to have therapies that my husband’s insurance does not cover, and unfortunately, we make too much to qualify for assistance, but not enough to pay for them out of pocket. Therefore, I keep getting creative and try to find ways to get him what he needs. I see both the positive and the negative and I still hold onto hope. Some days not so much, but today I see the light. (It is not blue. A joke, relax!)

I am not sure if my post is expressing what I had hoped it would.

However, I want this month to be a positive experience this year. I do not want to get to April next year and feel that tinge in my heart and the stone in my gut. I am going to take this month as I do each month and write what I am dealing with, our family adventures, our challenges and our GREAT days, and most of all continue to share my Autistic perspective. I can only hope that my openness and experiences that I share on my blog will move people to be more open to the possibility that no matter where we are at on the spectrum our challenges and needs are valid and need to move from awareness, acceptance, and to more action.

I do not want to be filled with anxiety this whole month.

I will not argue, or demand that people share my point of view. I will continue to do what I have done all along, share my Autistic life spreading awareness, hoping for acceptance, longing for action, and support those within my community. There are plenty of people who are sharing some great posts this year. I hope people will wander and meander to read the different perspectives with openness and acceptance all around. I will once again share an older post because I still feel the same, pretty much. Bringing Awareness, I Am Turning Blue (Repost)

Happy Autism Awareness/Acceptance (Every) Day!

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03/30/13

Birthday Exhaustion

Heads up, this is a rambly post. Its purpose is to share all of the social and sensory extravaganza that has been going on. Amazingly, we are all holding up and no meltdowns. However, I do expect that some may arrive in this coming week. After writing this out, I realize that we have been and will be stretched. It is good, but it will also require a lot of downtime for each of us.

Ok, now onto my ramblings and musing.

Yes! I am still talking about my birthday. I love birthdays. I love my birthday. Some people do not get into the whole birthday thing. I cannot say that I truly “get” into it because I do not ask for presents and I really do not mind if I do not get anything. I have made my own birthday cake for a long time now, if I decide that I want a cake.

I mainly make a big ta-do for the kids.

Still I do enjoy the day of me being born. I wrote a post that I will share, again; for any of my new followers that explains why my birthday is a big deal for me. AND HI! New followers, I am so excited to have new followers and thankful for my “old-timers.” hee hee Here is the post What’s In A Birthday? If you cannot tell, I am a bit goofy today.

I think it is from exhaustion.

Last week was packed full of adventures, but the last three days have been tops! I am surprised at how well the kids and I have handled it. We discovered not too long ago that this house had no instillation at all in the ceiling. The owners decided to put it in, and it was supposed to be two weeks ago. The maintenance people cancelled on me after I had already made plans to take the kids out for the day. For other families this may not be a big deal, for us it is HUGE. I have to prepare the kids, especially Daniel ahead of time. I have to pack all of our food because we cannot just pop in somewhere because of diet issues, not to mention sensory issues in restaurants.

Ok, so they cancelled last minutes and rescheduled for yesterday.

I tried to prepare by trying to have the kids get ahead with their schoolwork … yeah, that did not happen. Now they are a day behind, but spring break for starts on Monday so we have time to make it up. At some point, they called David and said that they were coming at 3:00 pm Thursday to deliver the pallets of instillation. They called me on Thursday at 1:00 pm and said, “We are in the drive-way.” They were here for a couple of hours. In the middle of that my grandma showed up expecting to give me a break, and Daniel is doing his virtual reading help class. Grandma got confused and thought we switched to Thursdays. We are back to Friday’s for my break day.

I skipped the whole conversation.

She arrived at 2:00 pm, with Easter gifts for the kids; school did not move forward and the day was shot. I had already made plans to go to a Piloxing class. I went and the regular instructor cancelled last minute in her place was a woman who had to have been somewhere in her 60′s. She was a powerhouse! She did boxing and Pilates, but no dancing. Let me just say she was an inspiration. She had her hip completely replaced last year, she made me, and the other younger women in there sweat like beasts. It was awesome! She had a great spirit about her too, very kind and full of positivity. I am going next week to try the Piloxing, but I am very glad to have had her for my first time trying.

