Tag Archives: nonverbal learning disability

A Bite Of The Apple__A Tribute to Steve Jobs

by Linda Ballard

Scene: This conversation takes place at Steve Jobs’ underground compound in the middle of who in the hell knows where. We are talking about Steve Jobs, Okay. Smokelbg has decided to pay Steve a visit and have a heart to heart chat.

Smokelbg:

Hey, where you at? Steve, Steve is you here? Hey man, you better show up real fast. Some of your neighbors are looking at me really crazy. I can’t believe this. Steve wears this outfit all the time. I wonder why I’m having so much trouble wearing these blue jeans and black tee-shirt? I don’t have no ski mask on. What is this, the neighborhood watch? Okay, I see how this works. Don’t make me show your neighbors who’re the real Mac Genius. Why you laughing Steve?

Steve:

Smokelbg, you are hilarious. I’m so glad you could drop by. It’s good seeing you. It has been a long TIME.

Smokelbg:

More like Delirious and you don’t hear me singing Prince’s song. Come on now, I didn’t just drop by. I had to catch 2 planes, sail across the Mojave Desert, take a boat through Vienna, sing Oleta Adam’s Song-Get Here If You Can, and stung gun your neighbor’s dog. Where did Cujo come from? Was he trained to take a bite out of crime? Hey, Prince designed his butt-out pants. I did not need any help from Cujo. Okay!

Steve:

What?! Is Fefe okay? He is harmless. He just wanted to play. I can’t believe you used a taser gun on Tim’s dog.

Smokelbg:

Did you say Tim’s dog? Please tell me I didn’t taser Timothy D. Cook’s dog. Damn it!

Fefe is the canine dog from hell. You should be asking is Smokelbg okay. Do I look like IAMS or Purina One Dog Chow to you? Where is this place anyway? Anytime Air Force One drops you off in the middle of the desert, you got to be hiding some secrets. I get along with dogs on a regular day but Fefe and I aren’t making any love connections. Can I use your bathroom? Ahhh! Steve, there is a robot up here in your bathroom trying to tell me how many square feet are in toilet paper. Steve get up here I push a button and I’m not sure if I Googled my butt across the nation. I just need some peroxide for my butt and I need to flush the toilet. Steveeee!

Steve:

Are you finding everything you need Smokelbg? There are some special treats behind the mirror glass shaped like an APPLE. This would make any woman’s head spin.

Smokelbg:

I don’t want my head to spin. I need some toilet tissue to keep me from having issues with Roberta the Robot who will not let me wipe my Ahh….! Steve get up here NOW!

Steve:

Oh, Dear, I meant to tell you if you put your hands in a certain position the robot will defend herself and put you in a headlock. Smokelbg, Tim designed the robot. It was a birthday gift for my daughter.

Smokelbg:

I should have known. Who is going to believe that my torn A… graduated with a whiplashed neck. Only at Steve’s Jobs compound. Do you have a pair of pants I can borrow and a soft pillow I can sit on?

Steve:

The pants may not fit. I mean they may be too long.

Smokelbg:

Just cut them in half… I need something to cover my butt.

Steve:

Hold tight, I got something that will make you feel really comfortable. There you go. I know how you like soft fabrics and this robe is just perfect. Smokelbg, I’m not cutting my pants.

Smokelbg:

Fair enough but I could have done without the APPLES on the robe. This robe feels like a giant cotton ball. Steve, it is TIME for us to take A BITE OF THE APPLE. Would you like to go first?

Steve:

Since you’ve come so far I want you to tell me what is on your mind.

Smokelbg:

I remember when I first told you about my son’s extraordinary mind, unique abilities, and multi-intelligence learning style. You looked directly in my face and said, Thank God he isn’t disabled. At least his head is still attached to his neck. I never liked labels that hinder people from achievement. At that point, I wanted to cry. You sat there and you listened to me go on and on about Nonverbal Learning Disability. You asked me to take a trip out to one of the APPLE STORES. I did and it was an amazing adventure. When I stepped out of the car and entered the store it begins to pull me and my son right into all the applications that could be purchased along with all the different products. My son and I were both dressed in our black tee shirts and blue jeans. We had struggled with the schools for years and it was TIME to move on and find the latest technology of teaching tools for home. Every person in the store regardless of race, age, and the geographical location was fascinated with the products. They were all interested in learning. We felt at home. Every school across the nation should feel this way for all children to hold their interest in learning. This store’s atmosphere was non-threatening, created a conducive environment and every customer in the store was paying attention. Steve, from the TIME I walked into the APPLE STORE there were people conversing, exchanging email addresses, and their cell phone numbers. My son began to really shine and start asking for numbers too. He didn’t get this opportunity at school. I thought he would become overwhelmed because the store was so crowded. He jumped right on it. He was so excited and he began to open up for the first time.

