Jani & Becca

[beatlebangs1964]

Jani Schofield, born 8/8/02 is a child who has an especially severe form of schizophrenia. She has been featured on 20/20 and Oprah! The Schofields have since taken two separate apartments in the same complex because there is real and very legitimate concern that Jani might attack her brother Bodhi, now 3.

These are families who are in desperate need of compassion. Sadly, there does not seem to be any place that is equipped to meet Jani's needs and those of other children who are severely mentally ill. Jani has been described as suicidal and violent. Her friend Rebecca Stancil is stalked by phantoms including a 7-foot man who tell her to do dangerous things.

http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-schizophrenia29-2009jun29,0,4834892.story

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2009/09/jani-schofield-schizophrenia.html

http://www.oprah.com/health/The-7-Year-Old-Schizophrenic



Becca Stancil, who is slightly older than Jani has paranoid schizophrenia. The girls are best friends and met in the hospital. Both girls have been admitted several times. They both are extraordinarily bright (Jani's IQ is 146) and explain their conditions quite well.

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[beatlebangs1964]

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[beatlebangs1964]

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[beatlebangs1964]

Becca's explanation:

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[beatlebangs1964]

Rebecca shares her anguish

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[beatlebangs1964]

Michael Schofield, whose blog www.janisjourney.org is an online diary of the anguish of Jani's psychosis. In this recent video, Jani's behavior is actively psychotic.

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[beatlebangs1964]

I like what Michael Schofield said about not juding Jani and Becca and other children with severe mental illness for "things they can't control." You can read his blog at: http://www.januaryfirst.org/www.januaryfirst.org/Blog/Blog.html,

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http://www.oprah.com/health/Understanding-Childhood-Schizophrenia-Video

Michael is currently writing a book, which may be finished. I can't wait to read it. Hopefully the plight of the Schofield, Stancil and other families in their shoes will be heard and help will come their way. They have tried everything they know to do, and now that these girls are, to quote someone in a recent conversation "the most famous children with schizophrenia today," more concerted efforts will be made to secure appropriate education and placement for them. Let's continue to hope that a boarding school for special needs can be found that is a good match for them and that they can be spared further hospitalizations.

http://spitbristleandfury.wordpress.com/2009/08/26/abc-primetime-the-outsiders/

[VersusBatman]

My cousin is schizophrenic. Recently he had to go to jail for physically assaulting my aunt. Prior to that, he would run away from home for days on end.

[Hari's Chick]

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Jani seems so sweet. I don't think it is unusual for children to have imaginary friends. I wonder if they have done brain scans to verify it is in fact schizophrenia and not a case of a highly, highly intelligent little girl with a very active right brain, combined with troubles in the impulsivity center of the brain.

I guess it said she was seen at UCLA, so likely they have verified her condition through brain scans.

There are breakthroughs ... and it is now said that impulsivity training can help the brain actually learn/change/redevelop. There were research breakthroughs in the middle of last year. http://www.medindia.net/news/Scientists-Find-Area-in-the-Brain-That-Controls-Impulsive-Behaviour-74398-1.htm

Also, they now are developing what can be thought of as a "brain pacemaker." It is being tried on people with major depression, but may become more refined and able to help others with more complex conditions.

It breaks my heart to hear she has trouble sleeping.

I understand her need to be outside. I also had imaginary friends... I had a very vivid imaginary friend as a child until my family moved. Oddly, I called him George... long before I was a Beatles fan, too.

[Hari's Chick]

Very interesting. Jani's symptoms are held at bay if she is busy, occupied. That seems very significant... She has a high IQ and also troubles sleeping, which often go hand in hand.

I wonder if the parents have tried yoga therapy and art therapy.

The parents are right that these children need to be understood and should not be placed in a traditional school environment and expected to be behaviorally complacent. That is an unfair expectation. Still, not all expectations should be "lowered" across the board... which is a bit how some of the videos sound. She may be a far, far better writer, mathematician, artist, musician than other children. She may have a niche as a gardener. Who knows what her gifts are, and those should be explored and focused on as much as any challanges and should be an equal part of all videos, etc.

Some things they tried to frame as different were not different. Jani may not want to be videotaped... but that is reasonable. Somehow the way she is sometimes spoken to as "other" is not so cool, imo. Like Oprah. :rolleyes:

I wonder if the parents have tried play therapy. Instead of assuming the characters in the imaginary friend land are unreal... how about asking Jani to teach them things? Maybe Jani could read to them, draw for them. Instead of trying to shut her world out... try to solidify it. She loves outdoors... give her an outdoor "art studio" ~ even if it is only an apartment balcony. Give heaps of art supplies and ask her to draw or paint what she sees... but only facilitate what is appealing... don't make Jani into a patient or psychological case. If she could be thought of as a creative wonder, full of magic, and if that love were brought into the equation, maybe this could be a healing doorway. The challanges may stay, but it could maybe lessen the feeling of 'being different.'