Do you see the pattern here?

Things keep changing! Plans are being all messed up and everything is chaos! Well, maybe not that bad, but for me it throws me off. I made plans to take the kids swimming at the YMCA and then, spend the day at grandma’s house. Because of all of the “unexpectedness” and my change in schedule by going to work out Daniel was on the verge of meltdown Thursday night. When I came home, he was not very happy about me being gone. I was unable to get our lunches packed and ready like I had planned. I did get our clothes and other things ready. I had to get up earlier than expected because the men were supposed to be here by 8:00 am. I told them I would have the kids and myself out by 9:00 am.

Everything was going smoothly, UNTIL they turned on the machine to blow some sort stuff.

I have been over this several times with them. You cannot just turn on any sort of loud noise-making thing without giving Daniel forewarning and still there is no guarantee that he will be ok. The unexpected noise caused a spiral of noise fears for the rest of the day. He is already not a fan of the toilets in the family changing room at the YMCA – it was a major challenge to get him along with the other kids dressed. They all refused to take showers there so when we left I had to dress them and change plans to shower them (and me) at grandmas. Now the swimming was great, expect the water was so cold that I could hardly move and when I was splashed, I literally screamed because it felt like daggers tearing at my flesh.

It sucked the life force right out of me.

Everything started to go well at grandma’s house, but then I saw texts message from David. Apparently, the guys did not put anything down over our kitchen, living room, or garbage and within 20 minutes, they were all covered with almost two inches of dust. The whole situation was awful. Long story short, they stopped and covered things up, called for a cleaning crew to come, and will be back on Monday to clean all of the boxes and our personal items that are covered with dust. They wanted to come clean on Monday! They expected us to bring our three little one, who already have allergy issues, into this home for the next three days with almost two inches of dust, um, no! How was I supposed to make food? Good grief.

They ruined our toaster and our Sea Monkey’s may die.

That has caused spouts of death anxiety again with Daniel. He watching them closely and is afraid that they will die. Then, he asked if he was going to die because he is breathing dust. Urg! They ensured us that the machine would not blow anything into our house and even when they saw that it was blowing all over everything they did not stop. They kept going. David grabbed all of the items that I had on the counters, it included toys, books, electronic items, and I was in such a hurry that I did not think of putting anything away. They also said that, “it will not blow into your house.” Sigh…

In the midst of that I received several texts and my sister called me to wish me happy birthday.

Now I was happy about that, but it was a lot of social interaction. Grandma is a talker too so the whole day was packed with talking, talking, talking! By the time I came home, I was exhausted. Daniel was in a fury because nothing was in their place and his toys were in bags. Thankfully, I did not have to cook.

We ordered Biaggi’s I had gluten-free yumminess!

I was actually so tired I went to bed with the kids at 8:00 pm unfortunately; my body and mind were unwilling to sleep. I was up all night. Then, Joshua and I went out to get Easter items for tomorrow. That was not bad, but still more sensory and social overload. We did dye eggs and we ate my cake. Tomorrow I will hide eggs out in the yard if it doesn’t rain and we will have a fun Easter morning then, head off to my aunt’s house for lunch.

More sensory and social!

I am excited about it, but there will be a ton of people and I have no idea how Daniel is going to hold up. Ariel and Joshua normally do ok until we get home. In a way, I am glad that we have spring break this week because we need a break. Next weekend my dad is throwing me a birthday party at my aunt’s house so that will be another big thing. I am doing really well for the moment; I think I am definitely going to need more downtime this week. I will also need to make sure I do workouts because that helps me a lot. I will have to do the same for the kids. I hope the weather is not bad then, I can take them to the park. I will try swimming too as long as everyone is feeling up for it.

