Tag Archives: Linda M. Ballard

The Truth About NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disability) And Who It Can Resembled your

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One day the American Psychiatric Association took a really good look at the traits and characteristics of NLD Syndrome. Who did those traits and characteristics resemble? You guessed it, the APA. Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD) has been around for 41 years and has not made the list. Sometimes when we look into the mirror or under our own microscope we do not like the reflection that bounces off the mirror. Even worse, we really don’t like the disease under the microscope. So what would be the best solution?  A cover-up will be just fine. The APA can drag their feet for years.  The American Psychiatric Association sees the correlation of NLD Syndrome to their Association. So why test or even acknowledge this syndrome?  NLD Syndrome might start popping up all over the place. It might just resemble too many people who are RECOGNIZABLE. If the American Psychiatric Association started testing for NLD Syndrome on a consistent basis, it’s no telling who might turn up on THE LIST.

Let’s take a look at the history of the American Psychiatric Association, who has decided to distance themselves from the Psychologists many years ago. The APA (American Psychiatric Association) was formulated in 1844 in Philadelphia. Their symbol carries 13 stars over a head of an individual inside a coin-shaped emblem. The stars represented the 13 superintendents and organizers of the insane asylums and hospitals which were constructed to formulate the new American Psychiatric Association. The APA has had a pattern of making irresponsible decisions for many years.  At one time homosexuality was placed on the DSM as a disorder. It was voted out and removed in 1973.  APA later had the Mission Impossible effect to change the name to protect themselves. The name of homosexuality was changed to ego-dystonic sexuality and later removed from the DSM in 1987. Once again the tape has blown up on the mission. The American Psychiatric Association is back to putting a crazy diagnosis on their list. They were considering putting Internet Addiction on the list.  Imagine that. For my NLDers who cannot imagine, it would be putting the Internet on medication and locking it up in an insane asylum for no more viewing. This would hide the truth about the APA and who they may resemble.

Dr. Allen Frances MD.,  who use to be a member of the DSM4 task force, wrote a very interesting article on April 8th, 2011.  The article was in Psychology Today. It was called DSM5 In Distress. This is how the Dr. Allen Frances List looks.

1.) DSM5 keeps missing their deadline.

2.) The APA proposals were reckless.

3.) They had poor planning and missed deadlines.

4.) APA over promised and under delivered.

5.) The APA procrastinated and has compromised the coding of the DSM5.

6.) APA poorly thought out the proposal.

7.) 1st draft of the DSM5 was written sloppily.

8.) APA gave extension and wasted these extensions in many ways.

9.) The International Classification of Disease (ICD) World Health Organization in Geneva codes and modification may have been compromised.

10.) ICD-10 codes were written to align themselves with the DSM4. What codes will be written to align themselves with the DSM5?

11.) A window of opportunity will be missed to place a significant diagnosis on the list.

CHARACTERISTICS AND TRAITS OF NLD SYNDROME

1.) problems with time on tasks

2.) trouble with organizational skills

3.)  difficulty with scheduling, disorganized, cannot project or judge

4.) can’t put their thoughts on paper/written responses,  can talk the talk but cannot walk the walk, problems with productivity when it comes to paper tasks, expresses themselves eloquently

5.) difficulty getting started on a related task, needs to be jump started to initiate plans or on related task, problems in the areas of communication, difficulty multitasking, difficulty understanding what is relevant/irrelevant

6.) faulty spatial perception, problems with executive functions, difficulty being creative and can only think in black and white

7.) difficulty with motor impairment causing writing task to be grueling, slow

8.) difficulty with transition and adapting to change

9.) talks their way through the motor task

10.) they constantly talk their way in or out of a situation

11.)  gestalt impressions (they just don’t get the whole picture)

12.) Problems with their decision-making process which makes it very difficult to understand cause and effect.

13.) trouble with alignment

These characteristics and traits of NLD Syndrome resemble the American Psychiatric Association and their work in progress on the DSM5. We may begin to recognize NLD Syndrome is more common if consistent testing were done.

It SHOULD matter if it is my house, or your house, the poor house or the White House!  NLD could be rearing its head in recognition and striking very close to home. (DYNAMITE, DYNAMITE)  There are many unexplained behaviors which have revealed themselves in the past years to many who are RECOGNIZABLE.  Dr. Allen Frances, I hope this explains why the American Psychiatric Association (APA) is off task. This might even explain why NLD Syndrome has never been placed on the list. Sometimes a reflection of who we may resemble may keep us from looking directly into the mirror. It is the FEAR, SHAME, GUILT, and HUMILIATION of being found out. The American Psychiatric Association may not be as credible as we may expect them to be. Who truthfully is NLD? Who does NLD resemble? WHY is the American Psychiatric Association (APA) keeping NLD SYNDROME off their LIST (DSM5)?

Coming to an IMAX  Theatre in May 2013, in 3D, the DSM5–Hopefully

The Truth About NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disability) And Who It Can Resemble

by Linda Ballard

One day the American Psychiatric Association took a really good look at the traits and characteristics of NLD Syndrome. Who did those traits and characteristics resemble? You guessed it, the APA. Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD) has been around for 41 years and has not made the list. Sometimes when we look into the mirror or under our own microscope we do not like the reflection that bounces off the mirror. Even worse, we really don’t like the disease under the microscope. So what would be the best solution?  A cover-up will be just fine. The APA can drag their feet for years.  The American Psychiatric Association sees the correlation of NLD Syndrome to their Association. So why test or even acknowledge this syndrome?  NLD Syndrome might start popping up all over the place. It might just resemble too many people who are RECOGNIZABLE. If the American Psychiatric Association started testing for NLD Syndrome on a consistent basis, it’s no telling who might turn up on THE LIST.

