Samantha Buell Psychologist PLLC

01/17/2025

'But what if someone WANTS to learn how to mask so they can use those skills when they need to?'

My answer to that would entirely depend which kid/adult you're talking about. Are they the one on top of the pile? Or are they buried underneath?

I would suggest very, very different things for these two individuals. And their wellbeing would be my priority.

Yes?

Em 🌈

01/17/2025

1. Canadian Paediatric Society
2. The Reading League
3. Canadian Children's Literacy Foundation
4. Teach Your Monster
5. LipLetter Land ᵀᴹ
6. Decoding Dyslexia
7. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

01/17/2025

We should never "wait and see" when it comes to reading intervention and evidenced-based reading instruction.

01/01/2025

10/03/2024

09/19/2024

09/19/2024

THINGS THAT CAN BE HARD FOR AUTISTIC/SENSORY PEOPLE AT SCHOOL

◾ Crowded corridors
◾ Loud noises, fire alarm, school bell
◾ Lunchtimes that feel chaotic
◾ Change in teachers and seating plans
◾ Busy bright display boards
◾ Sports changing room smells

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09/15/2024

09/15/2024

Sensory overload and anxiety are mental health conditions that are deeply related to one another.

📖In some studies, up to 80% of people with sensory processing difficulties experience anxiety. When a person feels anxious or already overwhelmed, they may be more prone to experiencing sensory overload in certain situations, like feeling a sense of anxiety.

💛Overstimulation anxiety occurs when someone experiences excessive sensory input that overwhelms their ability to cope effectively. This sensory overload can come from various sources such as loud noises, crowded environments, intense visual stimuli, or even an abundance of tasks or information. When the brain is bombarded with more input than it can process, it can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and discomfort.

🧡Causes of Overstimulation Anxiety might include...
1. Environmental Factors
2. Multitasking
3. Social Interaction
4. Digital Overload

💥People with sensory processing disorders, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or anxiety disorders may be particularly susceptible to overstimulation anxiety. However, anyone can experience sensory overload if the conditions are intense enough.

✴Symptoms of overstimulation anxiety can include:
- Increased heart rate
- Irritability or agitation
- Feeling stressed or "wound up"
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Difficulty concentrating
- Need to escape the overstimulating environment

🧰To manage overstimulation anxiety, individuals might try:
Plan Ahead
Use Sensory Tools
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Coping Strategies

More information and a printable version of our latest resource: https://www.theottoolbox.com/what-is-overstimulation-anxiety/

08/13/2024

08/06/2024

I was recently diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and anxiety (I got all A’s!! 😆) BUT my story is pretty different than a lot of people who have my diagnoses. This is because I thrived as a child- I did well in school, I had friends, and I honestly didn’t self reflect to where I even realized I was different. Unlike many Autistic people, I have a terrible memory and as a result, I don’t have a good grasp on what my childhood was like- but when I think back I remember being happy.

Everything changed when I became a mom. My time after work to re-charge was suddenly taken away. I was in charge of keeping another human alive and all the things that go along with that (fed, clothed, bathed, played with, drs appts, etc) and suddenly everything was just SO much harder for me. Work was more overwhelming, social events were more stressful, and even things I enjoyed like shopping at Target and hanging out with close friends was difficult to agree to (I was fine once I was there!).

I felt like something was wrong with me that parenting was so difficult for me- especially when I had a fairly “easy” child who was so “good” and a super supportive partner. Like… how do other people have multiple children??

This was when I realized I was neurodivergent. I knew for sure I had ADHD, and then many years later finally got a formal assessment and AuDHD diagnosis. Knowing this and being more self-reflective and self-aware about my needs and accommodations has been amazing!

I’ve also come to realize that my child relies on me HEAVILY to regulate - which in turn dysregulates me. So basically, he stays mostly regulated while I seem to always not be. OR even when I can get regulated, it’s super easy for me to go right back to dysregulated. We’ve started being more clear with our needs and trying to find something that works for both of us. I can’t say we’ve found the perfect fit, and honestly not sure if there is one- but being open and honest about our needs has been a huge help!

Being a mom is definitely the hardest and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. I feel SO lucky to be a mom, which was a life-long dream, and also just want to say that this parenting thing is HARD! ❤️