My aunt passed this magazine article from WebMD along to me over the past summer. As many of you know, we spent the last few years with doctors and specialists either trying to diagnose our 4 year old Park with autism/behavioral disorders/language delay (which he has). I don't want to undermine the big strides Park made with the Early Intervention program but we were always skeptical that doctors were too quick to label Park based on what they felt was "normal" behavior.
In Park's case, we have been quite fortunate in that he was never labelled and that we refused to allow it. We found alternative approaches and succeeded in getting him the help he needed while nurturing his individuality. Because of our approach, we were interviewed for an article on the pros and cons of labelling children that came out this month. (Unfortunately, I have been unable to get the link to the article yet but will post it and discuss it in my next post.)
Back to the article in WebMB, it's a refreshing outlook on the phenomenon going on in our country of diagnosing young children with disorders. Again, I want to make it clear that I am not against diagnosing children. Some children's progress have depended on it. I am, however, concerned at what I see as over-diagnosing young children. My son was almost a statistic until proven incorrect. Anyways, without further ado...I highly recommmend reading this great article found if you click on the link below. When you get to the periodical, go to page 21. The article is titled, "Oh, Boy: Is SPD The New ADHD?"
http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/magazine/digital_issues_pdf/webmd_ja12.pdf
Thoughts?
~Mommy Bridget
Monday, October 8, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Labelling Young Children Part I: The Doctor Diagnosis (a repost of "Please Don't Label My Child")
I am sharing this post I wrote over a year ago with all of you because it is the first part of my upcoming 3 part series I will write about diagnosing children with behavioral issues at a young age. My reason for doing this is, first of all, because I have many new readers and I feel if there was only one thing I'd like my readers to take from my blog it would be my experience with my son Park and his early "medical" diagnosis. The second reason I am reposting what I wrote below is because I was interviewed for a very prestigious parenting magazine this summer on this very issue (which should be coming out any day now) and because I have NO IDEA what to expect from the experience we shared and how they choose to use it, I want to tell my story from the beginning. So, here you all go:
So I know the title of this post seems like a copycat of the book I'm reading right now, Please Don't Label My Child: Break the Doctor-Diagnosis-Drug Cycle and Discover Safe, Effective Choices for Your Child's Emotional Health, BUT...I am at the point now where I am screaming the exact words in my head on a daily basis to those around me who want to give a diagnosis to my son Park.
As many of your know, this summer marks the year anniversary we first heard the dreaded autism word from our son's pediatrician. For those of you who have not, a quick recap:
We took our son in to see his pediatrician because we were worried he might have strep throat. We left with the medical advice to seek professional help for our possibly autistic child. Park has been involved with the country's Early Intervention program ever since that day, has had specialists observe him and tell us that they don't think we need to worry about autism and have seen a remarkable progression in his behavior.
HOWEVER, at a routine visit to see his pediatrician a few weeks ago (the first since last summer), we were told again that she suspects he has autism. To get into more detail, this is how the visit went:
The morning of our appointment, I geared Park up for his first doctor's visit in almost a year. I explained to him that his doctor is really nice, that she cares a lot about him and that she is very fun. When we got to the clinic, Park was a little nervous about having to take his clothes off in a cold room while strangers came in and out talking to us. But when his sweet pediatrician walked in, I reminded him of her and told him to go ahead and say hello. Instead of being nervous around a stranger like he normally would in this situation, Park walked up to her and sat down on the floor where she sat. He began talking to her (which to anyone other than my husband and I is mostly not understood) and asked about her stethoscope and her pen that has a light. She sat on the floor with him for about 5 minutes while asking us questions.
Doctor: "Does he play with other kids?"
Me: "Yes, he loves to."
Doctor: "What does he like to play with?"
Me: "Everything (trains, trucks, the dogs, Dad, the neighbor cat, anything)!"
Doctor: "What does he do when he plays with his trains?"
Me: "I know what you are getting at and no, he doesn't line things up repeatedly. He plays with his trains like any other normal 3 year old boy."
Doctor: "I still think he is autistic. It's not screaming at me, but I do."
Me: "Why do you think that?"
Doctor: "Because it seems as though he has his own agenda."
Me: "What do you mean?"
Doctor: "He wasn't afraid to come up to me. He quickly was interested in my stethoscope and my pen."
Marshall: "He is interested in everything and how it works."
And so on....