Let’s take a look at the history of the American Psychiatric Association, who has decided to distance themselves from the Psychologists many years ago. The APA (American Psychiatric Association) was formulated in 1844 in Philadelphia. Their symbol carries 13 stars over a head of an individual inside a coin-shaped emblem. The stars represented the 13 superintendents and organizers of the insane asylums and hospitals which were constructed to formulate the new American Psychiatric Association. The APA has had a pattern of making irresponsible decisions for many years.  At one time homosexuality was placed on the DSM as a disorder. It was voted out and removed in 1973.  APA later had the Mission Impossible effect to change the name to protect themselves. The name of homosexuality was changed to ego-dystonic sexuality and later removed from the DSM in 1987. Once again the tape has blown up on the mission. The American Psychiatric Association is back to putting a crazy diagnosis on their list. They were considering putting Internet Addiction on the list.  Imagine that. For my NLDers who cannot imagine, it would be putting the Internet on medication and locking it up in an insane asylum for no more viewing. This would hide the truth about the APA and who they may resemble.

Dr. Allen Frances MD.,  who use to be a member of the DSM4 task force, wrote a very interesting article on April 8th, 2011.  The article was in Psychology Today. It was called DSM5 In Distress. This is how the Dr. Allen Frances List looks.

1.) DSM5 keeps missing their deadline.

2.) The APA proposals were reckless.

3.) They had poor planning and missed deadlines.

4.) APA over promised and under delivered.

5.) The APA procrastinated and has compromised the coding of the DSM5.

6.) APA poorly thought out the proposal.

7.) 1st draft of the DSM5 was written sloppily.

8.) APA gave extension and wasted these extensions in many ways.

9.) The International Classification of Disease (ICD) World Health Organization in Geneva codes and modification may have been compromised.

10.) ICD-10 codes were written to align themselves with the DSM4. What codes will be written to align themselves with the DSM5?

11.) A window of opportunity will be missed to place a significant diagnosis on the list.

CHARACTERISTICS AND TRAITS OF NLD SYNDROME

1.) problems with time on tasks

2.) trouble with organizational skills

3.)  difficulty with scheduling, disorganized, cannot project or judge

4.) can’t put their thoughts on paper/written responses,  can talk the talk but cannot walk the walk, problems with productivity when it comes to paper tasks, expresses themselves eloquently

5.) difficulty getting started on a related task, needs to be jump started to initiate plans or on related task, problems in the areas of communication, difficulty multitasking, difficulty understanding what is relevant/irrelevant

6.) faulty spatial perception, problems with executive functions, difficulty being creative and can only think in black and white

7.) difficulty with motor impairment causing writing task to be grueling, slow

8.) difficulty with transition and adapting to change

9.) talks their way through the motor task

10.) they constantly talk their way in or out of a situation

11.)  gestalt impressions (they just don’t get the whole picture)

12.) Problems with their decision-making process which makes it very difficult to understand cause and effect.

13.) trouble with alignment

These characteristics and traits of NLD Syndrome resemble the American Psychiatric Association and their work in progress on the DSM5. We may begin to recognize NLD Syndrome is more common if consistent testing were done.

It SHOULD matter if it is my house, or your house, the poor house or the White House!  NLD could be rearing its head in recognition and striking very close to home. (DYNAMITE, DYNAMITE)  There are many unexplained behaviors which have revealed themselves in the past years to many who are RECOGNIZABLE.  Dr. Allen Frances, I hope this explains why the American Psychiatric Association (APA) is off task. This might even explain why NLD Syndrome has never been placed on the list. Sometimes a reflection of who we may resemble may keep us from looking directly into the mirror. It is the FEAR, SHAME, GUILT, and HUMILIATION of being found out. The American Psychiatric Association may not be as credible as we may expect them to be. Who truthfully is NLD? Who does NLD resemble? WHY is the American Psychiatric Association (APA) keeping NLD SYNDROME off their LIST (DSM5)?

Coming to an IMAX  Theatre in May 2013, in 3D, the DSM5–Hopefully

Reflection Of Words, Magical Moments On Twitter

by Linda Ballard

Whenever I am tweeting on Twitter my thoughts and my heart is always with the ones who have difficulty communicating their thoughts and putting them on paper.  For those of us that can put our thoughts to the grindstone, it may take one word or just a phrase to speak volumes.

I would like to reflect back on some words and phrases which are magical moments on Twitter. There are times when the fewer words spoken reveals more. The more words spoken reveals less. There comes a moment of silence that can reveal all.

1.)  To all the achievers around the world with extraordinary minds, unique abilities, and multi-level learning styles… keep achieving.

2.) To all the achievers around the world appreciate your mind and respect the achievement.

3.) Live in the moment, for the moment, never in the past of that moment, the moment is Now.

4.) The greatest achievement is to realize what you achieved can be stripped away.

5.) No one should compromise who they are to become what you want them to be. We need to adapt and change our way of thinking. It is called acceptance.

6.) I do not wish to cut the tree down. I just want to make a dent. It is my TIME to give back.

7.)When you break yourself down to the lowest denominator, you are not weak, you are better understood.

8.) Bask in the sun. Feel the rain on your face. Dig your feet into the sand. Breathe on the mirror. Respect TIME.

9.) When you reach out and help others the time passes. Before you know it, your time is lengthened.

10.) Remember to check your airflow, breath on the mirror, it is your breath, it is your life.

11.) I am not a Mac Genius. I am not Microsoft Genius. I am a Mom Genius and my son taught me. He holds the honorary degree.

12.) We need to rethink the way we think and accommodate those that process differently.

13.) When I use the word I, it is for taking responsibility. It is not the selfish I, or the I nucleus factor. I will give you credit.

14.) Do you know your cancers? Anyone or anything that eats at you are cancers.

15.) We all can be heard. The skill is listening. The ultimate skill is understanding what we hear and what is being said.

16.) Survival-acceptance of the problem, educate yourself, respect and fear the problem, get help, and be self-determined to survive the problem.

