Itchy Brain: A family's perspective and positive outlook on ADHD

By J. A. Laudati

ADHD - the most intriguing diagnosis out there for any child or adult. Come take a journey with a family who has been engrained with ADHD. Witness the experiences they went through, how they have dealt with certain situations and how they have embraced ADHD. They turned a perceived negative stigma into a

• Language: English
• Publisher: Itchy brain LLC
• Release date: Jul 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781087973777

Book preview

What is Itchy Brain?

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s a reader, you are probably wondering where and how the term Itchy Brain came about. One Sunday evening about two years ago Xavier, our older son, was having a difficult time modulating his emotions and was crying and demonstrating dysregulation. He was already on medicine to help regulate his emotions and ADHD tendencies; however, it did not always curb an outburst or emotional breakdown especially when he was tired, or something didn’t go his way. Xavier was laying on his bed just having a difficult time controlling his overall emotional state, so I asked him What is going on? What are you feeling right now? He responded, My brain feels itchy. When I took a step back, thought about it, and then repeated back what he said, he again responded, My brain feels itchy. I have an itchy brain. I told him that was a great way to describe how his brain might feel. At that moment, I realized how aware he is and how much he understands what it means to have ADHD. After he used that descriptor phrase to identify how he felt, I thought as a parent and a professional what a great way to depict how someone might feel who has the diagnosis of ADHD. As a family, we then decided to join together and write a book. We decided to write about Itchy Brain to hopefully help other kids, professionals, teachers, and parents to better understand a child with ADHD, who may have a hard time communicating how they are feeling. We taught both our children at a very young age to advocate or tell someone how they are or may be feeling. As a speech language pathologist, I have always helped them to communicate and use their words when something was bothering them or if they just didn’t feel right. I provided them with the language they needed when having a difficult time calming their bodies or trying to organize their thoughts. My husband and I always told them no matter how you feel or if your Mom or Dad seemed frustrated, that we always loved them.

Xavier and Zander have tried to write this book for almost two years but just couldn’t focus enough to organize their thoughts. With a little help from us and encouragement from their friends and family, we were able to finally complete our book. Enjoy.

About Us

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y name is Xavier. I am a 12-year-old boy currently in 7th grade who was diagnosed* with ADHD in 3rd grade. My mom told me she always knew I had ADHD because, even when I was in her belly, I moved all the time. When I was a baby, my legs moved constantly. She said I looked like a frog hopping. I always had trouble sitting in school and focusing on what my teachers would say. All my teachers were great because they understood me and would give me movement breaks and made sure I sat on the outside of the rug during group meetings allowing me to be free to move all my body parts (my body, legs, arms). My mom did a great job writing my teachers each year to let them know my strengths and things to look for, my unique qualities as my mom said. Substitute teachers were another story. I always had a lot of energy, but I figured out ways to help myself calm down both my body and my mind. Sports was the best thing that happened in my life. I love all types of sports