The "P" Word

I get questioned occasionally as to why I’m a member of the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation when my child does not have Bipolar Disorder. Tim has – and it’s a long diagnosis – Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type. His condition shares many symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, specifically periods of mania and depression. But what frightens people about schizophrenic disorders – the constant that is the hallmark of schizophrenic disorders – does sometimes occur with Bipolar Disorder. The big “p” word. Psychosis. Psychosis rules the roost around here, more often than I would like.


Read the rest at CABF.

30 Things About My Son's Invisible Illness

I read this on Melissa's blog, and thought it was great - so here's our 30 things, modified a bit to be from a mom's point of view.

We Interrupt This Blog for a Little Whine

I love summer, usually. This summer has been one of the most humid summers in the Midwest in documented history. So the fact that I'm in surgically induced menopause due to a complete hysterectomy / oophorectomy last March and flashing like a bug zapper every few hours has left me cranky and sweaty.  Really freakin' cranky.  Weepy at inopportune moments.  Easily irritated.  Sweaty.  Did I mention cranky?  I didn't sign up for this getting old bullshit.

Grrr.

An Open Letter to Judith Warner

Good Morning:

I'm reading your book right now, "We've Got Issues". It was recommended to me by my friends Susan Resko and Nanci Schiman who run the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (I'm one of the volunteers who helps moderate their twitter account and writes a weekly post for the bpkids.org blog). I'm only about 100 page into the book, but so far, pleased with what you've written. You seem to understand that we're not just parents who can't deal with our kids - our kids have real issues. My husband Tom and I have three kids ourselves - our oldest biological child is neuro-typical (he's 19). Tim, our middle son, is adopted at birth and has Schizoaffective Disorder (he's 16). Our youngest was adopted from foster care and she has a Reactive Attachment Disorder (she's 15).

To IEP or Not to IEP

We talk quite frequently on the CABF support groups about the difference between an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and a Section 504 designation when it comes to our kids and school. There are differences, and one or the other may be more appropriate for your child, given your child’s individual diagnosis, symptoms, and needs. Since it’s nearly back-to-school time, I thought it was as good time as any to bring them up.

Read the rest at CABF.

EAVB_RVMQFDKHHT