17.) Your coat fits likes an armor. Your armor, in given time, will wear like a vest, Reflection of these times will be your windbreaker.

18.) Education is wonderful when you educate. Understanding and adaptability to how one is educated are greater.

19.) Inclusion in the workforce builds character, self-esteem, and validation. The isolation/deprivation causes lack of hope.

20.) Speaking from my heart zone today, when 365 days becomes less in one’s life, you will begin to value so much more.

21.) Everyone has a voice and a choice, a place, and space, and a reason throughout the season.

22.) I live my life for the 5Ps. Purpose-reason, Passion-true intense emotion, Placement-in position to accommodate others, Productivity-output, Power-effectiveness for an extension of 365 days of my life and to help others.

23.) Know your cancers in order to eradicate the problem, survive, and have a quality of life.

24.) Relinquish being a V.I.P.(Vanity, Image, Pride). You will never survive any adversity with these elements.

25.) When you live to the fullest, love until your heart is content, and don’t give all your love away, you are PAID IN FULL.

26.) If you don’t love yourself in the process, give too much of yourself away, you will lose life’s battle and become EXPIRED.

27.) I never understood the saying, is the glass half empty or is the glass half full. I thought the glass was a tool to work with and what I put in the glass would account for my achievements.

28.) Empowerment is knowing your cancers and realizing they are not just under the microscope.

29.) Never hold anyone accountable for that which you fail to teach. Never assume they know. If you make the assumption you failed them. Go back and teach.

30.) Handle your business or your business will handle you. This is accountability.

31.) I have learned to survive my adversities, not people in order to have the quality of life.

32.) True respect for life and quality of life is the losses we have in life.

33.) Love to Learn, Learn to Love, Love, Learn, and Live to Survive.

34.) Make the decision and be held accountable for the decision. Don’t blame for the decision. It was your decision, learn.

35.) See with your mind and envision. Feel with your heart and show true emotion. Speak the words and become expressive.

36.) Can you handle the candle?  Can you handle the burns?

37.) I have held the hands of many who have exited this life. Through all the tears, hurt, pain, and sorrow,  TIME was the key.

38.) Sit close to someone and read a book together. Sit in your favorite chair by the window and see for the first time.

39.) Take the time today and really laugh out loud. Give them a big hug, tell them you care, and really mean it.

40.) Remember when it comes to trials and tribulations, we can no longer be on trial, the verdict is in, and we can turn our tribulations into a tributes.

41.)  My misfortune is your fortune if you only look and learn.

This is dedicated to those with NLD Syndrome and others with extraordinary minds, unique abilities, and multi-level learning styles.

It is hard for children/adults diagnosed with NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disability) and others to achieve at light speed. Change, adaptability, and struggling with the element of time on a task can lower their achievement along with many other deficits NLD Syndrome possess.

Giving them more choices and accommodations boosts their achievements thus lifting their self-esteem in an inclusive protective environment. Understanding how they learn and also understanding that it takes patience. So teach, teach, and teach. Let them teach you.  Oral communication is necessary.

A very productive strategy for those who are diagnosed with NLD is teaching life skills, social skills, and body language communication.

Define the issue. Ask them what is it they need to do. State the options orally. Don’t overwhelm them with choices. Limit the choices (3-5). Get some feedback and ask them what would be the best choice. Let them make the choice. Time to take Action. Now it is time for Richard Branson saying, SCREW IT, LET’S DO IT.

He/she reviews their actions. You ask them if it was an effective plan or they ask themselves if the plan worked or not. Always point out what is relevant and what is irrelevant. Hey, if they screw it up don’t beat them down for their mistakes.

Punishment is not the answer. You will unmask an unwanted behavior and the behavior will manifest itself if you do not address it properly.

Addressing the behavior properly is understanding their feelings showing compassion, empathy, and being supportive. Spell it Out (concretely, explicitly).

Many words and actions in the above statements (1-41) cannot be expressed by those who are diagnosed with neurological disorders, with unintentional behaviors and  have developmental delays.

Recognition For Life

by Linda Ballard

When I first started using Twitter I was advocating for NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disability) to be put on the DSM5 and to be recognized by the Center of Disease Control (CDC), and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). These are the WHO’s WHO list of health and disability. I wanted a community for support, testing, research, and schools to understand and make accommodations for Nonverbal Learning Disability. This would be an inclusive environment with recognition from home, to school, in the community, and our society for NLD and other unique learning styles with extraordinary minds. I want people to LEARN, LIVE, and SURVIVE. I want people to understand and know their QUALITY OF LIFE.

—————-

In a recent article by NPR, Autism Is Underestimated in South Korea, it may be more common than one thinks.  Autism is Mr. Umbrella of the Spectrum.  These neurological disorders are global and are being overlooked. At least Autism is recognizable and has a National Autism Society for inclusion. NLD, on the other hand, is unrecognized by the DSM4 and it leaves it no room for being a credible neuropsychological disorder.  Those who have been diagnosed with NLD Syndrome have unintentional behaviors and is not emotionally disturbed.

———————

Whether it is Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), on the list or not, I am going for RECOGNITION FOR A HUMAN LIFE. The new text message for RECOGNITION FOR LIFE is ESBL We, the parents, our children/adults EAT, SLEEP, BREATH, and LIVE these disorders and have earned our HONORARY DEGREE.

————-

This text blog message is dedicated to the American Psychiatric Association(APA), Dr. Regier and his task force team.

——————

NLD Mom/cancer survivor

I Have Learned

by Linda Ballard

Martin Luther King Jr. birthday was observed on January 17th of this year. His birthday is Jan 15th. On January 17th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. birthday, I wrote a poem and posted it on Twitter. It is dedicated to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who sacrificed his life for the things I have learned.

I have learned through the eyes of death that one should appreciate life and all it has to offer.

I have learned to embrace the smallest of the small so I can retain true objectivity.

I have learned to love myself and validate myself. When the storm comes I will not lose hope. I will survive.

