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Welcome!
My name is Merriam and I’m a psychotherapist and mom of three young adults with a fabulous cocktail of ADHD, Autism, Anxiety and OCD. If there is one thing to know about me: I GET IT. Parenting these amazing souls takes patience and humor. It's a rollercoaster ride filled with a good dose of fear. Admittedly, I’ve been to that dark place where my children were so annoying, so defiant, that while I loved them dearly, I didn’t always like them. Some days, I wanted to run off to a tropical island. Alone. But, with a little compassion and humor, that rollercoaster can be filled with JOY & LAUGHTER. For you and for them. My children are grown now. They are my absolute favorite people in the world. There is a path to compassion and humor. My books and on-demand program can help. Happy Parenting! |
Books by Merriam
Charlie feels like he has a whirling, twirling motor running inside him all the time and sometimes he just can’t settle. When his mom wants to talk to him, he figures he’s in trouble…but she has a surprise for him instead! Includes a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers with more information on ADHD, behavior management, and helping children focus on the positives.
“A must-have for young readers with any type of behavior difficulty and their caregivers.” —School Library Journal starred review “A practical, sensitive depiction of a child with ADHD facing challenges and receiving affirmation... Compassionate, helpful, and wise.” —Kirkus |
Sadie feels like her thoughts are soaring into the clouds and she can’t bring them back down to earth. She has trouble paying attention, which makes keeping track of schoolwork, friends, chores, and everything else really tough. Sometimes she can only focus on her mistakes. When Sadie talks to her parents about her wandering, dreaming mind, they offer a clever plan to help remind Sadie how amazing she is. Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers with more information on ADHD, self-esteem, and helping children focus on the positives.
“The positive scaffold provides a hopeful launch pad for progress…. This fills a needed bibliotherapy niche for families, therapists, and school counselors…. A positive spin for all those who struggle with executive function and those who love them.” --Kirkus Reviews ― Kirkus Reviews Published On: 2020-02-04 “Children who get distracted easily will relate to Sadie and will realize they can focus on their positive qualities.” —Oregon Coast Youth Book Preview Center |
Twelve-year-old Westin Hopper gets in trouble--a lot. At home, at school, at his grandparents' house. . . . His ADHD always seems to mess with his brain, making him do impulsive things.
So when Westin finds a magic bag that makes his thoughts come alive, he thinks it's the ticket to fixing his life. Instead, his wandering brain strikes again, conjuring up a mini T. rex, an army of headless plastic men, and a six-inch Thor. Now they all live in his bedroom, eating lunchmeat, wreaking havoc, and growing. And Westin doesn't know how to make them go away. He enlists his fellow social outcast, Lenora, to help him make things right. Lenora helps Westin realize that his talent for drawing could be the key to solving his tiny problems. FOR READERS 8-12 YEARS OLD |
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Learn how to stay focused in the present moment through meditation
Having ADHD can make meditation seem out of reach, but with the right tools, you can do it successfully and improve every area of your life. This book is full of mindfulness tools that will show you how to concentrate better, regulate your emotions, and practice self-compassion—so you can truly thrive. What sets this book apart from other ADHD books for adults: Mindfulness for adult ADHD—Learn what mindfulness and meditation are, and how they can strengthen your ability to focus your attention and respond to stress in healthy ways. Many ways to meditate—Develop the meditation practice that works for you with an engaging mix of shorter and longer exercises, sitting and walking meditations, morning and evening activities, and more. Beginner-friendly practices—Even if you’ve never meditated before, these mindfulness exercises include step-by-step instructions and expert tips to help ensure success. |
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If your child has ADHD, Autism and/or Anxiety, there are important developmental issues to consider when crafting custody and parenting agreements for your new, two-household family. A typical parenting plan may at best ignore those considerations and at worst. cause harm.
Merriam Sarcia Saunders, LMFT, a certified divorce mediator and psychotherapist specializing in neurodevelopment disorders, is a child of divorce with ADHD herself. She uses evidence-based data to bring your neurodivergent child's unique needs into the frame of the parenting plan creation. |