At first, I was frustrated and sad and worried all over again. I had it in my mind that we would have him tested again before he began school in the fall. I complained and vented to my family and friends. Then I let her news set in and became a little angry. Why was she so quick to judge my child on the 5 minutes of observation? Why didn't she ask other pertinent questions such as, Is Park sensitive towards other's feelings?, Does he interact with other children his age?, Does he pretend play?, Has he progressed this past year with language and behavior?, What does Early Intervention say about his progression?
Had she asked those questions, I would've explained to her that Park is the sweetest boy I could ever have asked for. He loves his Mommy, Daddy and brother so much. He especially LOVES his little baby brother. He is a great helper, and is so gentle just like we told him to be. He runs and laughs with other kids and with us. He is a jokester. He has a sense of humor. He is always giggling and smiling. He has slept well in his bed for naps and bed time for over a year. He loves to read books. I could go on and on.
I tried to tell her about his dairy intolerance. I brought his lab work in to show her and told her about the huge difference in his behavior since we removed dairy and then gluten from his diet. She didn't even look at the lab work. She dismissed it as not credible "science". I instantly felt disrespected as a mother.
I have done so much to get the help I was told my son needed. I have had him tested in which the specialist kind of laughed and said we had nothing to worry about unless he made no progression in his language in a year. He doesn't hit, he rarely ever gets frustrated. He listens well. I thank my lucky stars how easy he is and what a sweet little guy I have.
I've also been incredibly fortunate to have found professionals and friends who just happen to be mothers as well that support me in my belief that diet and his environment caused his difficult behavior in the past. What I cannot wrap my head around is how medical professionals in the western world are so quick to dismiss that we are over-diagnosing children and so quick to judge those little 2-3 year olds based on the norm or what our country believes to be how a child should behave. I mean, yes, my son has a major speech delay. But he speaks all day long. Everyday yields more understood words. And in the past, he had very questionable behavior. But that is in the past. He no longer displays those behaviors.
(Right now, Park is sitting in his little chair and pretending to read one of Mommy's novels)
So what if Park likes to ask about electronics? Is that wrong to be inquisitive at such a young age? His Daddy is a genius with electronics...so he most likely inherited that trait. And so what if he asks a lot of questions? Have you met his Mommy? People get annoyed at my questions. Since when is it questionable behavior or "wrong" that a child displays individualistic behaviors? We in our culture are so quick to assume that when a child doesn't "fit in" with the norm that he/she is "defective" in some way.
(Right now Park is taking his "dirty" clothes and toys downstairs to be washed in our washing machine)
My husband and I are proud of our son. He is happy and healthy. He is outgoing and sensitive. He is smart and loving and so much fun to be around...even though he is bold, doesn't always listen and is Mr. Mischievous these days:) So what if he isn't talking as well as he should. It's not like he is never going to speak. I am glad that we had these experiences this last year with doctors and specialists. I've learned so much about the importance of health in my family, I've learned more about myself and how to trust my own instincts when it comes to the well being of my family and these experiences have enabled me to discover safer, healthier choices for Park.
~Mommy Bridget
So I know the title of this post seems like a copycat of the book I'm reading right now, Please Don't Label My Child: Break the Doctor-Diagnosis-Drug Cycle and Discover Safe, Effective Choices for Your Child's Emotional Health, BUT...I am at the point now where I am screaming the exact words in my head on a daily basis to those around me who want to give a diagnosis to my son Park.
As many of your know, this summer marks the year anniversary we first heard the dreaded autism word from our son's pediatrician. For those of you who have not, a quick recap:
We took our son in to see his pediatrician because we were worried he might have strep throat. We left with the medical advice to seek professional help for our possibly autistic child. Park has been involved with the country's Early Intervention program ever since that day, has had specialists observe him and tell us that they don't think we need to worry about autism and have seen a remarkable progression in his behavior.
HOWEVER, at a routine visit to see his pediatrician a few weeks ago (the first since last summer), we were told again that she suspects he has autism. To get into more detail, this is how the visit went:
The morning of our appointment, I geared Park up for his first doctor's visit in almost a year. I explained to him that his doctor is really nice, that she cares a lot about him and that she is very fun. When we got to the clinic, Park was a little nervous about having to take his clothes off in a cold room while strangers came in and out talking to us. But when his sweet pediatrician walked in, I reminded him of her and told him to go ahead and say hello. Instead of being nervous around a stranger like he normally would in this situation, Park walked up to her and sat down on the floor where she sat. He began talking to her (which to anyone other than my husband and I is mostly not understood) and asked about her stethoscope and her pen that has a light. She sat on the floor with him for about 5 minutes while asking us questions.
Doctor: "Does he play with other kids?"
Me: "Yes, he loves to."
Doctor: "What does he like to play with?"