I have learned the extensions of one’s life is given purpose through the hinges of another that swings in the balance.

I have learned to stand down in the face of criticism, to honor it, and respect it as a teaching tool.

I have learned to show deference, to cry, to become a better human being instead of bitter.

I have learned to show compassion, empathy, and support, and rethink my thinking before I judge.

I have learned to jump feet first. I was so thankful for having feet.

I have learned to say,”Hello,”  and really mean it.   It was not superficial.

I have learned even when my hands touched deaths doorway, someone crossed over before me to give me a second chance.

I have learned to lift the spirits of those who could hardly lift their heads and they walked with heavily burdened hearts.

I have learned all across the nation ones achievements can be just as influential in Death as it is in Life.

I have learned even though it was not time for death to call out to me,

I didn’t view the mountaintop and I escaped the Promise Land.

I have learned to take a closer look at the hills and slopes and to better understand.

I have learned all in TIME,  Not To Judge A Man.

——————-

NLD Mom/cancer survivor

Etiology of Quality

by Linda Ballard

On Jan 14th this poem was posted on Twitter. It is Dedicated to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the family of Malcolm X, the family of Ted Kennedy, and the Obama Family.

Quality of Life is quality of one’s Mind.

Quality of Education will leave us refined

Quality of Parenting will strengthen the binds.

Quality of Endurance is an ultimate goal.

Quality of Happiness will enlighten the soul.

Quality of Love puts our hearts on the mend.

Quality of Knowledge helps us teach, learn, and comprehend.

Quality of Truth is an awesome power.

Quality of Peace is needed by the hour.

Quality of Commitment is Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream”.

Quality of his Speech motivated and lifted our self-esteem.

Quality of Loss is a masterful gain.

Quality of Hope, we must truly retain.

Quality of Relationships should be cherished to the end.

Etiology of Quality, this is where it all begins.

—————-

Smokelbg@Twitter

NLD Mom/cancer survivor

Giving Recognition To The Unrecognized__Saving Lives

by Linda Ballard

We give recognition to people, things, places, and subjects that are identifiable and previously known. Through encounters of their existence, we give validation to their achievement. This makes them credible and recognizable. Recognition is the most talked about and the latest trend.  Those who are rich, famous and recognizable suffer from SHAME, GUILT, and FEAR of HUMILIATION…  They battle knowing a problem exists or has been in existence for a long period time. The greatest FEAR for the people who are recognizable is someone will find out about their problem. They will lose their reputation and their  3G network (Glimmer, Glamour, and Gold) that comes along with their fame.  The people who go unrecognized is just the opposite. No credit is given to the unrecognizable. Their problems are masked, hidden, disguised and unknown. At this time or any time the unrecognized is definitely not the trend. Given no support from their community, no validation, the burden of SHAME and GUILT lies heavy in their hearts.

This is a welcome mat for  ISOLATION.  Those who feel the burns of SHAME, GUILT, FEAR, and ISOLATION may be tempted to glance into the window of SUICIDE. ISOLATION is their choice. They give themselves a hall pass for denial and it feeds the SHAME, GUILT, and FEAR. The unrecognized has fewer choices. The choice of ISOLATION is granted by the one that judges them. Judgment is not placed in their hands. They have poor judgment and put their lives in the hands of people who cannot be trusted.  The unrecognized will suffer the pain and agony of many cuts by the ones who judge, leaving them with lack of confidence and low self-esteem. This is a deficit for NLD and other exceptionalities. This can apply to the those with recognition.

It is very difficult for people to see themselves as having a problem or understanding the problems of others. It is twice as hard for them to express themselves.  They do not have the ability to recognize the unrecognizable.  NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disability) and many others fall into this category. A Neurological disorder with unintentional behaviors carries a distorted view through life’s window. These disorders cannot recognize the SHAME and GUILT due to a mass amount of confusion, frustration, anger, and ISOLATION. Those who have unique learning styles and extraordinary minds are ridiculed and rejected by others. They are not given the opportunity to become socially and emotionally competent.  WHY?  People feel it takes too long to teach them. There are too many accommodations needed to help them get from point A to B.  Many people feel the process is taking too long and they need results NOW. Once the behaviors cut loose for NLD, SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) and anyone else that has an unrecognizable neurological disorder, it is all over for them. Just being unrecognized with no disorders is a problem. You are basically on your own. It is hard for people to understand the behavior or tolerate dealing with the behaviors of those who are not under the umbrella of the Autism Spectrum. Those who are recognized and under the Autism Spectrum includes Autism, Asperger, PDD-NOS, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorders. It is very difficult to deal with recognizable or unrecognizable behaviors when you are uneducated about them.

The psychological effect can take a toll on your life. Hiding, not knowing when it will all surface. How will you react?  My friends that have gone before me have left a message.  You are looking out of the window and your body gets too close to the edge, ask yourself which one is it. Is it your mind or your body that is too close? If it is your mind, look across the way and try to realize and recognize other people may have greater problems. If it is your body step back and remember the ones whose bodies were ridden with cancer and still fought to maintain what was left of their mind. This was their Quality of Life.  Before you sway too far out of the window and indulge in the thoughts of SUICIDE think about the SHAME, GUILT, and HUMILIATION you will place on your loved ones, your family, and your friends.  Think about it, get help, and save your life and others who love you. Don’t sink a ship.

The poem Rest Peaceful My Nubian Queen is dedicated to one of my great mentors. She taught me whenever it is time to go to the hospital always Remember that you can Remember. Always ask for a bed not by the window, but by the door. Look across the way and focus on the pain of another and your pain will diminish.

For those who are unrecognized, a chain of events will happen. You will struggle to gain respect and validation. It may take many years.  It has taken many years for the American Psychiatric Association to give NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disability) or SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) any recognition. They have not done so to this date. TIME is a precious commodity. All  IN TIME.

