Hypo What?

The first time I heard the specialist diagnose my son Branson with hypotonia, I had him repeat the word a few times just to pronounce it correctly.  Since then, the foreign word Hypotonia has been added to my daily vocabulary.  According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, "Hypotonia is a medical term used to describe decreased muscle tone (the amount of resistance to movement in a muscle).  It is not the same as muscle weakness, although the two conditions can co-exist" (National Institutes of Health, 2007).  Not all children with SPD have Hypotonia, but in Branson's case Hypotonia plays a leading role with his SPD and it affects him greatly.  Climbing stairs, playing sports, or even dancing to silly songs tires him quickly.  His endurance levels are not the same as other children his age, which makes for short play dates.  I have learned that short periods of rest that contain low stimulation contribute to better days.  In addition, small protein snacks are becoming my new secret weapon.  More importantly, I find giving myself breaks throughout the day keeps me fueled to accomplish the day’s events. This means that I rest when he rests. So to all the parents lined up with excusses-put down the laundry, walk away from the dishes, and actually breathe for a few moments. It's hard to believe, but I promise the house will still function with or without you taking a breather. It takes practice and sometimes I still give into my motherly chores during nap time, but in general I am learning that busyness cometh before destruction.