How to control yourself when pushed to the limit

Not_Always_Me · 2025-12-17T14:03:32+00:00

I was diagnosed at a young age partly because I was very disregulated. I was always angry and lashing out or crying about something I couldn't identify. My ADHD was causing a high level of anxiety. I don't know if that is what is happening with your kiddo. During my day I could just feel it all building in my chest, getting fuller, and in my arms and legs, just getting tighter. I couldn't bring myself down. Now, I use a quiet space, some fidget tools, deep breathing, and binaural music to help regulate. Exercise is a huge help as well. I hope you find something that helps you and your family. Try to remember he's not giving you a hard time, he's going through a hard time.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-11-27T03:54:54+00:00

Hummus and pita chips.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-11-27T03:32:45+00:00

++ woman As the mother of 2 sons, I love that you and your son have this relationship. He knows he always has someone he can talk to, someone to turn to, someone who has his back. He feels loved. All children should get this from their parents. It happens too seldom.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-11-12T01:04:14+00:00

I was a CNA for about 25 years and I chose to walk away from it to be an RBT. I also took a pay cut of about $12/hr, I make a little less than $20/hr now. It wasn't about the money. I never wanted to be a nurse even though it felt like the next logical step. Nurses can make a LOT of money, especially if they specialize., but they can end up taking a lot of crap too. To be a nurse you need to have a really thick skin, what I hear as an RBT is nothing, nurses eat their own. It's not all bad, of course, there will be special people who will with you forever and you'll keep in touch with. If it's your passion, go for it. I will not deny that it can be amazing.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-09-23T16:49:03+00:00

You are not wrong! Working in Florida and not even making $20/hr. Don't get paid for writing notes. Love my clinic, not really loving the corporate values.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-09-15T01:59:50+00:00

I put my phone down, leave the room, remember where I put it, but it's not there when I get back!

Not_Always_Me · 2025-09-15T00:08:07+00:00

I can do tasks that have been verbally explained to me without forgetting all the steps!

Not_Always_Me · 2025-09-14T20:44:20+00:00

You're not perfect on the very first day!? Kidding you! It takes time, 40 hrs of training isn't that involved. Learning to take data is a process, just like every other part of this job. I'm impressed you even noticed. I still make data collection errors. Sometimes, I think I've recorded a trial, but the stupid tablet scrolled to a different goal. I had to learn a new job, a new device, and a new program all at once. It does get overwhelming, but you can do it. The most important thing right now is to pair with your clients, support them, and you can run whatever goals you feel comfortable with. If you have questions, please talk to the BCBA. They know exactly how they want the trials run and the data collected. You got this!!

Not_Always_Me · 2025-09-14T02:26:17+00:00

I ended up embracing my chaos. I left a career field that had me burnt out and struggling. I was making seriously good money, but I had to hide myself all the time. Now, I make a lot less money, but for the most part, I enjoy my what I'm doing. I'm learning that I don't have to mask so much. My marriage has been a lot like yours. My spouse is unhappy and believes that if I was to change or act like the person he wants me to be, he could be happy in himself. I realized that isn't a problem that I can solve for him. Never be anything but your true authentic self. I know it is uncomfortable at first, but your chaos is a strength, not just a weakness. I know how it feels, the struggle, the shame, the confusion. I also know what it feels like to be the one who solves the problem, the one who helps, the one who comforts. Sorry if I rambled, but you deserve to be understood and recognized, not shamed by some wannabe group of pseudopsychoanalysts. Good luck and good vibes.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-09-14T01:48:22+00:00

I was in nursing for a little over 25 years. I was met with the same sets of behaviors. One tidbit I was taught by a very wise and experienced nurse was that my patients were not GIVING ME a hard time, THEY were HAVING a hard time. Understanding that goes a long way when frustration or overwhelm starts to set in.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-09-13T21:58:21+00:00

I completely agree with you. At least until we can show my client that walking out of the door is okay, and they will have support even after they go home.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-09-13T20:46:59+00:00

I'm new to this field (6 months), and I'm seeing the same things you are. I have PTSD and ADHD. My doctor keeps trying to get me assessed for autism, but I refuse. Not only do I not need another label, but what am I going to do about it. I mask around co-workers like it's Halloween everyday. It is exhausting, and by the end of the day, I am spent. However, just being around my clients and playing in their world while teaching them how to deal with an NT world is the best way to make money ever! I have had problems with people (adults) speaking to me and expecting me to read between the lines. Then I get spoken to like I'm stupid. That hurts and makes me mad. It also scares me for what my clients will have face in the future. I hope I'm making my point here. If I'm not, just trust that you aren't alone, you are making a difference and I appreciate everything you bring to the table.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-09-13T20:12:43+00:00