To the President of the United States: You have been riding on the wave of a tsunami. You have looked across the way.  The words you spoke transmitted respect to the life of an infamous recognizable now laid to rest. It was a life. You held steadfast to your 3Ps and in my book, you will always be given Recognition.

To  Catherine-Zeta Jones: You are not alone. I’m proud you came forward. You have taken the first step for the rest of your life toward healing. The SHAME, GUILT, FEAR, and ISOLATION lies in the label of MENTAL ILLNESS. Far too long many people have been stereotyped and have been afraid to seek help. I have sat behind the chart for many years with my son who is now 22 years of age. It was his diagnosis that has given me the extensive knowledge in the field of the neurosciences. My son is a masterful educator and one of my greatest mentors. He struggles in his life but we address every aspect of his neuropsychological disorder which is brain-based. This is the mental aspect where there are deficits in areas of writing, math, abstract language, social communication skills and more.  I have sat behind another chart. I sign off on my tweets as NLD Mom/cancer survivor, if I don’t run out of space. I can talk about my breast cancer. This is a physical illness. I lost a breast but it saved my life.

This story is about saving lives and the choices we make to help save others. Today, many women can take another route to conserve their breast, just as long as they conserve their mind and life with their choice.  If I can talk about a physical illness then others should be able to talk about their mental illness with NO Shame In Their Game.  Always remember you ask for help, you wanted to learn, and you wanted to live and SURVIVE. Today I give RECOGNITION to the most stereotypical illness in the medical profession. MENTAL ILLNESS–Let’s talk and raise awareness for MENTAL HEALTH and SAVE LIVES. NLD Mom/cancer survivor

Rest Peaceful, Our Nubian Queen

by Linda Ballard

Throughout our lives, we shared so much,

Conversation, Family, and Friends.

Our Nubian Queen with a magical touch,

Who shared love to the end.

—–
Your words of wisdom opened many hearts,

You elevated our self-esteem.

It hurts to see our loved ones depart,

You will remain our Nubian Queen.

—–
Rivers of tears, flow like a stream…

To express our hurt and sorrow.

Sleep peacefully now, our Nubian Queen,

God has granted you a better tomorrow.

—–
Bea Fontaine, you will always remain,

Lifelong in our hearts and dreams.

Wisdom and knowledge that we gained,

It was inspired by our Nubian Queen.

—–
Down this path, death now echoes…

She walks with a gracious gleam…

This is not goodbye, but a later Hello…

God has called home our Nubian Queen.

—–
Dedicated to Beatrice Fontaine and Family.  Giving recognition to her lifelong mentor-ship and love she shared with family, friends and the community.

Easter Under The Umbrella For NLD

by Linda Ballard

Scene:  Sammy Spatial Relations and Fanny Faulty Perception explain why Nicky NLD does not want to participate in the Easter egg hunt. There are certain elements when activated within Nicky NLD which can bring out certain unwanted behaviors. This would be Nicky NLD’s beast. Sammy and Fanny are trying to figure out strategies and coping skills to help Nicky NLD.   Sammy wants to make the hunt easy for Nicky NLD and wants him to feel included.  Sammy Spatial Relations gives his view of his relationship with Nicky NLD for clarity and understanding. Fanny Faulty Perception wants people to understand what happens to Nicky NLD when he comes in contact with her family and other relatives.

Fanny Faulty Perception:

I’m glad you agreed to meet with me today. I appreciate you coming,  Sammy Spatial Relations. Is your back injury any better?

Sammy Spatial Relations:

Not really, but I have a good doctor. I could have prevented this injury from happening. I know better. Judging from the size and weight of that pipe I thought my body was in the clear. My timing was off and Roscoe was up next to put his parts in the car.  At Ford Motor Company the order of operation is crucial. If one person is off it screws up the whole line.  I’m so glad that wasn’t Nicky NLD out there on the line with me.  He would be wrapped up like the mummy.  It would be a 50 car pile up.  Nicky NLD hasn’t built any relationships with direction, time, space, quantity, shape, movement, volume, order,  and size. These are not Nicky NLD qualities. This is what I am good at. He can have a relationship with others but he will receive a lot of false information. He needs to build a relationship with his body and use his senses to gather information to make judgment calls. The more he interacts with his environment, the more he would remember by not having to ask for information. This would help strengthen his problem-solving skills.

He would understand cause and effect, stick to his schedule, and compare and find out what he likes and dislikes. He would know the difference.  Through the eyes of Nicky NLD, it is hard for him to discriminate differences (visual-spatial). He cannot make his body move smoothly and accurately. That is why people think he is clumsy and he bumps into people and objects all the time (motor-spatial). Nicky NLD can’t participate because it takes both visual and motor spatial skills to finish the activity. This garden is a maze to him.  He felt trapped. Your family was pretty hard on Nicky NLD. This is why he doesn’t want to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt. You and your crew didn’t understand. I get why Nicky NLD got so angry.  We are inseparable. I’m trying to help him with his deficits not bring him down in front of the whole world. The key to helping Nicky NLD is giving him support, acknowledging his achievements, and correcting his mistakes without beating him down and calling him out of his name.

Fanny Faulty Perception:

So you are singing Nicky’s praises once again to the tune of Natalie Cole’s Inseparable.

Sammy Spatial Relations:

What you are saying to me right now is the very reason why Nicky NLD took out the shears and turned your garden maze into chopped spinach greens.

Fanny Faulty Perception:

Nicky NLD went too far. My family teasing him didn’t last forever.  It was fun and short-lived. You know Anthony Acute Stress is quite fond of Nicky NLD. Acute stress is normal. Any information Nicky received or event that makes him feels unpleasant stresses him out. It wasn’t like it was work related or he was caught in a traffic jam.

Hey, Charles Chronic Stress could have started in on Nicky NLD. Talkabout getting really bad results! Charles Chronic Stress just keeps pushing those magic buttons and continues his stress act. He refuses to go away.