I am taking the kids to get their eye exams on Thursday too!

Geez, I forgot about that. I have also been engaging in email interaction to sign Ariel up for a fine arts co-op. I have also been trying to stay in contact with the woman who heads the adult Aspie group in town. We have not thought of any good meeting ideas. Anyone, have any ideas?? I just downloaded a bunch of stuff. I have had a major shift in how I respond to all of this and that is great.

I am not feeling anxious or stressed.

I am only tired. If I get some good rest tonight I think that will be good. Please brain and body sleep! I have been able to help the kids too which, feels really good. The changes that I have been making have given a clearer mind to be there for my kids too. I am doing well so far, not to say I may not crack in the next few days, but so far, it is going pretty, pretty well.

Want some cake?? (The cake is a lie!! Not really, it is only gluten-free it is still cake.)

: Here is a piece for you. :-)

: Cake.

: Whaaa??

: This thing is HUGE!

: Sea Monkey’s Live!!!

: Eggs!

: Eater Bunny??

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03/24/13

A-ha! Moment & Some 80′s Music

I just had an “a-ha” moment. It finally sunk into my head that I am not the problem. Hear me out, now I am happy to own up to any of my wrongdoings. I am usually the first one to point them out and confess them with utter apologies. However, I am not at fault for every single mishap in relationships. I knew nothing of boundaries, being that my violations started at the age of five. You cannot have healthy relationships without healthy boundaries.

I read this today that gave me much clarity into the reasons why I have had such difficulties with boundaries.

“Some persons, however, have great difficulty setting boundaries—they may even believe that setting boundaries is rude—and this difficulty usually derives from child abuse. But let’s be clear that abuse can range from subtle emotional manipulation to severe sexual and physical abuse. To the unconscious, though, any abuse, no matter how mild or severe, is an insult to personal dignity. It’s precisely this insult to personal dignity that explains why adults who were abused as children lack the ability to set appropriate boundaries. Why? Well, their not having boundaries served them as a defense mechanism in childhood. Most abused children know intuitively that if you try to do anything to resist the abuse, you just get hurt all the more. So setting aside any resistance means less hurt.” ~ A Guide to Psychology and its Practice (A very informative site.)

I have been made to feel that setting boundaries is NOT loving to others.

In order to survive throughout my life in relationships and even some work places, I have had to eliminate boundaries. If I set them, I was rejected in some form or fashion. Being that I felt rejected from childhood on my desires was to feel accepted and wanted. Thankfully, at some point, I believe my lack of understanding about emotional manipulation and my absolute need for solitude and personal space, I would become fed up and end the relationship. Some were easier than others were, but I got to a point where the cost of my sanity outweighed the cost of my desire of being accepted and loved.

Another positive thing about how my mind works is that I do not need people to feel complete.

I desire genuine relationships and to have long-lasting friendships, but I do not feel wrong or bad about myself for not having them in “real” life. I do believe I have some great friends virtually, but it does have its limits. There are times when I wish I had a person right here with me to see what is going on in my life. I would like to have someone I could go to in the physical realm. I have support from my family; however, it is still not the same. I think many people can understand what I mean by that statement.

I have been working on boundaries for a long time, but I have had such difficulty with it.

I was not sure why. I understood several things from an intellectual mindset – I could not connect the emotional aspect until I read that paragraph above about abuse and boundaries. I get it! (Inserting another link Setting Personal Boundaries – protecting self.) It explains why I have shut down so many times and disassociated from myself, environment, relationships, and felt the only way I could survive was to cut off feeling my emotions. This has been going on for decades and it explains why when I have been single and lived by myself that I did not do this in such extremes.

There is a lot to all of that though.

Now that I can see with clarity how my boundaries were violated, and how I took the path of least resistance I can start setting them without confusion. My recent lack of maintaining boundaries was due to my confusion about boundaries. I have been manipulated to believe that setting boundaries is the uncaring thing to do. It disrespects the other person. It shows lack of trust on my part. It is hurtful to the other person. I should be giving everything including my thoughts, emotions, belongings, etc…

I have been led to believe that I do not deserve boundaries.

