Christy.
Totally agree with Mataray as well. Matilda is a gorgeous, talented little girl, and a great credit to your parenting.
I think I will be repeating suggestions already made, however the psychologist Aidyn saw had some similar tips to dealing with every day stresses, such as music through headphones, sound reducing headphones, and also social stories - which will prepare her for the events ahead.
Another suggestion is to make up a pictorial story of the events that will happen in sequence for the entire day, and you can swap and change pictures each day, depending on what is happening, to help them mentally prepare for the day ahead. I have found pictures to work really well with Aidyn, moreso than just using words to prepare him.
Something we also do to help relieve anxiety (and also as an exercise to help with his speech) is to write a little book at the end of each day, with any major (or minor!) events that happened (in simple sentences) and a crude drawing to go with them. (with Aidyn's book we also concentrate on syllables, for his speech). Anyway, this end of day book has helped him with his anxiety considerably, as its a method for him to vent and communicate his stresses. The other day he fell down the stairs and was very upset, but then quietened down for the rest of the afternoon. When we added this event to his book that evening, he went through a whole range of emotions again (for hours!) trying to deal with and process the event properly, and it was obvious that it had really stressed him - moreso than what he was letting on. It was very therapuetic I think, and certainly made me wonder how much anxiety he has carried about things in the past, without having such a method of expressing it.
Anyway, think I'm rambling now, but just want to let you know that I'm thinking of you guys. *hugs*
Christy I just want to give you a hug. I have lived this with my DD13. It has been hellish. I only wish I had not braved it out and had the diagnosis sooner. You are a wonderful mama doing all the right things.
awww Maz Thanks! I have avoided things this week, went for two playdates but both in enclosed parks. It was hard today seeing her have social issues... I just want to ring the necks of the other kids & go in there fighting for you.
On Tuesday she was knocked over in a round sort of swing... its 3 swings going in a circle, and because she was so dead set on getting out, she didn't notice she got kicked over and over and over again. She had a little cry, but then with blood on her nose, she wanted to do it again!!
Oh Christy, that must be so hard. It makes me sad just to read that. I have every confidence though that she (and you) will get through this. You are doing all the right things and have amazing strength. Not many people would cope as you have. I am sure some days you just feel like not coping for once and letting someone else take of it. But one day you will be so glad you could be strong for your family. Because you'll have the most delightful, well brought up girls and you will be so proud.
Oh matie Im sorry your week has been so shiat! Its painfull and heart wrenching when our babies dont have the 'normal' recognision of pain and familiarity. My throat is sore from speaking for 2 of us some days.
big hugs hon....and I'll say a little pray that tomorrow will bring a sunny sky for you both
Christy.
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