Samuel is seven years old and just like any typical seven-year-old boy he loves sports! He loves football and can tell you anything about the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears! Samuel brings lots of energy and joy to his big family. Samuel was diagnosed with anxiety, attention deficit disorder and sensory processing disorder.
Having this diagnosis brought a lot of clarity to Samuel’s family; they are now able to better understand the struggles that Samuel has. Samuel’s parents want to know about each disability, they want to understand Samuel’s behavior and help him any way they can.
Coming from a large family, life is not always quiet and calm. Samuel’s mom, Karen, says: “This can be a struggle for a person with anxiety. Helping Samuel feel safe and not worry about things is so very difficult when one brother is having a meltdown and another one is turning the TV too loud!”
Samuel has received services from Easter Seals on and off for over three years now. He currently is receiving Occupational Therapy. Through therapy, Samuel has learned to identify how he feels, the different speeds or energy levels he has. He gets anxious and then angry and cannot bring himself back to a safe calm level. With the help of his therapist, he is learning coping skills and activities that will help him calm down. He is starting to understand his different levels and how to get to his ‘just right’ motor speed. This is what makes Samuel a Champion of his own abilities.
Funny story about Samuel from Karen:
Samuel was meeting with the Developmental Pediatrician. She asked him who his favorite football team was and he quickly said, “The Dallas Cowboys!” She said “Oh! Then we can’t be friends because I cheer for a different team.” Samuel said, “Ok!” and walked right out of her office!
Having this diagnosis brought a lot of clarity to Samuel’s family; they are now able to better understand the struggles that Samuel has. Samuel’s parents want to know about each disability, they want to understand Samuel’s behavior and help him any way they can.
Coming from a large family, life is not always quiet and calm. Samuel’s mom, Karen, says: “This can be a struggle for a person with anxiety. Helping Samuel feel safe and not worry about things is so very difficult when one brother is having a meltdown and another one is turning the TV too loud!”
Samuel has received services from Easter Seals on and off for over three years now. He currently is receiving Occupational Therapy. Through therapy, Samuel has learned to identify how he feels, the different speeds or energy levels he has. He gets anxious and then angry and cannot bring himself back to a safe calm level. With the help of his therapist, he is learning coping skills and activities that will help him calm down. He is starting to understand his different levels and how to get to his ‘just right’ motor speed. This is what makes Samuel a Champion of his own abilities.
Funny story about Samuel from Karen:
Samuel was meeting with the Developmental Pediatrician. She asked him who his favorite football team was and he quickly said, “The Dallas Cowboys!” She said “Oh! Then we can’t be friends because I cheer for a different team.” Samuel said, “Ok!” and walked right out of her office!