A Beautiful Mind is a great movie for those who have an interest in schizophrenia.

[beatlelover45223]

I have seen several of the shows on Janie, I feel so very sorry for her family, I admire the dedication of her parents, I do believe the little girl is dangerous, it is so sad that none of the medications they have had her on have had a lasting effect on her illness, life and what happens to a person physically and mentally can be so unfare!

[beatlebangs1964]

I've seen several shows about Jani and Becca as well. My heart goes out to the girls' families. Cinnamon Stancil is a single mother trying to make ends meet and keep Becca alive and hopefully out of the hospital. Brenna, a teen has begged to be admitted because she is hounded by delusions and her second younger sister Ailyish (sp) is having mental issues as well. Only their youngest sister, Kiernan has dodged the mental illness bullet.

I can't wait to read Michael Schofield's book, which is due out later in the year. Imaginary friends are one thing, but as Michael said, Jani's imaginary friends were controlling her. Many kids have imaginary friends, but they are not controlled by them; know these creatures are products of their imagination and don't display the other behaviors that Jani and Becca have displayed. Jani is violent; she hardly slept; her thinking is disordered and she has been uncontrollable. The very real fear is also for her brother, whom she might seriously injure. I think she is dangerous and sadly, there does not seem to be any special needs school available that can meet Jani, Becca, Brenna and Aiylish (sp)'s needs.

[Hari's Chick]

Thanks for posting these, BB. It's so important for these children and others to get the help they need. Programs really need to be set up, schools need to be created... whatever needs to be done to give these children the love and care they deserve. And they deserve all the love in the world.

What bothers me a lot are the titles of these YouTube videos: "Young schizophrenic at her minds mercy," "hearing voices," "the 7 year old schizophrenic," "psychosis," etc etc. Oh, it makes me upset. This little girl is Jani, full of love and wonder... who God created and blessed... and who has challanges. Don't we all have challanges. I am *not* deminishing her challanges, because that would also deminish her triumphs. This is not just feeling the need to be politically correct. It breaks my heart.

This is Jani, who is a wonderful little girl. How about a title of "Wonderful Little Girl Bravely Faces Challanges of Schizophrenia." Give Jani her props.

Also, I wonder if they do play therapy because it is not spoken of. For instance, Jani can be in charge of teaching the "bad friends" about love and gentle behavior, and why those things are important.

It is comforting that Jani has a close friend. Jung said as soon as people with such challanges as schizophrenia find a true friend, they have most of what they need in treatment. (paraphrased) Connectivity, love... that is so important.

[beatlebangs1964]

True, Hari's Chick. What bothers me even more are some of the cruel, negative comments people have made on YouTube, denouncing Jani and saying really cruel judgmental things about the Schofields.

I like your heading suggestions better. Play therapy was and, as far as I know, still being attempted with Jani. Her "shattered," albeit brilliant mind can't stay on task for very long. She's been in therapy since she was 5 when she was first admitted to a hospital. When she is home during the school year, she attends school for an hour a day, 1x1 in her home district.

[VersusBatman]

Videos like that skate a fine line between curiosity and voyeurism.

[Hari's Chick]

Videos like that skate a fine line between curiosity and voyeurism.

That's true. In today's 'Oprah' culture it's become 'okay' to out things about people publically. Thing is, when it involves private medical issues, it should be Jani's decision if she would like to be "out" about things. Jani's parents are likely trying to rally support, and even gain public support for things like schools... which is noble. But on the other hand, Jani deserves to make the decision as an adult as to whether she wants her challanges aired publically.

[FPSHOT]

Videos like that skate a fine line between curiosity and voyeurism.

Agreed, the thing like "It's On Oprah" in my opinion does not help in all cases and even can make things worse where the parents push their child just to be on air whereas the next days/weeks/months the child will be 'celebrity' exposed which is in most cases the last thing those kids are after or need.

[Hari's Chick]

True, Hari's Chick. What bothers me even more are some of the cruel, negative comments people have made on YouTube, denouncing Jani and saying really cruel judgmental things about the Schofields.

I like your heading suggestions better. Play therapy was and, as far as I know, still being attempted with Jani. Her "shattered," albeit brilliant mind can't stay on task for very long. She's been in therapy since she was 5 when she was first admitted to a hospital. When she is home during the school year, she attends school for an hour a day, 1x1 in her home district.

I haven't seen the YouTube negativity. I better not look because it would make me very sad...