Me: "Everything (trains, trucks, the dogs, Dad, the neighbor cat, anything)!"
Doctor: "What does he do when he plays with his trains?"
Me: "I know what you are getting at and no, he doesn't line things up repeatedly. He plays with his trains like any other normal 3 year old boy."
Doctor: "I still think he is autistic. It's not screaming at me, but I do."
Me: "Why do you think that?"
Doctor: "Because it seems as though he has his own agenda."
Me: "What do you mean?"
Doctor: "He wasn't afraid to come up to me. He quickly was interested in my stethoscope and my pen."
Marshall: "He is interested in everything and how it works."
And so on....
At first, I was frustrated and sad and worried all over again. I had it in my mind that we would have him tested again before he began school in the fall. I complained and vented to my family and friends. Then I let her news set in and became a little angry. Why was she so quick to judge my child on the 5 minutes of observation? Why didn't she ask other pertinent questions such as, Is Park sensitive towards other's feelings?, Does he interact with other children his age?, Does he pretend play?, Has he progressed this past year with language and behavior?, What does Early Intervention say about his progression?
I tried to tell her about his dairy intolerance. I brought his lab work in to show her and told her about the huge difference in his behavior since we removed dairy and then gluten from his diet. She didn't even look at the lab work. She dismissed it as not credible "science". I instantly felt disrespected as a mother.
I have done so much to get the help I was told my son needed. I have had him tested in which the specialist kind of laughed and said we had nothing to worry about unless he made no progression in his language in a year. He doesn't hit, he rarely ever gets frustrated. He listens well. I thank my lucky stars how easy he is and what a sweet little guy I have.
I've also been incredibly fortunate to have found professionals and friends who just happen to be mothers as well that support me in my belief that diet and his environment caused his difficult behavior in the past. What I cannot wrap my head around is how medical professionals in the western world are so quick to dismiss that we are over-diagnosing children and so quick to judge those little 2-3 year olds based on the norm or what our country believes to be how a child should behave. I mean, yes, my son has a major speech delay. But he speaks all day long. Everyday yields more understood words. And in the past, he had very questionable behavior. But that is in the past. He no longer displays those behaviors.
(Right now, Park is sitting in his little chair and pretending to read one of Mommy's novels)
So what if Park likes to ask about electronics? Is that wrong to be inquisitive at such a young age? His Daddy is a genius with electronics...so he most likely inherited that trait. And so what if he asks a lot of questions? Have you met his Mommy? People get annoyed at my questions. Since when is it questionable behavior or "wrong" that a child displays individualistic behaviors? We in our culture are so quick to assume that when a child doesn't "fit in" with the norm that he/she is "defective" in some way.
(Right now Park is taking his "dirty" clothes and toys downstairs to be washed in our washing machine)
My husband and I are proud of our son. He is happy and healthy. He is outgoing and sensitive. He is smart and loving and so much fun to be around...even though he is bold, doesn't always listen and is Mr. Mischievous these days:) So what if he isn't talking as well as he should. It's not like he is never going to speak. I am glad that we had these experiences this last year with doctors and specialists. I've learned so much about the importance of health in my family, I've learned more about myself and how to trust my own instincts when it comes to the well being of my family and these experiences have enabled me to discover safer, healthier choices for Park.
~Mommy Bridget
Monday, August 20, 2012
Tropical Tradition's Virgin Coconut Oil Review and Giveaway-ends 9/6
I had the pleasure to review a really wonderful product by a really great company. Tropical Traditions sponsored a review and giveaway of their Virgin Coconut Oil on The Curious Case of Mommyhood!
Tropical Traditions is the kind of company I like to support. They have a strong commitment to family farming and organic standards when producing their products. The production of their Virgin Coconut Oil began in the Phillipines in 2000 where it was produced using traditional methods in a rural farming community. Over time, the founders of Tropical Traditions improved the ideas of coconut oil in the states and began a global revolution for coconut oil!
In our household, we have tried a variety of organic coconut oils. When Tropical Traditions offered a review of their Virgin Coconut Oil I couldn't resist the opportunity. We use coconut oil daily in our home. The minute I received their sample for review I couldn't wait to open it and have a taste. Can I say,"Wow"?! It has remarkable flavor for an oil. And the fragrance is perfect! We also love to use it on our skin at night.
Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?
You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:
coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality
We love to use Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil for cooking. Go here for some great recipes that include coconut oil.
Want to purchase Tropical Traditions products?
Go to Tropical Tradition's web site which can be found here. (If you order any products from Tropical Traditions by using any of my links, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you.)
