iNikki

I'm a single mom of two mentally disabled children. I've been single since they were 1 and 3 years old. As I'm writing this (2008) they are 10 and 12 years old.

Garrett is 12 years old. He was initially diagnosed at age 6 with Autism, although I look back and see signs at about 10 months old, maybe earlier. His current diagnoses are High Functioning Autism, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and ADHD (inattentive and hyperactive), depending on which care providers you believe.

Kiercy is 10 years old. She was initially diagnosed at age 8 with Bipolar disorder, although I easily guessed that at age 5 but no one would believe me at the time. Her current diagnoses are Tourette Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and ADHD (inattentive and hyperactive), although there is much disagreement among caregivers on this list.

And I have Anxiety - ya think?!? If that stuff is hereditary, I got it from my kids. There are times when I need a nudge from the world of medicine to cope, but most times I don't. I probably look more calm than I am. Think about how a duck operates: calm on the surface, paddling like crazy underneath. That's me!

Everywhere I go, I bring my mini mental institution with me, fully equipped with medications, reminder alarms, cell phone to call 911, self-soothe toys, blankets, emergency snacks... You name it, and I've probably got it in my purse or my car.

My journey has been a difficult one. I wish I knew all the things when I started out that I know now. As I look back down the road, I see so many others struggling needlessly with the same issues I had. If I can impart even a portion of my knowledge here to a handful of people, my time will be well spent.