Mom and Moo Have ADHD

The more Moo and I spend time together, the more I ask myself, “How did I NOT see the ADHD in myself all these years? I remember my mom telling a story about me when I was in elementary school….”I came to school to see how you were doing. I didn’t want to disturb the…

“Mama you were right.”

Our youngest son, Bryant, nicknamed “Moo”, came home for a quick visit the other day. He surprised me at work, which was a welcomed surprise. We sat and chatted for a while about the usual: school and finances. Moo has been handling his own money this semester…. Insert a scared mama face 😬. Look who…

Enjoy the “Small Moments”

This is us…. When you have a family member with ADHD, your life can be chaotic, conflicts can be commonplace, and your spirit feels drained at times. As a parent, you worry about your child’s future and prepare them as best as you can. As a child with ADHD, life can be fun, frustrating and…

Special Needs Dads Rock!

Special needs dads are the silent heroes of our world. They are rarely given the credit they are due for their hard work, sacrifice, and unflinching love they have for their children. Paul Pruden Jr is our special needs dad extraordinaire. As a father to one son with autism and one son with ADHD, his…

“Wherever I Go, Aaron Goes”

My sons Bryant (driver) and Aaron. My youngest son, Bryant, just got his driver’s license a few months ago. Without hesitation, my oldest son, Aaron jumps right on the passenger side and rides with Bryant wherever he goes. This warms for my heart for so many reasons. My children (young men, I know) are both…

Autism, ADHD, and the African American Community

Oftentimes, in the African American community, we hear the words “Autism” and “ADHD” and immediately negative images come to mind. As a mental health professional and the mom of 2 amazing sons, one of whom has autism and the other has ADHD, part of my life’s work is to show there are other facets of…

Confessions of an Autism/ADHD Mom

Since 1996, when my oldest son initially lost his ability to speak, I became a case manager of sorts: monitoring, linking, and ensuring that Aaron has what he needs to be happy and productive. When I became pregnant for the second time, I prayed for a “normal” child, one that would not experience so many…

ADHD AWARENESS MONTH

ADHD Awareness Month highlight: Moo!Moo is now 17. ADHD is still very much a part of our lives. We are still trying to navigate some difficulties. But as long as he has his meds, follows a schedule, and has our support, he is able to complete tasks and stay on point. Many people in our…

Autism, ADHD, and Us

The other day, my youngest son, Bryant, and I were talking. Out of the blue, he asked me, “Ma, did you ever think you would ever have 2 neurodiverse kids?” Neurodiverse is defined as a “ variation in the human brain regarding sociability, learning, attention, and other mental functions.” My oldest son, Aaron, has Aspergers,…

Special Needs Parent Appreciation Month

August is Special Needs Parent Appreciation Month. I would like to take this opportunity to shout out my hubby Paul Pruden Jr for being a great special needs parent. He’s not a perfect guy or a perfect parent. That’s not what this post is about. Team Pruden has had to contend with 2 issues, autism…