Want to purchase Tropical Traditions products?
Go to Tropical Tradition's web site which can be found here. (If you order any products from Tropical Traditions by using any of my links, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you.)
To enter to win a 32 oz. jar of Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil:
To enter this giveaway, subscribe to Tropical Traditions email Sales Newsletter found here. This is mandatory to enter the giveaway.
Additional entries include:
- Subscribe to my blog (located on the left of my blog's home page) and tell me if you use coconut oil in your home
- If you do use coconut oil in your home, tell me what you use it for
- Follow TT on Twitter @tropicaltraditions and @ttspecialdeals
- Follow the Curious Mommy on Twitter
- "Like" TT on Facebook (Please do not post "I was sent by..." on their page)
- "Like" The Curious Case of Mommyhood on Facebook
- Grab my blog's button and share (please post link)
- Repost this giveaway on your fb page and post the link with your entry
- Follow TT on Pinterest
This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only and will end 9/6 at midnight.
Good luck to you all,
Mommy Bridget
Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Art Pack Giveaway Inspired by Rudi's Sandwich Box Designs-ends 8/19
Art Pack Giveaway
Inspired by Rudi's Sandwich Box Designs
Art Pack Includes:
- sketch pad
- beret
- art kit
- reusable bag
- 2 product coupons
During the month of July, 18,500 art designs were submitted to Rudi's Organic Bakery for their sandwich box art contest in support of healthier lunch options in school lunchrooms nationally. And in conjunction with the art contest, Rudi's Organic Bakery out of Boulder, CO is giving away one of their art packs inspired by Rudi's sandwich box designs on The Curious Case of Mommyhood! Does your child like art? This art pack has everything your child will need to get started and inspired by art and healthy meals.
To enter:
***REMEMBER: POST A COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY***
***Also, remember to leave your email address with your comments so you can be reached***
Subscribe to my blog (located on the left side of my home page) and tell me how you keep your child's lunch healthy. This is MANDATORY to enter the giveaway.
Additional Entries:
Subscribe to my blog (located on the left side of my home page) and tell me how you keep your child's lunch healthy. This is MANDATORY to enter the giveaway.
Additional Entries:
- Join the Rudi's Organic Bakery newsletter found here
- Tell me something about the Rudi's story found here
- Like The Curious Case of Mommyhood on facebook
- Follow The Curious Mommy on Twitter
- Follow The Curious Case of Mommyhood on Google Follower (can be found on my blog's home page)
- Grab my blog button and share (please post link)
- repost this giveaway on your facebook page and post the link with your entry
The giveaway ends August 19th at midnight. I will contact the winner with 3 days following the giveaway period. Winner must notify me within 72 hours or another winner will be drawn.
Good luck!!!
The Curious Mommy
Disclaimer: Rudi's Organic Bakery provided me with information of this product to giveaway, and I was under no obligation to host a giveaway it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for a free product.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Please Don't Bring Your Sick Kids Around Here
Ever had this dilemma? How do you feel about friends or family members bringing their sick and contagious children into your home? This topic, so widely discussed, has been on my mind for days now while I watch my youngest fight a cold and now while I fight my own. When is it okay to tell your loved ones to please avoid bringing their cold bugs into your home?
First of all, I want to say that I am not obsessed with keeping germs away from my children. When both of my sons were first born, yes, I was quite adamant about visitors washing their hands before they held my sons and I always sanitized my hands when we were out and about. However, now that my sons are older I purposely don't always wash my hands following a trip to the market where I pushed a grocery cart. I let my sons go to museums and playgrounds and sometimes forget to have them wash their hands before they consume food. Despite that this is undoubtedly difficult for me, I force myself to relax a little on the sanitation. I do this because I know that many germs are good for us. However, I am not okay with my kids playing with obvious sick children.
Just a few weeks ago I had a long awaited play date set up with a dear friend whose daughter is fighting leukemia. A few days beforehand a family member brought over his child who was coughing and had a constant runny nose. I knew right away that I would have to cancel my play date for fear I bring a virus to her home. And just like a virus's clockwork, my youngest and I both got a cold. Had I gone to my friend's house for a play date, who knows what could have happened. As of last week, her daughter's blood test results showed she has absolutely no working immune system at this time. None. She is quarantined at the moment.
