Neighing Bingo, it’s been awhile since my last blog. I wanted to blog, but my paddock was so muddy Mr. Draper couldn’t tell what the message was I had pawed out. So today I spent more time with Mr. Draper and made it clear how proud I was of “A” in wearing different clothes to school. Although, there may be some “ups and downs” this is more than just a great accomplishment. I’m rearing up and pawing with my hoofs in the air for joy. Bingo neighing by.

Grandma's journal:

Mr. Draper has really been working on "A" with her perceptions and how they have become her beliefs. "A" has been a little off lately as we had spring break and got out of her routine, but she seems to be having less trouble adjusting after getting back to school.
Have not seen a real meltdown in a while! "A" is still not sleeping like she should and we will address that with her psychiatrist, I am in the belief that your body and mind cannot do well without regular sleep.
We did have her Cortisol levels checked and they were normal, yeah! Mr. Draper wishes we would have had it checked when she first started with Bingo. We went out and helped Mr. Draper plant trees and flowers on Saturday and he noticed that "A" still goes off by herself, when there is too much going on, so this is something we will work on.

"A" has had some really good sessions and she feels like she is ready for more. So, Mr. Draper asked "A" to tell him why she should be doing more things on Bingo, I do not know what she really said, but Mr. Draper agreed. Mr. Draper then asked if she should be doing more things at home. “A” agreed, so she elected to choose wearing underwear to school all day. Well, to my surprise she not only wore her underwear, she wore a dress and socks to school today! I am so proud of her, this is the first time in about 5 years that she has even attempted something like this! I did take pictures!!! dchastymom

Neighing Bingo, more girls are coming and my role is to just work harder. “A” is trying, she now wears jeans and tennis shoes and a reasonable t-shirt to her sessions. However, just can’t wear the jeans and tennis shoes to school yet. Although the vestibular is much better, still needs further improvement. Rational thinking for “A” has shown a remarkable improvement based on being more of a consistent factor. However, “A’s” sensory integration dysfunction still remains somewhat of an issue – again the vestibular is the key. Neighborhood girls are coming this morning for their riding lessons so I had better finish my breakfast. Neighing bye for now, Bingo.

Grandma's journal

Mr. Draper and I have had several conversations about the elevation of Cortisol in "A's" system and how to relieve the amount of if in "A's" system. So, I have an appointment to talk to "A's" doctor and have her Cortisol levels tested. It will be interesting to see what the test reveals.

"A" has hit what I would call a plateau, and we are not seeing as much movement with things, as we were seeing the last several weeks. We are starting to do some more things at school, to help her get reacquainted with things she has not been comfortable doing in a long time, like hair brushing. She has to brush her hair, when she goes in for class, in the morning and after recess every day. This is helping her head, so it is not so sensitive. "A" is allot more receptive to this routine, and as we know consistency is the key to getting her back on track. We have only missed one session with Mr. Draper since we started, due to Mr. Draper having to cancel and I know this has been the difference for her.

Mr. Draper is getting ready for his big Fund Raiser June 9th and has asked me to speak, I am a little scared, but I have nothing to be afraid of, compared to some of the kids that come and see Mr. Draper. The word needs to get out about this wonderful secret and I am more than happy to accommodate! dchastymom

Neighing Bingo, it’s a little chilly today. I like to stand in my house with my head out the door – I like the wind in my face, plus I can always tell when Mr. Draper is coming for me. “A” has been doing really great and I expect we will be accomplishing most of our goals soon. Still working on an intact vestibular – but we are making progress. For my new blog followers please read the earlier sessions – I promise, you will be amazed. Here comes that Mr. Draper again, got to go.

Grandma's journal

Last session was AWSOME!!! "A" is so much more relaxed and steady on Bingo.

She wore new tennis shoes, her jeans, and a shirt that fits her! I am so proud of her and all that she is doing! "A's" belief system has been so off base where clothing is concerned that Mr. Draper told us that this will take a while.

She is so much more focused at school and so much more balanced. "A" is doing much better in terms of handling stress and she has not had a severe meltdown in quite a while, yippee!!!

