Lately, I’ve had a lot of parents ask me what exactly is it like to have a Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and why it causes tantrums/meltdowns. So I’ve decided to write a post directed at trying to explain what my SPD is like, what it was like when I was a child, and how I reacted when I became overstimulated by the senses.
First, I have to say that SPD occurs in people with ADHD and others as well, who don’t have an autism spectrum disorder. So it’s not something that’s a definite part of autism, from what I understand, but more often than not, at least a few senses are affected.
I happen to be one of those lucky people to whom it affects every sense. What do I mean by SPD? Well, it’s when a person’s senses are either hyper (over) sensitive or hypo (under) sensitive. In some people it’s just one thing, like hearing, in others, it’s everything. I can tell you that as a kid, it wasn’t easy living with SPD, I didn’t know I had it, or that I was any different than anyone else either. But I was a fearful and skittish child as a result of it.
So SPD affects all my senses. To sum it up, I have hypersensitivities regarding hearing, touch, light, smell, and cold. On the other side, I’m overly tolerant to heat & burns, pain, and I have poor vision.
This means that 1) In a room filled with inconsistent noises I hear everything at the same volume, which distorts my ability to understand what’s being said to me. That’s where the Auditory Processing Disorder comes in. But that’s a whole different thing entirely. 2) I have sensitivities to touch and texture, for example, I can’t wear jewelry, as it scratches up against my skin. Clothing irritates me, I cannot sleep unless I’m au naturel because all the twisting and bunching of the clothes drives me insane. Even certain foods I cannot even stomach, because the texture of the food will make me sick immediately as I try to eat it politely. 3) I’m very sensitive to light, especially flourescent light, and I can easily be blinded by the sun at the beach or over the snow. With light bulbs, they literally hurt my eyes. They also irritate me to no end with their flickering and humming. 4) Smell. Highly sensitive to smell, good or bad. Either way it can affect me negatively. 5) Tolerance to heat is something that is good in hot weather. Actually if it isn’t 80F, I’m not warm enough. You will see me shiver and turn blue in weather below 80F, this goes for water temperature as well. This is where the oversensitivity to cold comes in. It’s 71F in my home right now, which is damn chilly for me. 6) Pain. Being hyposensitive to pain is a pain in the ass actually, since I have chronic pain conditions. When the doctor asks me to rate my scale of pain, I have to estimate going by what I think other people would say, cause I have a tendency to ignore pain. This ignorance of pain has landed me in the hospital dying before. Not a great thing overall. It’s something I tell Aspie/Autie moms to look out for in case there is a health problem that a child seems to not notice, especially as they hit their teen years. 7) Poor vision – self-explanatory. I had laser vision done to correct it a few years ago.
So where do I start? Say I’m sitting in my home alone, typing my blog. There is a distracting slew of noises surrounding me, the cars buzzing down the nearest highway, the industrial building nearby sawing or whatever all that chaos is, trash trucks up and down the streets, a ticking clock, several snoring cats and a squirrel on the roof. The TV is off, but I can still hear (and feel on my skin) the current of electricity powering all that equipment. Most people wouldn’t notice these things and they would be able to concentrate on their writing. Not me – each little noise hits me at the same volume, intermittently and unpredictably. This is distracting by itself, but when you factor in the unpredictability of the sounds, you then get anxiety, which automatically turns on the fight or flight mode. As a kid, this would have been a sensory overload, and a meltdown. I didn’t tantrum, I was too quiet of a kid to be loud. Instead, I would begin to cry uncontrollably, unable to speak, voice chords frozen in fear of what I didn’t understand. Now let’s add a little touch sensitivity. I put on, or say mom put on me, a thick turtleneck sweater. Imagine the terror of feeling like you’re being strangled to death. Not good. That’s enough to cause a meltdown by itself. Let’s add light sensitivity. A classroom, with row after row of tubular fluorescent lighting, the room lit like a fantastic Christmas display. Bright and blinding, but not only that, the humming and flickering of the light is just one more thing to distract me. One more thing to pile on the overload. Let’s say the room was just recently cleaned, using bleach. While no one else notices it, I’m literally choking and gagging trying to breath and then wham! asthma attack. Ok, what else can I overload myself with? The cold. School was always a nightmare for me, as the temps in the winter were barely enough to sustain my body warmth. Without a coat, there would be a blue, shivering girl in class who can’t pay attention to the instructor because I would slowly be freezing to death. I think this is a good representation of what a child might encounter in the classroom, and demonstrates how easily our fragile sensory systems can be overloaded.
So what are the solutions? Well, everyone is different, but I’ll share some of the things that I have found work for me. When it comes to noisy, inconsistent distractions, my savior is music, loud enough to drown out all of the other noises. In fact, that is the only way I write, with loud music or listening to my ipod. The ipod comes in handy at other times as well. You’ve got to find something that will give your child some comfort and a break from that onslaught on the hearing and everything else. Imagine being in constant fight or flight mode, as if at any moment you’re going to be attacked by something. It really isn’t fun, and a child doesn’t understand why it’s happening, so it becomes even more frightening.
