u/guerix_x

Wondering if anyone else's child vocally or verbally stims, and if so, how do you handle it?

My 8-year-old AuDHD son constantly talks to himself, sings, hums, makes sound effects, repeats phrases (echolalia), and sometimes screams. The only time he's quiet is when he's asleep. It gets much more intense when he's anxious, excited, overwhelmed, or dysregulated.

I've tried everything from reminders, asking for him to use "inside "voice, providing sensory input, headphones, to redirecting, but nothing seems to make much of a difference.

I understand that stimming serves a purpose, and I don't want to stop him from regulating himself, but there are times when we genuinely need some quiet (car rides, appointments, while others are working, etc.), and it's becoming really challenging : (

Has anyone found strategies that actually help? I'd love to hear what's worked—or even what hasn't. Please tell me I'm not alone!

I'm feeling pretty defeated today!

I've spent numerous hours updating my resume, working with career coaches, tailoring applications, writing cover letters, practicing interview questions, and preparing for every opportunity that comes my way.

I have over eight years of health insurance experience, and after stepping away from my career to care for my special needs son, I've been trying so hard to get back into the workforce with no luck. My search started January 1st and here we are going into July without a job!

Today I found out I wasn't selected for a position that I really wanted. The hiring manager told me I was one of the top three candidates and that it was an incredibly difficult decision because there was so much interest and only one opening.

Part of me is proud that I made it that far. Another part of me is wondering what else I could possibly be doing differently.

This is not the first time I've heard this story. Also made it to finalist with 2 other positions with the State of Minnesota.

It feels like I keep getting so close—final interviews, positive feedback, being told I'm a strong candidate—but not crossing the finish line. It's emotionally exhausting putting so much hope into an opportunity, only to start the process all over again.

I'm trying not to let this define me, but I'd be lying if I said it doesn't hurt. Rejection after rejection chips away at your confidence, even when people tell you you're qualified.

If you've been through something similar, how did you keep yourself motivated? I could really use some encouragement 😭