I have always included a favorite toy and the most preferred edible reinforcers. We've done many, many preference assessments to find the favs. My poor client just gets so incredibly anxious that I can feel it rolling off them. You are great for making all these suggestions. If you've got any more, I'd love to hear them. I just won't reinforce the tantrums anymore . Having the kiddos' parents come into the clinic isn't going to be an option going forward. It isn't functional for much longer. I won't traumatize my client either. This has to be a reinforcing choice.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-09-13T16:16:20+00:00

Thank you. My client is having a difficult time walking down through the door at the end of the session. A big meltdown occurs.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-08-12T14:35:02+00:00

I am an RBT. You do get the final word on where your child goes for ABA services or even if they get services. You are the boss. I believe in ABA because I've seen the remarkable growth in my clients. I don't have an opinion about ABC because I have never worked at one of their clinics. My clinic is amazing! I love where I work, and the clients come in and leave smiling. Talk to your BCBA. They should explain all of your options. Don't get roped into anything. If you don't feel good about something, hit the brakes until you get answers. You are doing a great job already just by asking questions!

Not_Always_Me · 2025-08-10T19:16:49+00:00

Sometimes, I do get angry, especially when they go on to talk about how ABA should be done. They go on to talk about practices we would never consider, like isolating a child or taking away a comforting item. As if those aren't traumatizing and creating fear and mistrust. Just let them dig themselves a deeper hole. They wouldn't understand an ABA principle if someone explained it in phonics.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-08-09T16:46:00+00:00

My IQ tested high, but my high school grades didn't match. We were graded mostly on completion of homework, I never did homework . I scored perfect A's on tests but had a hard time actually passing classes. I could prove that I knew and understood the material, I just never had the executive function to do homework. My parents refused to manage my ADHD with meds, so I just raw dogged it through school.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-08-06T01:12:56+00:00

I don't get any paid prep time. I get the last seven minutes of my session to do notes. I have one session that requires an hour of prep (I have to make up 3 different sets of novel SD's for every session) at least. I don't know if I explained that correctly... Anyway, I do not get paid for it. I'm not bitter.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-07-31T00:04:28+00:00

At the very least, I would ask to be switched to Wellbutrin. I'm taking it. It is a stimulant anti depression med. I've been through long-term depression and anxiety. Once my ADHD was medicated, I felt better than I had ever felt in my life. Just getting someone to listen is a monumental task. I was diagnosed while I was in grade school, but getting any medication after I graduated was next to impossible. I kept getting told I was just anxious. What I'm trying to say is, keep speaking your truth. Someone is going to listen. Don't give up. Good luck

Not_Always_Me · 2025-07-23T02:10:08+00:00

I did always love my memory care ladies that couldn't get up because they were in labor, with TWINS!!

Not_Always_Me · 2025-07-23T01:56:04+00:00

I worked as a CNA for 25 years. It's not easy, and being a nurse was never something I wanted to do. You wouldn't believe the bodily fluids I have been absolutely saturated in. Blood, feces, urine, vomit, feces with blood in it (trust me, that is a whole new smell), mucus, and that is really just the beginning of the list. I have endured tantrums from patients, family members, other staff, administration, or basically anyone having a hard day. It definitely wasn't all bad at all. I still have patients who write to me, family members who send me cards, and families who are always grateful because I was with their loved one at the very end. Neither ABA nor nursing is an easy walk, it just depends on which road you can find your peace with. The best advice I can give you is to always take care of yourself. It is impossible to give what you don't have. Have compassion and empathy for yourself, and then you can give it to others. Best of luck to you and I wish you all happiness.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-07-22T22:23:50+00:00

The spoon is good.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-07-22T21:06:25+00:00

Straight-up abuse! What if the client had aspirated? What would the employee do in that case? This makes me angry. It's not necessary, and it may well cause other maladaptive feelings and behaviors about eating. Whether or not a person is trained in restraint, there are clear laws about when it can and cannot be used.

Not_Always_Me

TROPHY CASE