OMG! Why have I never seen this checklist before?

by Shelly Weingart
(Pittsburgh, PA)

I have a masters degree in Mental Health Counseling and I have never encountered anything like this checklist (that I remember). I believe my two young adult sons and I all have many of these symptoms. I have had migraines all my life, and not surprisingly have all the visual hypersensitivities big time. (Also not surprisingly I am an artist) I find parties overwhelming and migraine inducing - too much stimulation. Sitting at a big table in a restaurant can be challenging to try to navigate all the various conversations. But now that I am on Topamax for migraines, I am much more able to "keep up".

I have a right-left issue, and if someone is with me while driving to a new place, I will not be able to focus on the roads to be able to find my way back. I moved to a new city 2 years ago and had to use gps to go to the grocery store, work, etc. for many months.

My younger son (19) has a variety of symptoms scattered over the list. He was in special ed up through 5th grade - never really diagnosed, but seemed to have a lot of "anxiety" issues. He graduated with honors, has self-published at least one book, has written and recorded amazing guitar music, sells professional graphic designs, and is the IT help desk coordinator at his former high school.

My older son (24) has a whole different set of symptoms. If only I'd seen the list when he was a baby :( He will be very interested in seeing it (or maybe already has). He is also an IT help desk guy.