Sammy Spatial Relations:

You and I both know that acute and chronic stress are the two major causes of faulty perception. Fanny Faulty Perception this is you. STRESS!

Fanny Faulty Perception:

Come on Sammy Spatial Relations, a girl has to cause a little drama once in a while in her life. It’s the way people perceive me and think about me that causes the stress. You know I can’t do this on my own. We all have life stresses. It could be financial, relationships, work-related, or health issues. Look deep inside of me and you will find out what it all boils down to. The individual perception and his/her thinking get them all worked up. I told you on Twitter to handle your business before your business handles you. How long will Nicky NLD be mad at us?

Sammy Spatial Relations:

Nicky NLD just doesn’t pack his bags and go. He can empty the suitcase but the baggage will be there for a long time due to his memory. Your family is on his A-list and it will be years before it will move from the front to the back of his mind. I talked about what happens with Nicky NLD. We are still processing to this very day on ways to make the situation better.  This day is here once again. We have to find a better solution and minimize Nicky’s stress level. Did you invite your cousins Angela Anxiety, Pamela Panic Attack, and Sassy Suzy Stress?

Fanny Faulty Perception:

You know I did. It wouldn’t be a party without them.

Sammy Spatial Relations:

Sassy Suzy Stress drives Nicky NLD up the wall. Around her, his stress doesn’t come out of the thin air. The air changes into the fog when he sees her. When she is out of sight his air is clear once again. Nostradamus can’t predict his stress level when panic, anxiety, and stress appears.

Fanny Faulty Perception:

I bought my dream car. The gas prices have gone up and now I’m stressed. I can’t afford the gas for this big 8 cylinder SUV.  I’m not selling my car. Maybe I should get another job. Sassy Suzy Stress is having work-related issues.  Anthony Acute Stress needs to cut back on his relationships. Three girlfriends are too much for him. Charles Chronic Stress has got health issues. Everything is wrong with him. I called Smokelbg up for some advice. She views this as an opportunity to learn. I like her advice but once out of her classroom, I will have a YouTube moment. The camera is rolling and I will be caught on tape doing something I feel I could have gotten away with. Anything or anyone can cause stress.

Sammy Spatial Relations:

The last time Nicky NLD visited Pamela Panic Attack, cousin to anxiety, it was disastrous. He was very uncomfortable and his heart sped up. He became cold one moment and hot the next. Nicky NLD tried to hide it but the fear was so intense it broke loose. I thought he was going to have a seizure but I was wrong. He complained of being nauseous. His hands begin to shake and perspiration covered his face. Nicky NLD said his stomach got queasy.  He shared with me what happened to his friend Tyrone Tourette when he hooked up with Pamela Panic Attack. Tyrone Tourette became light-headed and felt chest pains. He had shortness of breath and of course, his tics came out to play. Tyrone TS said Pamela Panic Attack is not the girl for him. He thought he was going to have a heart attack.

Fanny Faulty Perception:

How long did that last?

Sammy Spacial Relations:

Nicky NLD said the attacks didn’t last much longer than 10-15 minutes. He thought he was going crazy and his behavior would go over the cliff. As long as we provide him with coping skills and helpful strategies he will be equipped to handle the Easter Egg Hunt without any problems.

Fanny Faulty Perceptions:

How did things work out with Angela Anxiety?

Sammy Spatial Relations:

Angela Anxiety is kind of common. She always seems to recur. Nicky NLD doesn’t want her around She will show up if you are physically ill or if it is a mental illness. Angela Anxiety can offset your mood and your emotional tone. The more fear Nicky NLD has his mood and thinking will be affected. You know he loves sports, especially football.

He had to work so hard just to be able to play the game.  This physical activity will be gone once Nicky NLD gets upset.

Fanny Faulty Perception:

Have you met the rest of Angela Anxiety’s family?

Sammy Spatial Relations:

I met some of them, but not all of them. I know for a fact we cannot invite Alice Agoraphobia. If Nicky NLD comes in contact with her he may stop traveling or get to the point he is afraid to be alone in the house. She makes him hate crowded places. Do not place her on the list for the Easter Egg Hunt.  Fanny Faulty Perception does not try it. Nicky NLD probably won’t show up.

Fanny Faulty Perception:

We could invite Shirley Specific Phobia.

Sammy Spatial Relations:

Are you crazy? Why do you think Nicky NLD was running around butt-naked at the last Easter Egg Hunt?  We are trying to minimize his stress level not make him act and think irrational.

Fanny Faulty Perception:

I thought he wanted to shed some skin and I love the dance he did on the table.

Sammy Spatial Relations:

Shirley Specific Phobia brought her pet snake, spiders, bees, and bugs. The dance you thought he was doing, he was trying to smash them and escape like Houdini. Nicky NLD is okay with dogs, birds, and flying. His friend doesn’t like needle injections, storms, and he is scared of water. Andy Autism is not that crazy about heights, automobile driving, and rodents.

Fanny Faulty Perception:

So I guess she won’t be invited.

Sammy Spatial Relations:

NO!

Fanny Faulty Perception:

I might as well scratch Sandra Social Phobia off the list. Nicky NLD hasn’t quite gotten over Arnesha, In The Look of Love Valentine’s Day,  for drinking up all of the liquor. Arnesha and Sandra are SAD (social anxiety disorder).  They have that intense fear of embarrassing themselves, of losing their bowels and bladder, and people thinking they are crazy. We gave them plenty of notice that we were going to have this egg hunt. Weeks passed and Sandra got so worked up and just couldn’t pull it off.  Remember when her sister got her in front of a crowd and told Sandra had wet her pants. As she got older I thought she would get better.  Sandra never recovered from the hurt of embarrassment.

Sammy Spatial Relations:

We don’t need her and Nicky NLD shaking and sweating at the same time.