While there is plenty of evidence supporting the importance of children being exposed to "bugs" from things like dirt and even fecal matter early on aid in the efficiency of their immune systems later in life, there is NOT evidence to support the exposure to viruses doing the same. In fact, children exposed to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or bronchitis are more likely to develop asthma later on in life. According to P.G. Hall and P.D. Sly, Between 50 and 90% of hospitalizations for bronchiolitis amongst children in the U.S. are directly attributable to RSV and substantial increases have been documented recently in admissions in North America, paralleling the spiralling increase which is occurring in asthma in pediatric and adult populations throughout the developed world. (Journal of Experimental Medicine, 2002, Vol. 196, no. 10, 1271-1275)
Influenza or the flu is also known to increase one's risk for asthma. So when do we draw the line between good germ and bad germ exposure? I would say when the germs can be spread by inhalation. So why is there such a stigma in our society when we politely request parents to leave their sick children at home? Not only would they be doing everyone else a favor, they would be allowing their children to rest and GET BETTER. I understand that many parents work and struggle with being able to remain home with their ailing babies. But there are still so many stay at home parents that continue to expose others of their sick children. I guess the best choice for me now is to avoid inviting those parents into our home altogether.
~Mommy Bridget
Monday, July 9, 2012
Peter Rabbit Organic's Five New Flavors Review
Peter Rabbit Organics Five New Flavors
Once again, we had the pleasure of reviewing Peter Rabbit Organic's delicious organic fruit and veggie puree snacks. This time, it was my 1 year old son Jude who got to try the new flavors out but not without letting me take a taste for myself. Jude LOVED them. He ate them in very little time, convincing me they were tasty before trying them out myself.
The 5 new flavors are:
- pear and apple
- banana and apple
- pear and pea
- pumpkin, carrot and apple
- peach and apple
I was most excited to try out their vegetable and fruit puree snacks since not only do I want my 1 year old eating more vegetables in his diet but I love the way Peter Rabbit Organics blends the two, making a delicious and truly healthy snack. My son Jude really loved every new flavor with the exception of the pumpkin, carrot and apple. This was the first time I gave Jude a Peter Rabbit Organic's puree snack since it wasn't that long ago we introduced foods into his diet. I didn't think he would know how to hold the pouch and how to extract the food but he figured it out in 2.2 seconds. And he inhaled them! Now every time we go to Starbucks Jude pleads for a Peter Rabbit Organic's puree snack.
I thought the five new flavors by Peter Rabbit Organics were all quite delicious but like Jude felt the pumpkin flavor was less desireable. However, if you like the taste of pumpkin I am sure you would love this flavor. I do not like pumpkin...not even pumkin pie! So it doesn't surprise me my child doesn't agree with it either.
Peter Rabbit Organic's fruit and vegetable puree snacks are available online at amazon.com, target.com and diapers.com or in stores at Babies R Us, Albertson's, Starbucks, Publix, Whole Foods, Buy Buy Baby stores and REI. Cost is relatively low ($1.79 per pouch which contains 4 to 4.4 oz) considering they are made with 100% certified organic ingredients!
Thank you to Peter Rabbit Organics for giving us the opportunity once again to do a fabulous and popular review.
Bridget James
Friday, April 20, 2012
Recipe: Trail Mix Balls
This tasty snack turned out to be a big hit in our home, even with our picky eater so I had to share:
Trail Mix Balls
1/3 cup honey
2 T. water
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/2 ts. vanilla
3/4 cup rice crispies
3/4 cup rolled oats, toasted
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips-optional
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup coconut
1 T. sesame seeds
First, toast the oats by adding them to a dry skillet on medium-high heat just until golden. Stir frequently. Next, add your dry ingredients in a bowl (cereal, oats, chips, seeds and coconut) and mix. In a small saucepan, mix honey and water on low heat just until it liquifies, then remove and add peanut butter and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Pour the honey mixture over the dry mixture and stir to coat. Cover and chill 2 hours. Roll the mixture into balls using damp hands and return to the fridge until ready to eat.
These are so tasty and packed full of great ingredients.
Enjoy!
Mommy Bridget
Trail Mix Balls
1/3 cup honey
2 T. water
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/2 ts. vanilla
3/4 cup rice crispies
3/4 cup rolled oats, toasted
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips-optional
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup coconut
1 T. sesame seeds
First, toast the oats by adding them to a dry skillet on medium-high heat just until golden. Stir frequently. Next, add your dry ingredients in a bowl (cereal, oats, chips, seeds and coconut) and mix. In a small saucepan, mix honey and water on low heat just until it liquifies, then remove and add peanut butter and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Pour the honey mixture over the dry mixture and stir to coat. Cover and chill 2 hours. Roll the mixture into balls using damp hands and return to the fridge until ready to eat.
These are so tasty and packed full of great ingredients.
Enjoy!
Mommy Bridget
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