For sensitivities to light, sunglasses are the answer. I wear them anywhere I need them, at night when the headlights are blinding me, in giant overlit retail stores. I also made it a point to get rid of all the CFLs in my house and use bulbs that are more Aspie friendly.
The cold sensitivity? I always wore my coat to school, and when I was sent to the principal’s office and told to remove it, I declined. And when my dad found out, he drove up to the school and gave that principal a piece of his mind. No one ever asked me to remove my coat ever again. I love my dad! I’m told that most people on the spectrum are insensitive to cold, so they’re the opposite of me, and may be bothered by heat instead.
All of these things point to finding out just what your child’s sensitivities are, and then working to find solutions that will minimize that fight or flight anxiety mode. Typically, someone sensitive to touch prefers soft fabrics, tags removed, seams that aren’t irritating to skin. No turtlenecks or scratchy wool please!
What is a Sensory Processing Disorder and what causes it? I don’t know what causes it, and I’m sure there are a ton of theories about how it develops. My understanding is that it’s a difference in how our brains are wired, compared to the non-SPD population. I like to say I’m “creatively wired.” I hope this post has helped some of the parents out there to understand their children better, and how they can work to find solutions that will decrease the overload, and hopefully, the meltdowns. I’m always here to answer questions for anyone. For more information on SPD, please refer to http://www.sinetwork.org/about-sensory-processing-disorder.html.
~ Namaste
Well written post. I had heard of SPD before but didn’t know much about it. I’m sure parents will appreciate your explanation of what this is like to live with day to day. Eye opening.
Thanks Renae, I’m glad you found it informative. Thanks for referring Scott to my blog too. π
I found this page via a Google Alert for SPD. I, too, am an adult with SPD. I, too, wasn’t diagnosed with it until I was an adult.
I have some of the same issues as you, but there are some differences, too. With smell, for instance, I am both hyper- and hyposensitive. Some smells, I cannot smell even if I try – thankfully, these often are putrid smells the people I am with are complaining about, so that part of SPD I actually don’t mind! π Some smells, I am hypersensitive to – I cannot breathe walking by one of those scented candle shops in the mall, for instance. The smell of bleach makes me not only unable to breathe, but makes me physically ill, such as upsetting my stomach, often to the point of getting “the runs”. The smell of shampoo or dishwasher soap also leaves me unable to breathe, as does scented hairspray or whatever else a friend might spray in the shared bathroom of a hotel when travelling (one reason I like getting my own room, especially since they don’t understand, so often spray anyway after I have asked them not to or to go outside to use the product). (I do not have asthma, so do not get asthma attacks from smells, I just cannot breathe from those that make it so.)
I cannot wear socks; it is as if my feet are claustrophobic. I don’t even own a pair of socks. I go barefoot unless I’m in public, then I wear sandals unless it is so cold that I must wear the roomy pair of boots I own. Another reason to hate the winter, besides the cold (which I am also sensitive to – it can turn my stomach in a split second). I’m sensitive to other articles of clothing, too, of course. And anybody touching me. Since my body constantly feels what it is touching (i.e. clothes, chairs, sofas, etc.), it is constantly in a flight-or-fight mode. This can be very tiring.
I am very limited in the foods I can eat due to the combination of all the senses used to eat (texture/touch, smell, sight, etc.).
I have balance and body-placement-in-space issues (proprioception and vestibular are the sixth and seventh senses, which SPD does affect).
I, too, hear everything at the same volume. This is greatly annoying when in a restaurant, gathering spot, or other loud place trying to hear somebody – even the person next to you – speak. Or when on the phone – I almost always use my cell phone’s speakerphone function, unless of course, I am in a place where I cannot use it (such as in public or where others can hear the conversation and I don’t want them to). I cannot tell what volume I am speaking at – I could be thinking I’m speaking loudly (such as in a class presentation back when I was in school/college), yet I’d actually be speaking so soft it was hard for people to hear me. I could be thinking I’m speaking very quietly (such as to not disturb or wake others), yet I’d actually be speaking far too loudly (this is when others tell me to quiet down, which of course shocks me because I thought I had been being quiet!). I hear sounds others cannot hear. It is very hard, if not impossible, to get used to a constant sound like “normal” people can (where they do not notice a constant sound, such as the a/c or heat).
I’m hypersensitive to pain, with a needle phobia stemming from this. I, too, have a pain disorder, so that doesn’t help! π
I won’t go over ALL the issues I have – I’d be here for forever typing this comment! But, my SPD affects all seven senses and it is disabling.