Fanny Faulty Perception:

We got Gerald Generalize Anxiety. He would be kind of the minimum anxiety disorder for Nicky NLD.

Sammy Spatial Relations:

I really don’t want any anxiety around for Nicky NLD. I don’t know Gerald Generalize Anxiety.

Fanny Faulty Perception:

He would make a person lose sleep, have muscle tension, poor concentration and cause the person to be tired.  I recall when Nicky NLD was younger, his mom referred to him as being over-anxious. Gerald Generalize Anxiety doesn’t hang out with panic disorder, social phobia, and obsessive-compulsive orders or any other crew members. Now that Nicky

NLD is older he worries about his family, bills, and he drives me nuts talking about his girlfriend. Nicky NLD definitely doesn’t want Oscar OCD at the egg hunt.

Sammy Spatial Relations:

Yeah, I heard about the squabble Tyrone Tourette and Oscar OCD have between them.

Fanny Faulty Perception:

OCD affects his friend Tyrone Tourette. Tyrone Ts was having tics and ended on the list (DSM-4) with Oscar OCD. Nicky NLD is still not on the list and it has made Tyrone Tourettes really angry. Oscar OCD has the NO NO THOUGHTS. These thoughts are grotesque,  forbidden, and very inappropriate, Oscar OCD own thoughts frighten him.

He is scared he may act upon his own impulsive thoughts. His thoughts are uncontrollable. He washes his hands a million times and ends up with dermatitis. Everyone and everything is contaminated. We are getting into the big league of anxiety and depression disorders. The risk gets high in Tyrone Tourette family. A lot of the people in his family develop OCD. Other mental disorders include people who pull their hair (trichotillomania), gambling, sexual behaviors, and shoplifting. Then you have the lesser of the evils. There are those who are obsessed with their looks.  They are either obsessed with the Barbie Doll factor/star in The Prince and The Frog.

Sammy Spatial Relations:

He’s out. No Easter Egg Hunt for Oscar OCD.

Fanny Faulty Perception:

You don’t want any of my family there.

Sammy Spatial Relations:

Baby, you cause stress and your family is big-time stress inducers.

Fanny Faulty Perception:

What about Aaron Acute and Pierre Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Sammy Spatial Relations:

This is trauma and drama at its finest. Within the first month, Aaron’s drama starts right after his trauma.  Aaron went to the bar on 13th Wilshire where he was robbed, beaten, and stabbed.  He witnessed the killing of the owner of the bar. After that, he was running around like he had amnesia. When I tried to talk to him about what happened, he was very evasive. It appears as if his mind separated from his body. His memory was so poor he acted as if he was on the soap, Another World. Gerald General Anxiety came to visit. Aaron Acute Traumatic Stress took flight and fought any recall, flashback or dream that would be a friendly reminder to his hurt and pain. The acute stress persisted for three months.  He later was upgraded to post-traumatic stress.  Pierre Post Traumatic Stress lasted 6 more months. He started going downhill fast. Pierre is listed on the DSM4 as having low self-esteem, trouble in his relationships, permanently damaged goods, loss of hope in society and people. Pierre Post Traumatic Stress has started boozing and doing drugs. Well, I think in order to help Nicky NLD, you and your family will not be invited. Nicky NLD needs to be surrounded by people who will support, respect and stand with him. Your family just doesn’t have those qualities.

Advisory Alert: To the House and Senate Committee

In this story today there are those who have stood by the wayside and offered no moral support but were stress inducers. Our government has done the same. This story reveals characteristics and traits of people who had no common interest in the individual only to set the individual up for failure. Our government has done the same.

It is pointed out in the story how the character was ridiculed and disrespected. Our government has done the same. The story indicates how others have their own agenda to address their own issues. Our government has done the same. It opens the doorway for those in government who entertain the NO NO THOUGHTS to seek help, not act impulsively and destroy their homes and lives so the American People can maintain an ounce of dignity for those who are left in office. It is very hard to maintain the trust and respect of our government if the government continues to maintain the lack of dignity and respect of those in elected positions and others.

Our government has to learn to use the word NO in a positive format.   This word alone, NO, can reduce anxiety, panic, stress, and depression. NO can save lives.

It is time for our government to seek out the necessary help to once again become a healthy country, with a healthy heart, and a healthy mind.

SmokeLBG

Got No Time To Be Disabled

by Linda Ballard

Scene:  Trevon, a young man going to school in the urban school district, has agreed to meet Smokelbg at an outside cafe for lunch.  Trevon talks about his life in the city. He tells how he views the educational system and what he thinks of being disabled.

Smokelbg:

Hey Trevon!  I’m glad you showed up. You had me worried. I thought you might have changed your mind.

Trevon: I’m always late. Three weeks ago I got fired from my job at Wendy’s. If I had been reading your blog, I could have told the old dude that I had a disability. Knowing him, he would fire me again. My mama says black folks are always late. They will be late for their own funeral. I would call it the haters-late disability.

Smokelbg:

Why would you call it that?

Trevon:

They’re mad and sitting there complaining about you being late. They didn’t get up and leave. That’s all they had to do.  All they want to do is run around and tell everybody you were late.  Hater!  Do you believe all that stuff you write?  Man, that’s a lot of stuff. I started not to go to your site.

Smokelbg:

Why? The deal was I tell your story and you read the blog.

Trevon:

It didn’t have nothing to do with the deal. The last time I got on a website it looked like a giant video game. I couldn’t follow what they wanted me to read. I started pushing buttons and then I couldn’t remember what the person wanted me to do. You think that is a disability too?  There is so much stuff written on your blog that sounds like what my friends, family, and my enemies all say.

Smokelbg:

Yes, it could have something to do with your attention span. You might get easily distracted.

Trevon:

It could have something to do with where I live. There is so much going on around me that I must have people watching my back. Yeah, you call them grand guardians. I like that name.

