According to the World Health Organization, depression is one of the leading causes of disability, with approximately 121 million people suffering with depression worldwide. The National Institute of Mental Health states that approximately 18 million people suffer from depression in America alone. Depression does not discriminate across age, race, gender, or class. Among teenagers it…
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Author Archives: Astacia
I am a stay-at-home mom of 2 girls. My younger daughter has cerebral palsy with developmental delay and my older daughter has ADHD with sensory dysfunctions. My story of going from the work force to home is published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Power Moms. When I am not driving to and from schools, therapies and changing diapers, I am a web site designer and social media geek.
Gift Card Giveaway
Written on November 7, 2010 by Astacia
Tawnda & Barbara M are the winners! Kodak and 5 Minutes for Special Needs want to give you a little something to start the holiday season. To celebrate it’s newest photo book sizes and paper designs, Kodak is giving $50 gift cards to two of our readers. We encourage you to order a photo book…
in Contests
Get out and vote!
Written on November 2, 2010 by Astacia
Put your ballot in the mailbox or get out to the neighborhood precinct. We can’t make a difference for our kids without making our choice in who represents us in government. Not sure of your polling place? Find it here:
Special Exposure Wednesday
Written on October 27, 2010 by Astacia
This is from our Spring Fair. We were watching the popular pig races. The punniest traveling show. I am always astonished at how many jokes can me made from pig-related words. It’s still one of my favorites. It’s my Blackberry background. She doesn’t feel the same way. She’ll run around wearing a ballet leotard, tiger…
pills make the day go round
Written on October 26, 2010 by Astacia
We tried 18 mg of Concerta (Methylphenidate). Then we upped it to 27 mg. After little success, we hesitantly moved up to 36 mg. We were surprised when it didn’t work very well. It has helped her sister immensely. That’s probably where we thought wrong. Since when are siblings ever on the same page on…
school is at home now
Written on October 5, 2010 by Astacia
“She’s above benchmark in all her skills,” said the school psychologist when she was evaluated at the beginning of last year. I know the school staff surely thought I was nuts. “She doesn’t appear to stick out from the rest of the class behaviorally,” from the school OT, after a 10 minute in-class observation. Then…
a different sense of humor
Written on July 27, 2010 by Astacia
When your kids a beyond the norm, you have to adapt. There is the obvious rigorous schedule of meds, therapy, stretching, speech exercises, feedings and freak out. But there is more. Over the years, I have noticed that parents of kids with special needs have a common thread with another part of our society. I…
We’re learning our letters
As a Fall birthday kid, Bear received the luxury of an extra year in preschool. I am so glad. This allowed us to kick back and focus on one aspect of her development each year. We did not have this planned out in her first IEP. It all fell into place as the years progressed….
Phoning it in
Written on July 13, 2010 by Astacia
It’s my first week back to 5MSN. Forgive me for my haste. I wanted to post something poignant about neuro-developmental learning but life got in the way. My article goes up at 4 pm Eastern time. I’m on the west coast, so that’s 1 pm my time. Today is not working for me. Here’s my…
keep away from these ears!
Written on December 15, 2009 by Astacia
You know the Beans and Franks guy on “There’s Something about Mary”, right? The one who flips out when someone touches his ears? That’s my Bear. she hates it when anyone touches her neck or ears. she convulses wildly if we try to tickle her. Offenders will be shot on the premises. Why am I…
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