She is combing her hair on a regular basis, she is starting to wear the right size shirts to school and really wants to get into her jeans for school, but still cannot do it, so we are being very patient with her and letting her do this at her own pace.

We are also dangling her "candy" ("A's" candy is Pokemon cards, computer time and Nintendo) in front of her to get her to comply There is gentle nudging going on constantly, to get her beliefs to change. Mr. Draper is starting to let her go a little, not spotting her as closely when she is facing forward, while trotting or cantering. He is teaching her to stop Bingo with the reins, helping her figure out how hard to pull on his face, to sit back on her butt and let her legs relax when she stops him. She is doing this at the end of her session. "A" is getting more comfortable riding forward, she was a little afraid to go fast while she was facing forward, but now she says it is easier. "A" is talking a whole lot more during her lessons to Mr. Draper and asking questions, which we would have never seen in the past. I can think of no place like this that treats kids with such compassion and care, but has a firm hand as well. Mr. Draper, you are a "GOD Sent Soul!" dchastymom

Neighing Bingo, yesterday Mr. Draper cancelled our session with our latest group of girls because Mr. Draper hurt his leg and couldn't run with me. Mr. Draper thinks he is good to go for “A’s” session today. I’ll try to go slow in my canter. Anyway, “A” is starting to make huge progress and any temporary setback that occurs will be minimal. Neighing by for now!

Grandma's journal:

“A" had a wonderful session, she was talkative and smiling, she was so happy! The difference in this little girl is amazing! She gaining more balance and strength as well as lots of self confidence and she is trusting more.

She did have her first fall off of Bingo, no big deal, she landed on her feet! She scared Bingo and he shied away, while she was on his back, her feet went out over the top of Bingo and she held on and landed on her feet. Mr. Draper was so proud of "A", she got right back on Bingo and went on her way.

"A" has been really working on wearing better clothing, this week she has worn jeans for extended time, getting her nervous system used to how it feels, she is doing great, we hope to have her in jeans at her next session. dchastymom

Neighing Bingo here, sorry about missing my blog time - Mr. Draper and I, along with some of my other stable mates, have a new group of girls. However, I want to keep you informed about “A’s” progress. The attachment disorder diagnose is no longer a factor. Hey for “A”!! However, Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID) is still an issue. Although we are making progress – (certainly more flexible, less explosiveness, able to cope with transitions, very cooperative, willingness to communicate and express her emotions verbally) – yet, still working on developing an intact vestibular system. In light of the problems that developed due to SID it is no wonder “A” lacked emotional stability and social skills. The good news is Mr. Draper and I are going to change everything. Keep checking on “A’s” progress. Neighing by for now. Bingo

Grandma's Journal:

Every single time we are with Mr. Draper we learn something. He is a very good teacher! There are no words to describe what Bingo and Mr. Draper are doing for "A" and for us! She is so much happier! Still working on getting a more intact vestibular system. We are learning that "A" has excessive amounts of Cortisol in her system, which puts her body and mind in an overstimulated state all the time. This in turn affects everything she does. The brain is an amazing complex organ that does not feel itself, but controls everything we feel.

I am learning about all the different chemicals that our brain produces and how they affect our body and brain function. One of them is Cortisol, it is good in small doses, but for kids like "A," that produce too much Cortisol, it is really bad. Her "fight/flight response" is always on, so she is in high, extreme sensory mode all the time. Her touch and feel nerves are on high alert which makes it hard for her to have anything close to her body, thus the clothing problems. As Mr. Draper and Bingo work with her they are helping her body to calm down the Cortisol input to her brain and bringing the good chemicals, like Serotonin and Dopamine to her brain. Both of these chemicals controls the flow of information in the brain and help "A's" brain to function on a more normal level.

The more "A" works with Mr. Draper and Bingo, the more I am learning. dchastymom

Bingo's excerpt: (Chronic over-secretion of the stress hormone cortisol adversely affects brain function. Cortisol interferes with the function of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that brain cells use to communicate with each other. ie: Excessive cortisol makes it difficult to think!!)