I felt that boundaries only belonged to the person(s) who were in authority, or perceived authority. I had several specific things from life as examples, but I decided to remove them because I felt too vulnerable. I will share a list below and will link to Recognizing Boundary Issues if other would like more specifics about boundaries. (This is not only in personal life, this happens at work, in religious settings, sports, and it is in every type of relationship. Here is one link I will share The Lowdown On Abusive Bosses And The Unhealthy Workplace – Part 1)

I have felt as though I brought all of this on myself.

I was led to believe that I was the problem directly or indirectly. I was manipulated because of my belief that people are genuinely good. I still believe that most people are good, but I also understand human nature much better now. I was also very naive about abuse and manipulation. I am still ignorant about much of that. My mind has a hard time comprehending people being like that. In my gut, I have known when my boundaries were violated, but I could not express it.

I had no words for it.

I was unsure and full of doubt because I had so many people violate my boundaries and then, convince me that I was the one who was being inconsiderate, overreacting, or plain wrong. Though I knew, it became much easier to take the path of least residence. Why? Because I got tired and confused. Plain and simple I got tired of the fight and tired of looping about all of the possible things that I had done wrong. Or looping in hopes of discovering some answers to clear up the emotions I could not explain. I got tired of trying to stand up for myself. I got so beaten down emotionally that I would lose what little sense of self I had. Opting to believe that I was the problem because when I tried to discuss or bring up anything I would cause more anger and frustration – leading me to believe that in fact it was me. Why, did I cause so many people to become angry, hurt, or frustrated?

I am sure my lack of “appropriate” communication skills brought out angers in others.

I can understand how my directness could hurt people’s feelings, but I do not speak maliciously. I say whatever is rushing through my mind without a thought. I really wish my mom and me either would have been exposed to some healthy relationships or led to some resources long ago. I believe it would have helped her painful path as well as I mine. I could have used the list below for relationships of ALL kinds. Taken from How to tell if you’re being manipulated.

If you are in a relationship and notice a few of the following signs, there’s a high probability you’re being manipulated:

Your joy at finding love has turned into the fear of losing it. This is known as the “manipulative shift.” You will start feeling stressed at this point.
Sometimes s/he gives you a lot of attention and love, and sometimes he gives you the cold shoulder for no reason. You’re left wondering what you’ve done wrong.
Your feelings have gone from happiness and euphoria to anxiety, sadness and even desperation.
Your relationship feels very complex, although you may not be sure why.
You obsess about the relationship almost constantly.
You never feel sure of where you stand with your partner; you feel you’re in a constant state of uncertainty and anxiety.
You feel confused about the relationship and frequently ask your partner what’s wrong. He becomes angry or frustrated and he consistently denies responsibility for any problems.
You feel that you just don’t know how to make him happy.
You may frequently feel angry and resentful toward your partner, yet be unable to express it. Communication feels restricted or even forbidden, causing feelings of extreme frustration and even hostility.
You feel inadequate. You don’t feel as good about yourself as you did before the relationship.
Your emotions and moods are controlled by your partner’s words and actions

My goodness if I would have had this information!

“If you feel less strong, less confident, less secure, less intelligent, less sane, or in any other way “less than” anything you were before you met him (or her), you are being covertly emotionally manipulated.” ~ About Covert Emotional Manipulation

And these! Covert Emotional Manipulation Tactics, Stages of the Psychopathic Bond. However, not all of the relationships I have been in have been this manipulative. Quite honestly, they were just not smart enough. They were bullies and abusers, but they did not psychologically get into my head and almost destroy my very existence. Nope. They were violent, aggressive, said vile things to me, cheated, lied, and whatnot, but I have experienced manipulation and control far more psychological than their tactics. Not all of them.

