Why do we struggle with rest?

By nature, by molding, I am a thinker. I analyze, postulate, and predict. This way of life has worked for me professionally. I have been described as a high achiever, accomplished, driven, “smarty pants”, a general go-getter. I have enjoyed a long professional career in the mental health field and seen as an expert in autism and autism related areas. Unfortunately, that doesn’t leave room for…

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Intimate Conversations with KP

Do you struggle with rest? I’m not just talking about getting enough sleep at night. I am talking about complete psychological, social and spiritual rest, the kind that leads to a good night’s sleep. If you do, then join me for an open and honest discussion about why we struggle so hard with rest. While this is a zoom event, there will not be a recording of it. And this is the last time Intimate…

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Mom and Moo Have ADHD

The more Moo and I spend time together, the more I ask myself, “How did I NOT see the ADHD in myself all these years? I remember my mom telling a story about me when I was in elementary school….”I came to school to see how you were doing. I didn’t want to disturb the class, so I stood at the door and peeked through the glass in the door. You were standing beside your desk, wiggling and doing…

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“Ma, I’m Not Okay”

“Ma, I’m Not Okay”

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“Mama you were right.”

Our youngest son, Bryant, nicknamed “Moo”, came home for a quick visit the other day. He surprised me at work, which was a welcomed surprise. We sat and chatted for a while about the usual: school and finances. Moo has been handling his own money this semester…. Insert a scared mama face 😬. Look who surprised his mama! ❤️ Moo handling his own finances and budget was NOT his father, Paul, and my…

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“It’s Time“

My family, whom I affectionately refer to as “Team Pruden”, has endured some tough losses in a short time: an aunt, a best friend, a father, and a brother. As a therapist, I KNOW the importance of grieving and processing sadness. I KNOW the importance of seeking supports and finding a new normal. However, these losses were quick, unexpected and tore metaphorical and literal holes in our…

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Moo and Budgeting

Our youngest son, nicknamed Moo, moved into his own place 3 weeks ago for college. We made sure he had everything he needed and our village blessed us as well. However, there is one thing Moo needs: BUDGETING SKILLS! Moo outside his apartment. I realized Moo would need some assistance in this area months ago. But what was really telling was his statement during a recent conversation we had, “I…

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Self Care, Obedience, and KP

Moment of Transparency: I love Jesus, I really do. But I’m a type A personality, so I’m not always obedient. I thrive off of lists, sticky notes, goals and “push through.” For the past few months, I have slowed down considerably. My slow down though, has been because of decreased desire. I THINK about doing things I normally enjoy or participate in, but the desire isn’t there. In my usual KP…

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KPs Wellness Journey, Pre Summer Update

So….. I had a doc appointment today. I haven’t been doing the best as far as my meds and water, so I knew my numbers would be WAY out of wack. I made up in my mind even before my appointment that I would give myself 90 days to get myself together. My PA Nat is a cool chick. I let her know what had been going on with me and my family. She listened, took my hand and said, “Do you need me to do…

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It’s OK Not To Be OK

Hey friends, colleagues, teachers, mamas, executives, sisters, aunties, and the list goes on….. It’s ok not to be ok….. At this point in my life, I am not ok…. When did I realize something was amiss? To be totally honest, I cannot put my finger on an exact time. I can only tell you that from past experience, when I start saying, “I’m exhausted”, “I’m tired,” or “This is a lot,” that’s my cue…

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My “Why” for Autism Advocacy

My “Why” for autism advocacy…. In the first pic, I was a young mother of a six month old. My son Aaron had just been dedicated in church that day. We were so excited for him. Then a few months later, not long after his first birthday, Aaron’s speech DISAPPEARED. That began our journey on the autism spectrum. Aaron and I after his dedication, 1995. Aaron is now 26, happy and thriving. But I do…

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Autism Awareness Month

Good morning! April is Autism Awareness Month. My name is Keischa Pruden, but most folks call me KP. I am the proud mother of an ausome son, a psychotherapist and an autism advocate. Join me this month as I share information about autism, special education and other related topics. Autism advocacy is my passion, especially for those parents, mental health professionals and educators new to…

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Welcome Back To Football Moo!

“Ma, I don’t want to play football anymore.” That statement started a journey of inflection, reflection, honest conversations, healing, and restoration for Team Pruden. But to fully understand what I’m talking about, I have to share our experiences from the beginning…. Our youngest son, Bryant (nicknamed “Moo”), loves football. He has played the game since he was 7 years old. At one point, he…

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Letting Go and Letting Be....

Letting Go and Letting Be….

I’m practicing “letting go” and “letting be”…Let me explain….. Aaron started walking with me a few weeks ago. Then the weather got colder, I took some time off from walking, and I didn’t ask Aaron to continue. Yes, he’s autistic, but he’s also 26 years old. I decided I wouldn’t pressure him about walking and the health benefits. I just prayed and kept moving forward. This morning, Aaron…

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Enjoy the “Small Moments”

This is us…. When you have a family member with ADHD, your life can be chaotic, conflicts can be commonplace, and your spirit feels drained at times. As a parent, you worry about your child’s future and prepare them as best as you can. As a child with ADHD, life can be fun, frustrating and confusing. You WANT to do what’s expected of you, but your mind is LITERALLY all over the place. You’re…

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Parenting Children With Special Needs and Marriage

Parenting Children With Special Needs and Marriage

www.facebook.com/100000830014076/videos/2746509208720053/ We are thankful to have been given this platform to share our autism journey as well as relationship with others❤️💙

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COVID 19 and Survivor’s Guilt

My husband Paul lost a very good friend recently. “Mr. Buck”, as I loved to call him, was the friend people wanted to have and aspired to be. He loved God, was a wise man, and was a true encourager. I would go so far as to say he kept Paul calm, especially during their years working together at Union Camp, and later on, International Paper. I became more familiar with Mr. Buck after he and Paul…

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