My son didn’t have to feel the hurt and pain of having manifestation hearings, getting suspended, or ever having to worry about another due process hearing. Most parents feel children who are labeled “disabled” will become budget cuts in the educational system. Why would you want to fix a child that was already broken? Why should a school system RECOGNIZE or make accommodations for a diagnosis that has not been validated by the AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION? This store gave us a new way of looking at educating your child. It gave us hope outside of the educational system regardless what the educational system would or wouldn’t offer.

Why should a child go to school for twelve years of his life and find it hard to develop friends? It shouldn’t come down to TEST SCORES or the educational system FUNDING. Teachers shouldn’t be pressured to the point they LIE and CHEAT to bring children TEST SCORES up for ACCREDITATION. It should be about the child’s education because they are the ones who suffer the most. I kept trying to convince myself that I was in a store. This was more than just a store. Once again through your vision and innovation, something magical was going on inside the APPLE STORE that made people not want to leave and learn more. It felt safe, people’s’ questions were being answered, there was so much support, and the employees cared.

I was so glad when you met with PRESIDENT OBAMA, ERIC SMITH one of the founders of GOOGLE and MARK ZUCKERBERG, founder and CEO of FACEBOOK. All I could think of was, “If anyone could get the educational system on track it would be you guys.” Alternative methods of teaching children are on the rise. Steve, parents need to understand if they can’t find support in their own schools and districts then they need to find another way. APPLE STORE has created a learning environment. The educational system needed to take notes BIG TIME.

I found one of your sayings you had written on June 12, 2005, and it is your TIME to take a BITE OF THE APPLE. Do you remember Steve?

Steve:

I may not remember offhand but I can pull it up on my computer. Let me see. Hear it is.

Smokelbg:

Okay, you read it.

Steve:

You want me to read it.

Smokelbg:

Yes Steve, if you want to sing it you can. Just do it. This is your BITE OF THE APPLE.

Steve:

Here it goes. I look in the mirror and ask myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “NO” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.

Because of almost everything all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things fell away in the face of death leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.

Smokelbg:

This is how I responded to your message on FaceBook. Hi, this Smokelbg. I have always been puzzled by those who are GONE but not FORGOTTEN. These are the ones that never die and live in our hearts forever. The impact they make in our lives leaves such a great impression. You see them so clearly. You remember the smell of their cologne, the sound of their laughter, and their wonderful words of wisdom. We walk around every day of our lives and we can’t remember the person’s name, what they wore that day, or where they work. Who is alive and who has passed on? There are many who are no longer with us. There are those who are expected to EXIT who will always have a PERMANENT ENTRANCE.

Steve, you have inspired me to be a follower of my heart. When Tim’s dog tore into my APPLE BOTTOM JEANS I looked back and saw that I too was butt-naked. It would be a shame if I survived cancer and not Tim’s dog. I just want the world to understand NLD Syndrome and hopefully, parents will understand there is another diagnosis out there they may need to check out. Everybody is not ASPERGER, AUTISM, or PDD-NOS. Good Grief! I want those parents out there asking questions, getting an early start on getting their child diagnosed, and not to be afraid. I don’t want to read any more ho-hum stories about NLD SYNDROME. I’m tired of the gloomy picture that is painted of people who have been diagnosed with NLD SYNDROME. These children/adults have to live with NLD SYNDROME and should not have to suffer the consequences of it. I want those doctors up, running, and developing strategies and coping skills and doing consistent testing for NLDERS. Sure DEATH is IMMINENT but to arrive at one’s destination at a much early TIME without any knowledge of knowing what you are up against is one hell of a trap.The KNOWLEDGE of KNOWING will help with INTERVENTIONS even if there is NO CURE it will give you HOPE.

DEDICATED: To STEVES JOBS of APPLE, who has given the EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM HOPE and has given the WORLD EVERYTHING OF HIMSELF. NLD Mom/cancer survivor

In The Defense, For The Defense… NLD__A YouTube Moment…

by Linda Ballard

It is TIME to move forward on Reasonable Doubt. Just recently the people in our country have become so fascinated with a recent murder trial that took place in Florida. Yes, a significant life was lost but the reaction to the outcome of the trial has become alarming and very astonishing. The anger expressed throughout our country has been very explosive. It has left the stench of becoming INHUMANE on our breath. We have reacted to this trial in a BARBARIC and UNCIVILIZED manner. Regardless of what we personally believe, We CANNOT take matters into our own hands. When we lose objectivity of our HUMANENESS we can no longer hold VIGILANCE to our government and the issues which we have now derailed ourselves from. Once we lose our perspective on judging a HUMAN LIFE we lose our VALIDATION and RECOGNITION for LIFE VALUES.

