Like I’ve said before, anyone can have quirks or things that wig them out. It’s when those things are so numerous and so encumbering that it’s a problem and one that needs to be addressed. Yes, they are normal kid things. But there is a succession of normal kid things that makes it not normal. There is NOTHING wrong with getting extra help for your kid, I always said if it doesn’t work its still a benefit because it’s doing no harm. And I assure others and I am sure you know, coming to a decision about OT is not one taken lightly. When you see your child struggling you will do anything to help them. ((hug))

And yes, I wish we lived closer too! We would be AWESOME friends. We could avoid all the same things that wig us out! :)

I also see him react to a lot of things the way I would if I didn’t have a filter. I see things that affect him the same way they affect me, and I struggle daily with so many aspects of my life that I do not wish for him to grow up that way. If I can help him even just a little to not be like me, it will be well worth it.

As for the horses, he goes to this OT simply because it’s the best in the area. Horses are a very small part of the therapy, and once he is on the horse, he is completely fine. He was not afraid of Misty, as he got to know her, and he will be the same with Sage, Peaches and the others.

I realize a horse is HUGE to him and of course scary. But he is as afraid of a horse as he is a small dog or cat. He was terrified when we went to the zoo, and those animals are far away! I couldn’t even get him to look at them. :(

Anyhow, believe me when I say I would not have him in OT if there really wasn’t something going on (nor would an OT waste their time seeing him or insurance pay for it), and I would not force him to ride a horse if he was crying and screaming the whole time. If he decides he is done riding before his riding time is up, he goes in and he’s done. Look at the picture I posted — he rides on his own and is content to do so (as long as he’s comfortable with the horse). He waves to the cars passing by and if we ride together, often pushes my hands away so he can hold on on his own.

What you read in my blog is just a snippet of everything that goes on and perhaps it doesn’t paint a clear enough picture.

I gotta ask. This is perplexing to me: Why do you take Ace to OT with horses when he doesn’t *like* horses? KWIM? *I* don’t like horses either and I have one living at my house! Horses are NOT harmless–they are huge and can kill someone with a swift (accidental) kick to the head. (One of SIL’s horses kicked her in the butt/hamstring so hard that it left a HUGE bruise and actually fractured her pelvis–the horse gave no warning that she was unhappy in any way either.) I’m not criticizing, I just don’t really understand making him do something that he’s clearly really uncomfortable with–it’s not the same importance as say brushing teeth, bathing, taking medicine when required. And there’s a reasonable difference between being afraid of a large horse and, say,a small cat, for example. ??

I AM sorry the horse passed away though. :o(

I always thought that it was all normal and part of growing up. But I am having major issues with his confidence. I started him in non competitive karate a month ago. He loves it! Then yesterday he found out he will have to recite the “oath” (that is said all together at the beginning and ending of every class), by himself for his first belt test. Now he wont go back. His fear is paralyzing at times. I am hoping he grows out of these issues too (sooner than later!). I always thought it was a confidence thing but after reading your post I can see that it may be more of a true “fear” which may be harder to deal with. Oh life can be really complicated at times!

BTW, I didn’t realize you changed your blog URL (which you probably did 2 years ago)… I need to add it back to my sidebar.

And this “I am very set in the way I like or want things done. I get frustrated, angry and upset when things are done “wrong” or not the way I intended. It’s a very deep, emotional response that does not bend to reason. But I keep it in, and it manifests as me being cold, stand offish or bitchy. ” – is also exactly how I am. ((hug))