Why, oh why, does the DQ feel the need to scream and wail like a banshee each and every time she plays in the backyard with her brother? I should say, to be fair, that DQ has multiple sensory issues as well as a strong (and right on target) diagnosis of ADHD. I know that. I understand that. But good grief, our neighbors must think we are the worst parents on the planet. DQ and Flapjack were playing outside on the trampoline when suddenly the quiet is shattered by her screeching, "Mom, MOM...MOM...Help...he's hurting me!" I am inside, door closed, windows closed, in the opposite side of the house and I can hear her. I'm sure her friends down the block also heard her. I go to check on her only to find her brother had TOUCHED her leg. He didn't hit her, he didn't pinch her, he didn't HURT her. He simply touched her. DQ is now spending some quality time in her room repeating softly to herself..."I will not scream when it is not an emergency. I will not scream when it is not an emergency."



Anyone who parents a child with sensory issues and/or ADHD knows it is not always easy. DQ sees life and feels life differently than we do. We adopted her at birth and she had multiple health issues from the very beginning. As she gets older it gets easier but problems persist. I love parents who want to 'help' me parent. They have their mensa children who are perfectly behaved at home (they remind me of mini-Stepford wives) and they are quite sure they can 'fix' DQ for me. I say...knock yourself out. I've read all the books, watched all the videos, consulted with specialists...I am a specialist for pete's sake. I do this for a living!! (Yes, really, that is my job.) I wouldn't trade DQ for any other kid. She is joyful, unable to hold a grudge, gets mad for a nanosecond and then is over it and really loves life. I'm just saying...if you haven't been in my shoes...you don't get it, so don't help me.