Let’s have a SMOKELBG REALITY SHOW. What would be the most useful teaching tool to demonstrate to a child/adult with NLD SYNDROME related inappropriate behaviors? You got it, a YOUTUBE MOMENT. Now it is TIME to go behind the scenes. Go to YOUTUBE and see behaviors that are volatile. Look at the ANGRY GRANDPA video reaction to the verdict of this trial. YOUTUBE also have very positive videos that can be used to show very positive behaviors. On a regular note take a look at Bill O’Reilly and his behavior when he was on Inside Edition in the UNSEEN FOOTAGE, and the recent shouting matches between BILL O’Reilly and many others. His behavior is very disturbing. We can watch RUSH LIMBAUGH’s behavior escalate from mild to wild in the time it takes popcorn to get ready in the microwave. We can go to any search engine and find inappropriate behaviors from cursing, telling people to shut up, and Representative Joe Wilson, of South Carolina calling the President of the United States a liar on the Health Care Plan. You can go to AOL Celebrity News, TMZ, People Magazine… even Dr. Drew and see behaviors that are unbelievable. David Prosser, Supreme Court Judge, threw a microphone at a reporter, called Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson a B…, and put a chokehold on Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, of Wisconsin. Yet it is said Supreme Court Judge, David Prosser has a “bit of a temper.” Then there is NANCY GRACE.  WOW! I would like to reserve my comments on Nancy Grace. I want to share and write a story on a life lesson I learned.

Who will take the responsibility for a diagnosis that has never been VALIDATED or given RECOGNITION? Who will come to the aid and DEFENSE OF NLDers? Will they be carted off to jail or locked away in a mental institution? Will they be medicated and given a counterproductive program that will keep them locked away forever?

What happens when people with NLD Syndrome behaviors manifest itself. They are PUNISHED.  Many people are paid for deplorable behavior. The ANGRY GRANDPA makes any type of psychological diagnosis look like the TOOTH FAIRY. BILL O’REILLY’s anger and outbursts make a BEHAVIOR DISORDER actually look like a person is BEHAVING.

You have taken a neurological right hemisphere disorder and basically, cut it off from society. They cannot read body language, read between the lines, identify people facial expression, and have no control over the intonation of their speech (rise and fall of their voice tone).  What you are basically saying you can PUNISH a BLIND PERSON for being BLIND. You are angry at a DEAF PERSON because you don’t feel they are LISTENING. For months I have written on NLD SYNDROME. I want every ATTORNEY in the NATION to turn their attention to my blog.

Can you imagine asking a person with NLD SYNDROME on trial, if they picture or imagine what happened at the scene of the crime? They have no imagination. If you put a person with NLD SYNDROME behind a glass mirror and ask them to identify a person in a lineup, what do you think is going to happen when they cannot determine similarities or difference in the person’s facial features. Ask someone with NLD SYNDROME, how far were they standing from the body when they cannot judge the distance. When NLD SYNDROME becomes explosive, ask them if they are related to BILL O’REILLY. Ask people who are diagnosed with NLD SYNDROME can they put themselves in another person’s place, when a true characteristic of NLD SYNDROME is ANOSOGNOSIA – the virtual inability to reflect on the nature and seriousness of one’s own problems which prevents them from recognizing differences between themselves and their peers. There was a lot of body language and inappropriate facial expressions that took place in that courtroom.

People diagnosed with NLD SYNDROME are very literal (BLACK and WHITE)… no GRAY AREA.  WHO DOES THIS RESEMBLE?  NLDers lack social appropriateness. NLDers will have an outburst of laughter at a funeral. JOSE BAEZ became the INTERPRETER of EMOTIONS AND BODY LANGUAGE. He SPELLED IT OUT.  JEFF ASHTON SMIRKED, TAMPERED with his NOSE, and LAUGHED. It was over. JEFF ASHTON lost his HUMANENESS and started resembling a person with NLD SYNDROME.  People with NLD SYNDROME are HUMANE, needs to be taught the appropriate skills. They are not EMOTIONALLY DISTURBED and HAVE UNINTENTIONAL BEHAVIORS. They are constantly PUNISHED for what they are BORN WITH. PROSECUTOR JEFF ASHTON INTENTIONALLY tried to ROCK THE CRADLE of JOSE BAEZ who remained a HUMAN BEING to the end.  It is the NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES. NLD SYNDROME and those who are diagnosed with this disorder miss out on a lot of information. They display inappropriate body language.

How many people have been locked away in mental institutions, imprisoned, killed, or committed suicide because this diagnosis has been overlooked, not tested for, not VALIDATED or RECOGNIZED? This is NLD SYNDROME TODAY – NOT 41 years ago. As Luther Vandross would sing STARTING HERE, STARTING NOW–DO IT FOR THE ONES YOU LOVE. FOREVER, FOR ALWAYS, FOR LOVE.  In The Defense, For The Defense…NLD-A YouTube Moment there will always be a reasonable doubt. ON THE FLIP SIDE OF THE CHART people with NLD SYNDROME are those behaviors today that everyone else gets paid for and people with NLD Syndrome are PUNISHED and ISOLATED.