The Schofields seem like nice people, too. What concerns me is I hope they are getting sound advice from their therapy team. Some of the things in the videos made me wonder, to be honest. But then, I would be more Jungian... though of course now we know much more about schizophrenia and it's neurobiological aspects. Those cannot be ignored. Still, Jung's respect for the spiritual aspect in 'psychosis' has a place, I feel.

http://jungianschizophrenia.blogspot.com/

[VersusBatman]

I haven't seen the YouTube negativity. I better not look because it would make me very sad...
For your mental and physical health I wouldn't read youtube comments.

[FPSHOT]

For your mental and physical health I wouldn't read youtube comments.

..... nor watch those videos

[hibgal]

For your mental and physical health I wouldn't read youtube comments.
Pretty much goes for any YouTube comment. At times the level of ignorance and hostility is downright scary!

[FPSHOT]

A lot of those YouTube comments are aggresive, so no reason to pay any attention to them unless you like it

[beatlebangs1964]

Jani's parents are likely trying to rally support, and even gain public support for things like schools... which is noble. But on the other hand, Jani deserves to make the decision as an adult as to whether she wants her challanges aired publically.

Good points, Hari's Chick. Jani can't give her consent because of her age and mental condition. The girl's parents have to make those decisions for her.

It is NOT voyeurism on my part; it is very sad to see the level of grief and challenges families of mentally ill children contend with. Jani and Becca's stories really got to me. I keep praying for some help to come their way and the reason I posted these videos was for the reasons Hari's Chick gave above - hopefully others will see this message and appropriate services will come available for her. Meanwhile, I pray and ask people to listen to their stories with open hearts and recognize their anguish and respond compassionately.

Jani, the Schofields, Stancil families and all others in their shoes need help and compassion. For Michael Schofield to make the decision to be interviewed on Oprah! 10/2009; write the book; have an open blog for people to read (or not, as they choose) and discuss what THEY are contending with is a very brave step. More people know about Jani, Becca and others in their shoes and hopefully help will be more forthcoming.

Had Temple Grandin (who has autism) not shared her story and countless other people who have shared theirs as well, people would be struggling and not knowing how others coped.

[beatlebangs1964]

The vitriol and jackassery on YouTube is sad. Also sad is that a good number of the people who make way out posts write in a subliterate fashion.

[Hari's Chick]

I'm glad you posted the videos, BB, because I can add my prayers to yours for Jani. Shame on the YouTube posters who exercised no compassion!

I wonder if her therapy team have considered yoga.

http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/09/17/yoga-may-improve-social-occupational-functioning-in-schizophrenia-patients/18395.html

"He also points to positive mental health outcomes that have been realized by children who practice yoga techniques. Not only has it been found to improve IQ, social adaptation and cognitive skills, but it has also proved a promising addition to the incomplete benefits and troublesome side effects of pharmaceutical intervention in several psychiatric disorders of children."

[VersusBatman]

I've heard yoga has helped autistic children so why not?

[beatlebangs1964]

I'm glad you posted the videos, BB, because I can add my prayers to yours for Jani. Shame on the YouTube posters who exercised no compassion!

I wonder if her therapy team have considered yoga.

http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/09/17/yoga-may-improve-social-occupational-functioning-in-schizophrenia-patients/18395.html

"He also points to positive mental health outcomes that have been realized by children who practice yoga techniques. Not only has it been found to improve IQ, social adaptation and cognitive skills, but it has also proved a promising addition to the incomplete benefits and troublesome side effects of pharmaceutical intervention in several psychiatric disorders of children."

Thank you, Hari's Chick. Yoga makes sense to me, too. It is very difficult to keep Jani on target, so I wonder how she would do in yoga. Still, I think it's worth a try.

And yeah, pies in the face to those who made those mean spirited comments on YouTube! Makes you wonder what they would do for Jani if they were responsible for her.

[beatlelover45223]

Had Temple Grandin (who has autism) not shared her story and countless other people who have shared theirs as well, people would be struggling and not knowing how others coped.

Temple Grandin also brought to light, how cows could be sent to slaughter and be kept calm, many slaughterhouses(not nearly enough) show the animal the respect they deserve, being that they are giving up their lives to become food, I know veggies, their slaughter is inexcusable for you(sorry), off topic sorry.....

[beatlebangs1964]

It's a good segue, BL. People need to know about contributions and how they have benefitted many.

Nika Tesla, an Aspie invented radio.

Glenn Gould, a musician is an Aspie.

Einstein, whose name is synonymous with genius was an Aspie.

Philosopher Kant, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Banneker (sp) were all Aspies. :smile1:

[Hari's Chick]

BB, this article may be of interest to you...

http://autism.lovetoknow.com/Genetic_Link_Between_Autism_and_Schizophrenia

[beatlebangs1964]

Thank you, Hari's Chick.