Smokelbg:

The purpose of the grand guardians is to make sure the person that is disabled doesn’t get taken advantage of.

Trevon:

Well, that wouldn’t be me. I will do them before they could do me. That is just the way it is done. Survival lady.

Smokelbg:

What about your enemies?

Trevon:

My enemies used to be my friends and now they are haters.

Smokelbg:

It doesn’t bother you to have these haters?

Trevon:

Too many people in your business can get you killed.

Smokelbg:

What are you doing that can cost you your life?

Trevon:

Who said you had to be doing anything?   Last month my friend was getting gas at a service station and he got shot at. I have gone to at least three to four funerals within two weeks time. You know where I stay? You can empty your garbage without thinking about it. I might be the one that is taken out for garbage.

Smokelbg:

What do you plan to do to after you graduate from school?

Trevon:

Hold up, who said I plan on graduating?  Back up for a minute. I got to find a job because my old girl( mom) is on my case about moving.  I will soon be turning 18 years old and she wants me up out of there.

Smokelbg:

What if you are not ready to be on your own? What if you needed added support?

Trevon:

It doesn’t matter, you gotta go.

Smokelbg:

Tell me how your day starts before you go to school?

Trevon:

Man, I got to listen to my old girl go off about the bills, how my daddy left her in a bind, and I was going to be just like my no-good daddy.  Aunt Martha, my dad’s sister, broke up the marriage between my dad and the old girl. How can somebody break up your marriage just because the sister doesn’t have anything to do with the old girl?   The old girl is a drama queen.  My dad was smart when he left. He got tired of hearing all that noise from the old girl. I will be glad to get up out of here. I can’t take too much more in this house.  All this takes place before I can even eat breakfast.

Smokelbg:

I take it that you and your mom don’t get along.

Trevon:

The old girl got some issues. Her whole family got some severe issues.   I would hate for something to happen to me. Just the thought of the old girl’s family getting any of my kids scares me to death.

Smokelbg:

Do you have any kids?

Trevon:

Noooo. I don’t want any.  I wouldn’t want to bring them up around here.

Smokelbg:

What’s your day like at school?

Trevon :

When I go to school,  it is social time. I mostly hang out. As soon as someone does something crazy, then it is black you are under attack time.

Smokelbg;

What does that mean?

Trevon

The school rounds up everyone who was in the area and goes through their list. You know I’m on the list for BD (behavior disorder). The funny thing is everybody has got a problem in the city. You call it a diagnosis. Man those words are tight.

I know I’m going to act up at some point. It’s too crowded in the classroom and they got me sitting too far back. I get angry when it is cut up time and I’m out.

Smokelbg:

Have you told your mom the problems you are having in school?  I’m sure she would want to come and talk to the teachers and help fix the problem.

Trevon:

You really believe your own stories. The old girl is the problem.  We don’t connect like that. Why do you think I work?  It sure is not to help pay bills. Ole girl is on that end.

Smokelbg:

Can you explain that to me? I’m not quite sure….. There are several things that come to my mind when you say that.

Trevon:

Well, in this neighborhood there is only one answer. She’s whacked and on crack. This is her way out of the neighborhood. Yeah, my mom as you call her(getting really upset). You know what,  I’m not going out like that. When old girl gets low it ain’t pretty.

Smokelbg:

Let me know if you want to finish another day.

Trevon:

You are not getting out of this. I had to read all those crazy stories and that was the deal… (lifts his head and smiles). I’m good, it’s okay. Whenever I talk about old girl it …..

Smokelbg:

Hey, you want some dessert?

Trevon:

Sure, you know you are paying. True Dat.

Smokelbg:

Which one of the stories do you like?

Trevon:

I like the football stories. I’m really into sports.  I like the Darlene Dyslexia story because I  kind of feel I do some of those things as far as reading and pronouncing my words that way. The St. Patrick’s Day story is it.  This is the neighborhood I live in. Catrina Schizo ain’t nobody but Aunt Jackie.  I love me some Aunt Jackie. She is out there.

Everybody in this neighborhood has got some kind of label.  Where did you get all those fancy doctors?  I’m lucky if I go to the dentist and get my teeth pulled. I never heard of no neuro…..whatever.  Stuff like that must cost a fortune.  See people in this neighborhood got to be on guard all the time. Those doctors don’t understand that we ain’t got no time to be disabled. As soon as we get disabled then we get taken out of the box. We look crazy to them because the people in this neighborhood know this is the only way of surviving. This is our way of keeping others out and protecting ourselves. We know who belongs and who don’t. It is time for  Trevon to shed this label because I want more.

I just wanted to tell you that you were not going to get any better education in the burbs than in the city. Remember, you are black and under attack and that’s whacked.

Smokelbg:

Trevon, I appreciate you for all of your time. This has been a true eye opener for me and I really learned a lot today. I sincerely want to see you make it and fulfill your dreams.

Trevon:

This ain’t no dream. This is Trevon coming at you live and raising the hell up out of here.

Smokelbg:

I was really concerned about Trevon and how he viewed being disabled, his school, and life.  Here is something that I found very interesting to help validate Trevons theories on labeling people.

Advisory Alert: Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General

Chapter 4 Adults and Mental Health: Schizophrenia

Overview:  Cultural Variation in this section 2nd paragraph it discusses clinicians misinterpretation and misdiagnosis of patients of diverse backgrounds. This is due to the norm of emotional expressions, social behavior, and cognitive style is address by professionals who are truly qualified to do so. See Chapter 2 and Center for Mental Health Services[CMHS], 1997. One finding is that African-American patients are more likely than whites to be diagnosed with severe psychotic disorders in clinical settings (Snowden & Cheung, 1990; Hu et al., 1991; Lawson et al., 1994, Strakowski et al., 1995)

The interpretation of the overdiagnosis of psychotic disorders among African-Americans is reviewed as clinician bias. Find out about other cultures. Go to http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth/chapter4/sec4.html#course.