This is Dedicated to my son and all the NLDERS in the WORLD. This also goes out to PETE AND PAM WRIGHT of WRIGHT’S LAW

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

by

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

Side by Side Play

by Linda Ballard

Mom took me to the playground.

All the children played.

Mom watched me very carefully.

She knows I have delays.

———-

Mom came up to me repeatedly.

I didn’t know how to react.

So I shook my head and flapped my arms.

I tried to interact.

———-

The children begin to surround me.

All I could do was stare.

Mom stepped right in immediately.

She helps me become aware.

———-

This is my big moment,

To make friends and try to choose.

This is my moment for reaching out.

I did not want to lose.

———-

Mom deals with all my social blunders

She truly understands.

She loves me and encourages me.

Mom tells me, YES YOU CAN.

———-

I became so frustrated.

My behaviors begin to manifest.

I started stumping, crying, and screaming.

Mom told me it was time to rest.

———-

The children became so frightened.

They all started running away.

I was puzzled and felt very empty inside.

This was a horrible day.

———-

Understanding the concept of making friends,

Made it difficult for the children to stay.

Mom wrapped her arms around me and whispered.

It is called side by side play.

———-

This is dedicated to all the Mothers with children that have extraordinary minds with unique abilities and multi-level learning styles on Mother’s Day, wishing you the best. This also goes out to all the children across the world who have difficulty developing friendships and relationships. Hang in there, you are not alone.

NLD Mom/cancer survivor

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.

Superbowl Game Time, Rockin’ the List

by Linda Ballard

For the first time in the forty-year history of the franchise … the NLD’ers.   It has been a painstaking miniseries and a Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure, but it finally paid off.  The fans are quite mystified by the NLD’ers.  They have been around for years but no one has been scoping them out.

Walk with me.  I see Commissioner District.  Commissioner District can you tell me anything about the NLD’ers?  “No, who in the hell are these guys and what spectrum do they come from?”  The Commissioner commented:  “I know about Aspergers and my money on them.”

Aspergers is a tough team to beat.  They are not very sociable.  It is not that making friends and developing relationships don’t matter, but they only hold one special interest.  They go on and on about that interest and people become frustrated and think they are boring or only into themselves.  Well, it won’t be any love lost between the NLD’ers and the Aspies.  There will be no Hollywood hugs and kisses between them.

So, Bobby Tourette, what is the big rivalry between the NLD’ers and the Aspies?   Remember we have kids in the house, just hold the cursing down!  Well, the NLD’ers hold many interests.  They can converse on any topic.  The Aspies think that NLD’ers is the know-it-all.  NLD’ers volume gets pumped up on their vocals and then they’re in your face and in your space.  This is not intentional.  Hey, I get along with the NLD’ers.  The Aspies will let you know they are not interested.  You might as well find someone or something else to do.

Mark Autism you have been in the game for over thirty years.  You know what it is like to be Number #1.  What is your perspective on the game?  Jack PDD-NOS  it is like being at the top of the Billboard’s records chart. This is a very recognizable label.  You know how that works Jack PDD-NOS. Take, for instance, you are a little bit of this and a little of that and not enough to qualify for anyone’s team.  You need a real label.  Dr. Psych.  despises you.  Dude, get rid of the NOS (not otherwise specified) and you can come out and play with the big boys.  People might think you are that NOS caffeine drink.

Andre ADHD pays attention and tries to stay focused on the commentary,  but he can’t put the Munch and Crunch down.  How do you think the NLD’ers will do against the Aspies?  Well, Mark Autism,  this will be a bloodbath.  Right now,  Aspergers is pretty hot under the collar.  Dr. Psych and his followers decided to drop the Aspies off the list and put them down with NOS, of all players.  Do you know this will affect their insurance, state funding, and definitely affect their educations?

We are in for one hell of a game. I don’t know why they would have picked the American Psychiatric Association to moderate the game.  When the Aspies see the APA they are going to go off and start cursing like Bobby Tourette.  They are so focused on the list.  I wonder will they be able to play the game?  Do not mess with the Aspies special interest. The NLD’er just might pull this one-off. They have a lot going on. Winning this game means a lot to the underdog. For the first time in the history of forty years, there will be more testing, state funding, insurance coverage, school reformation, and they will be recognizable. NLD’ers will take their rightful place on the DSMV, hold their trophy in the air and wave it like they just don’t care. Keep your heads to the sky and they will be Rockin’ the List.