The Schofields have started The Jani Foundation and you can find them on YouTube. They have banged on the drum for Jani and the families of others who have children with mental illness. You can learn more about Jani and what they are coping with.

It's a turn around from YouTube - instead of ignorant and misguided comments that are just downright mean, you run into intelligent, articulate and compassionate ones. I will ask my church to include the Jani Foundation on the list of causes to support.

[beatlebangs1964]

www.janisjourney.org

Michael Schofield's book is due out in 2012. It will be (at this time) titled, January First: A Child's Battle With Schizophrenia. No doubt it will be a very compelling read.

The Jani Foundation is also a watchdog group for abuse in residential centers and schools.

[beatlebangs1964]

Correction! The Jani Foundation can be found on Facebook. Instead of mean spirited, ignorant bull flinging comments, you get serious people and good discussions.

The Jani Foundation, I want to add is a watchdog group dedicated to exposing and ENDING abuse in residential treatment centers, hospitals and other places designed to "care" for children with mental illness, neurological conditions and other special needs.

[Georgie Girl]

I watched a show about Jani and thought it extraordinary that a child so young could have schizophrenia. She is a great kid, though it must be so difficult for her family. I hope some effective treatments come along soon for her and others. Most people who are homeless--and remain homeless--are suffering from untreated schizophrenia.

[beatlebangs1964]

GGirl, I like what you said about Jani. She is gifted and suffers from a severe form of mental illness. If more people band together on her behalf and that of families in similar need, let's hope we can make headway! Be sure to check out the Jani Foundation. They are going places and doing a lot of good.

[beatlebangs1964]

Please come check out the Jani Foundation on Facebook. They are making things happen for the better!

I retract a statement I made in February - I meant to say that I thought Jani's behavior was dangerous, not the child herself. Jani does not want to yield to these scary impulses. If she could control them and the hallucinations, she would.

As for those mean spirited bastards on YouTube who say mean things about Jani and the Schofields, their comments tell you a lot about THEM and nobody else. Good grief! Nobody smart would believe that ANYBODY would cause their child to have mental illness. Oh, and here is one of my personal favorites (said tongue in cheek) - somebody on YouTube keeps insisting that Jani is being abused with medications and that the drugs are damaging her brain. Horse manure! The medications help to stablize her and allow her to function. The people on YouTube who make those kinds of remarks have prompted me to ask what they would do that would work. For Pete's sake!

Jani has made extraordinary progress. So far she has completed 5 months out of the hospital which is a record for her. She is now in school for 2 hours daily, a big jump up from the one hour she spent. She's gifted and has a flair for humor and acting. Her brother has really made leaps and bounds as well.

Jani is a human being. Her life has meaning and purpose. She is so young that you wonder if she knows that she has, in her own way helped countless others. By knowing about her story, others have shared and have joined a community of caring. Please check out the Jani Foundation.

A related thread: http://www.beatlelinks.net/forums/showthread.php?t=43018

[VersusBatman]

Oh, and here is one of my personal favorites (said tongue in cheek) - somebody on YouTube keeps insisting that Jani is being abused with medications and that the drugs are damaging her brain. Horse manure! The medications help to stablize her and allow her to function. The people on YouTube who make those kinds of remarks have prompted me to ask what they would do that would work. For Pete's sake!
I wonder if any of them were Tom Cruise.

[beatlebangs1964]

It's possible.

[VersusBatman]

From personal experience, I know that medication do help people with mental problems. My cousin would have fared better if he had stuck to his medication. Now he's running wild.

[beatlebangs1964]

I hope your cousin sticks with his medication and does well. Jani's condition is quite severe and I salute the Schofields for their efforts in calling attention to childhood mental illness and for working hard to help other families in their shoes.

Their radio program, Bipolar Nation which is on http://www.latalkradio.com/Bipolar.php can be heard and stored on your iPod and their shows are archived. They are doing a lot to help others and they have volunteers nationwide who act as watchdogs to find out about schools, hospitals, RTCs and related agencies.

[VersusBatman]

I hope your cousin sticks with his medication and does well.
He hasn't actually. He got arrested for assaulting his mom. That's what I don't want to happen to this little girl.

[beatlebangs1964]

That is really unfortunate, VB. I hope he gets treatment and help.

The Jani Foundation has done a lot to raise people's awareness of mental illness, particularly in children. Their daughter Jani, now 8 has been featured on the news in their area. She has made some progress and thanks to her, there IS the Jani Foundation, a wonderful group of dedicated watchdogs who scout out Residential Treatment Centers and who provide a forum for families to meet. They have also raised money to help families out in a jam. God bless them! Jani was featured on "Born Schizophrenic: The January Schofield Story" on the Oprah Network.

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/05/17/local-families-deal-with-their-childrens-mental_illness/