J. A. Laudati - Itchy Brain: A familys perspective and positive outlook on ADHD

Cover Design: Xavier Laudati with assistance from M.S. Illustrations: Zander Laudati

Editor: M.P.

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by

U.S. copyright law. For permissions contact:

Itchy Brain, LLC.

Disclaimer

This book is non-fiction. All events mentioned in this book have occurred at some time in our lives. We are not doctors but a family who has ADHD embedded in our daily life. This book is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians, particularly if you suspect that you or a loved one may present with signs or symptoms of ADHD. Many of the decisions we have made were supported by our doctors, teachers, and other professionals. We just take one day at a time and continue to learn from every new experience we encounter, especially if the outcome was less than positive. The strategies and decisions we made are individually based and may not be beneficial to everyone, and nothing in this book should override or take the place of any professional medical advice or what might work for your own personal experiences. It is our hope that by sharing our journey, we can provide some support or ideas to the readers .

This book is dedicated to our parents, grandparents, friends, and family who have supported us in this journey along with other kids and/or adults who have or suspect they present with ADHD.

S p ec i a l t h a n k s:MTM J. D , B A PK .C , KK H M . F, J O C S . S , MO A M .V , S M S J A .L, V N M J. L , J D .L , AD .L , E .L , C . S , E. B, M . P , N . S , a nd F . S F ami ly

Dedication

About Us

Imagine

Early Years

Red Dye

Elementary and Middle School Years

Medicine

Acceptance

Disrespectful or Uncontrollable Behavior

Impulsivity

Anxiety/Fear

Maturity

Friends/Family

Coping Strategies

Advocacy

Final Thoughts

A

s a reader, you are probably wondering where and how the term Itchy Brain came about. One Sunday evening about two years ago Xavier, our older son, was having a difficult time modulating his emotions and was crying and demonstrating dysregulation. He was already on medicine to help regulate his emotions and ADHD tendencies; however, it did not always curb an outburst or emotional breakdown especially when he was tired, or something didnt go his way. Xavier was laying on his bed just having a difficult time controlling his overall emotional state, so I asked him What is going on? What are you feeling right now? He responded, My brain feels itchy. When I took a step back, thought about it, and then repeated back what he said, he again responded, My brain feels itchy. I have an itchy brain. I told him that was a great way to describe how his brain might feel. At that moment, I realized how aware he is and how much he understands what it means to have ADHD. After he used that descriptor phrase to identify how he felt, I thought as a parent and a professional what a great way to depict how someone might feel who has the diagnosis of ADHD. As a family, we then decided to join together and write a book. We decided to write about Itchy Brain to hopefully help other kids, professionals, teachers, and parents to better understand a child with ADHD, who may have a hard time communicating how they are feeling. We taught both our children at a very young age to advocate or tell someone how they are or may be feeling. As a speech language pathologist, I have always helped them to communicate and use their words when something was bothering them or if they just didnt feel right. I provided them with the language they needed when having a difficult time calming their bodies or trying to organize their thoughts. My husband and I always told them no matter how you feel or if your Mom or Dad seemed frustrated, that we always loved them.

Xavier and Zander have tried to write this book for almost two years but just couldnt focus enough to organize their thoughts. With a little help from us and encouragement from their friends and family, we were able to finally complete our book. Enjoy.

M

y name is Xavier. I am a 12-year-old boy currently in 7th grade who was diagnosed* with ADHD in 3rd grade. My mom told me she always knew I had ADHD because, even when I was in her belly, I moved all the time. When I was a baby, my legs moved constantly. She said I looked like a frog hopping. I always had trouble sitting in school and focusing on what my teachers would say. All my teachers were great because they understood me and would give me movement breaks and made sure I sat on the outside of the rug during group meetings allowing me to be free to move all my body parts (my body, legs, arms). My mom did a great job writing my teachers each year to let them know my strengths and things to look for, my unique qualities as my mom said. Substitute teachers were another story. I always had a lot of energy, but I figured out ways to help myself calm down both my body and my mind. Sports was the best thing that happened in my life. I love all types of sports whether they are organized teams, individual, or backyard-type games. I didnt start taking medicine until I turned 10, right before I started 5th grade.

My name is Zander. I am a 10-year-old boy currently in 4th grade. I also was diagnosed* with ADHD right before I started 3rd grade. I have a difficult time sitting in my seat and being quiet. I loved all my teachers who gave me movement breaks and designed their rooms with flexible seating. My favorite flexible seating options were the loungers and recliners. I really have a difficult time controlling my body and I talk a lot. My motor as my mom says, doesnt always turn off. I dont really like organized sports, but I do like backyard games, running, tennis, skiing, and golf. I also like to draw and cook. I have bad anxiety and it does affect my thinking and doing stuff daily. I tried medicine in the beginning of 4th grade, but it didnt really work.

My name is Adam and I am Xaviers and Zanders father. I, too, have ADHD characteristics but I was never formally diagnosed with it. As a young child, I had an incredible amount of energy, an addictive personality, hyper-focused, able to multitask, and was impulsive. Although as a child, I didnt see anything wrong with these traits, I look back now and see why I struggled in school. I would never change how I acted in school because I felt it has shaped who I am as an adult. It has led me to have success in life, with sports, decent grades, and a college degree from the University of Connecticut. After college I pursued a career in the insurance industry and currently have 20 years of experience at the same insurance company. I started in an entry level position and worked my way up to a Director of Operations. I often relate to my boys and their tendencies as I see so much of myself in them. Their tendencies, although sometimes frustrating, we as parents try to take a step back and put ourselves in their shoes which is easy for me most of the time.