It really does not matter at this point whether I had the information or not.

There is no guarantee that anything would have changed because the fact of the matter is that I still have and always did have social confusion that causes me self-doubt. I still have and always did have anxiety, which can distort my perceptions. I still have and always have had sensory issues that can also distort my ability to understand the world around me. I still am and have always been unable to read body language, read faces, understand tones, or have the ability to understand/express my emotions. I felt in my gut right and wrong, but I could only understand when another was violating another person’s boundaries. I did not understand when mine were violated.

I have not understood when other people set boundaries with me.

I have come to understand that. I have not really covered all of my thoughts on this topic, but I think I got quite a bit out to help me process my a-ha moment. I started to feel down about all of this. I started to feel shame and guilt. Then, I remembered what my therapist said the other day. She gave me suggestions to help with my cognitive accuracy and she mentioned music. I told her I had to be careful with what music I listen to because it can trigger a lot of emotion especially, if I am feeling vulnerable.

She then said, “Ok, you need happy feel good music. Well then, listen to 80′s music. 80′s music is all about having fun and partying.”

Lol! (Not all, of course.) I am not beating myself up for these things. I am taking this moment and accepting that what happened in the past happened, and the past can include an hour ago or even two seconds ago. I cannot change it, but I sure as heck can change what I do today. I already started setting personal boundaries a while ago and I have noticed my self-esteem getting better.

Today, I realized how important it is to set emotional and mental boundaries.

It is my head and no one else is allowed in there to mess with me! I have been slowly doing this, but today I truly understood the importance. My eyes were opened to how much I have allowed others to stay in my head filling it with negativity. I admit I have felt hopeless in this area for quite a while, but after my therapist telling me to be kind to myself and to understand that this has been going on for a long time, it helped me to see that I cannot change all of this over night. The reality is that we will encounter people like this in any area of our life. The best way to protect ourselves and help smite out confusion and self-doubt is to understand how they operate. It helps to gain control over what we can our own minds, actions, and responses – set boundaries.

I have a list to look at to help me each day taken from here SETTING AND ENFORCING HEALTHY BOUNDARIES!

Assess the current state of your boundaries, using the list below:

HEALTHY BOUNDARIES allow you to:

• Have high self-esteem and self-respect.
• Share personal information gradually, in a mutually sharing and trusting relationship.
• Protect physical and emotional space from intrusion.
• Have an equal partnership where responsibility and power are shared.
• Be assertive. Confidently and truthfully say “yes” or “no” and be okay when others say “no” to you.
• Separate your needs, thoughts, feelings and desires from others. Recognize that your boundaries and needs are different from others.
• Empower yourself to make healthy choices and take responsibility for yourself.

UNHEALTHY BOUNDARIES are characterized by:

• Sharing too much too soon or, at the other end of the spectrum, closing yourself off and not expressing your need and wants.
• Feeling responsible for others’ happiness.
• Inability to say “no” for fear of rejection or abandonment.
• Weak sense of your own identity. You base how you feel about yourself on how others treat you.
• Disempowerment. You allow others to make decisions for you; consequently, you feel powerless and do not take responsibility for your own life.

Ok, I am ending this now it is much longer than I wanted it to be – 80′s music! (Yes, I was an MTV kid.)

Blondie-Call Me

Depeche Mode - Just Can’t Get Enough (With Lyrics)

INXS – Devil inside

Erasure – a little respect (I’m so in love with you I’ll be forever blue … )

JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS – I Hate Myself For Lovin’ You (Rawr!!!)

Mötley Crüe – Live Wire (Woooot! ’cause I’m alive, live wire!! Hee hee)

New Order – Blue Monday (must-listen-addicted-to-song-happy-making-me)

Duran Duran - Hungry Like The Wolf (You know it!)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - Electricity

Poison – I Want Action (Bwaaa haaaa)

Yazoo ( Yaz ) — Don’ t Go