Delta Notch Numb: Neurogenesis Society

A humorous science skit. 

Delta Notch Numb: Neurogenesis Society

Delta: Hey guys, have you ever wondered why we have such unusual names? I mean, put together, we sound like a Notched-up college Greek Society; a bunch of undergrads that go totally Numb after an exhausting Rush.

SWAN - Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior

Lexicon [Measures]- SWAN

The SWAN is more for ADHD and not designed specifically for autism. 

The SWAN (Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior) Rating Scale is a tool to assess ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. 

The SWAN Rating Scale consists of 18 items that capture various domains of ADHD symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It uses a Likert-type scale ranging from 0 (far below average) to 3 (far above average) to rate the presence and severity of each symptom. The scale can be completed by parents, teachers, or other caregivers who have regular contact with the child.

Scoring of the SWAN involves summing the ratings for each item to obtain a total score. Higher scores indicate greater ADHD symptomatology. The scale also allows for the calculation of subscale scores for inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. 

Limitations with its use in autism. 

• Lack of specificity: The SWAN focuses on ADHD symptoms and may not capture the full range of challenges and behaviors associated with autism. Autistics may exhibit ADHD symptoms as part of their broader autism profile, but there may be additional symptoms and impairments not assessed by the SWAN.
• Difficulty differentiating symptoms: Some symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, can overlap with symptoms of autism, making it challenging to disentangle the two conditions based solely on the SWAN. 

The SWAN Rating Scale was developed by Dr. Stephen J. Kupper in 2006. 

Constant Overload

Being bombarded by the sensory system

A constant overload, it never ends
Sensory overwhelmed, a feeling of prison
Trapped in my own mind, with no friends.

Poor somatosensory body mapping
A constant confusion, a foggy haze
I struggle to understand my own body
A feeling of being lost, in a daze

Words get stuck, inside my head
Apraxic, struggles to speak
A feeling of frustration, so very unique
As talking eludes me, instead

It can be a struggle, to navigate
This world that's full of sensation

I need to find a way
… with determination

Equanimity is the self-love that allows us to love others

Towards a more humane society. #MentalHealth. Contemplation, one line a day.