Submitted by Christine R. Henderson, Mar 24, 2007 20:14

Being a mother with a child with neurological disorders has bought me tremendous blessings, lessons and insight. My son teaches me new and marvelous things, without him I would not have learned or experienced many of the beautiful things he creates. It has not always been exciting or beautiful, in-fact these past couple of years have scared, frightened and confused me. AD/HD, bi-polar, ODD, OCD, ANXIETY and PTSD are a confusing and scary world. Out of these diagnosis, where so many children suffer disappointments and struggles are constant battles with the educational system. Many of these children end up in ugly, troubled, alcohol and drug addicted lives. Statistically suicide and addiction are well above (sad) the normal rate for children with neurological disabilities.

Children with neurological disabilities face many of the same obstacles of those who suffer a psychical disability. The exception is not being able to see the disability of a mental disorder. In the past children and adults with neurological disabilities were known as mentally retarded or mentally ill. They where shunned and put in mental institutions. Others were considered beligerent, a bully or no good, they landed themselves in school detention or juvenile detention centers, or worse jail.

We now have names AD/HD, Bi-polar, OCD, ODD, etc. for mental disorders. The disorders have been given names yet we, as a society, do not know what do with or for them. This I find unacceptable, they are children! I believe we have failed these children if we do not step up and take responsibility.

Most AD/HD children have difficulty focusing and are easily distracted. Their minds, unlike ours, do not have a filter system to keep out unwanted noise and visuals. Children with AD/HD have high energy levels and wonderfully creative minds. The educational program are severly lacking and inadaquate:

These children need to:

1. Keep their frustration tolerance levels low, avoiding all too familiar tantrum and rages.

2. Use tools that monitor academic progress and details strengths and weakness'.

3. Provides an outlet for frustration.

4. Rewards good and appropriate behaviors.

5. Focus on how they learn rather than how are sytem reguires a child to learn.

The opening of The Joshua School is my personal goal !! I am reaching out for your support. I know that each one of you will search your heart and weigh your options. This is not a big national charity, but these are our children. Won't you please help to start something that will educate students who other wise may not have a chance. Mental illness is a serious condition but with love, understanding, proper education and socialization we can make a difference. Please partner with me in opening The Joshua School, a place for children to learn and be loved.

Christine R. Henderson

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