SPD is a neurological disorder. There are ways one can help themselves try to deal with the overload, the flight-or-fight responses, etc. but sometimes it can get the best of you (though not in the same way as it does a child). It isn’t something a child outgrows, yet most literature is aimed towards children and parents of children.
Does brushing protocol or joint compressions work for you?
I have never tried brushing protocol or joint compressions myself Kendra, but I can tell you that I LOVE deep tissue massage. I can’t stand tickling, but deep tissue massage makes me feel calm, relaxed, and pain free.
I haven’t tried either of those, but it is different for kids vs. adults. I’ve read these treatments don’t work very well for adults, but they can work for kids. So, if you are wondering for a child of yours, I’d say try it. If you are wondering for yourself or another adult, you could still try it, but I don’t know if it will get you any results. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful!
Great blog Annette!! Thanks for sharing! I enjoyed reading π
Thanks for your support, Dana, and I hope it answered some questions for you!
occupational therapy worked for me … however my parents and I had to fight the school district and threaten a lawsuit in order to get the district to pay for the accommodations and therapy I needed to better fit in to the ‘standard normal’ classroom as the new wave was ‘inclusion’ …in the special student populations and 503/IEP/disability frameworks…
but as some of the hyper-sensory came down … the stuff that was hypo-sensitive became hyper … and then we also have fun stuff like mania and depression and normal-glycemia to deal with too … it’s fun, LOL
cheers for a better day =)
As a parent of a non-verbal 3 year old, this made me cry to think of what she’s struggling with. Thank you for explaining and giving me more context to help her. You are very brave to share your struggles, and your parents must be very proud of how you are giving back to others. If I may ask, we are working with an OT, but do you remember any tips that would calm you when you were overstimulated as a child?
Hi Amy, I’m glad you found my blog helpful. You’re exactly the reason I write about these things, if it can help even one person, that’s what I hope to do. So that is wonderful that you’re working with an OT. This will help tremendously! Everyone is a bit different, so what calmed me as a child, may not calm yours. But, when I was young, if I was overstimulated, say at school or a slumber party, the first thing they did of course was call my mom, who came to pick me up, thereby removing me from all the sensory overstimulation. She would check me for a fever and put me to bed in my nice, quiet, dark room. If it happened at a family gathering, she would again put me in a quiet room alone to watch a familiar cartoon or lay down to nap. So for me, it was just removing me from the situation. If it was just a small upset, she would give me something beloved to hold. I remember if we were out shopping she always had either my stuffed toys that I took everywhere, or my favorite blanket. Familiarity and removal from the situation worked for me. Hope my tips help somehow! Take care, Annette
How does one go about getting a diagnosis as an adult? I believe that I, too, have spd but not sure who to speak to about this. I work in a school where my senses are constantly on attack and that fight/flight mode kicks in every day. I leave work like a bat out of hell most days. And I love teaching but I try to overcome the things that bother me, like the lights, the loudness, the cold. When I get home I like having the tv off and just enjoy the silence, but my 5yo son is loud and very active. He too has spd but not officially diagnosed. Thank you so much for posting this. I always have a hard time explaining it to people. And the way you explain it is almost exactly how I feel about it. Minus the pain. I’m hypersensitive to pain, very low threshold. π¦
I was diagnosed by a nurse practitioner who I was seeing for another reason. I had not heard of SPD before, but looked it up when I got home and was like, “WOW! That is completely me!” Recalling my childhood, I could check off most things on the SPD child symptom lists on Web sites. The sites that have adult lists, I could check off most symptoms on those. I would think that most docs who can diagnose SPD in kids could also do it in adults. However, since it is yet to be recognized in an official capacity, a diagnosis isn’t going to gain you insurance help or anything. The main idea of it is so that you know why you are so sensitive/non-sensitive, understand why you react to things, and perhaps be able to do something about it (there’s not much you can do, but you can try).
Leslie, I have to agree with Butterfly. I did a little research and talked to some Occupational Therapists. I found out I had SPD when I got my Asperger’s diagnosis. If there are any professionals that would be able to diagnose you and offer adult services, it would be via the research universities in your area. It wouldn’t be covered by insurance, and it would be expensive. I went through the same thing with with my AS testing, which cost me $900 out of pocket. Worth it for me because it entailed so much more knowledge of myself. If you suspect that you have SPD, you’re probably right, and the best thing you can do is try to find ways to cope with it. Someone mentioned special glasses for those sensitive to light that can be researched at http://www.Irlen.com. I’m going to look into these myself. Also check out the link at the bottom of my post (I know it’s geared to children but you can still get good information there). Also, there is a nice supportive type group on facebook that I frequent (again geared to kids but I’ve posted and gotten very helpful information from parents and OTs on the page). Check it out at http://www.facebook.com/pages/SPD-Connect/102002179868870. There are also auditory therapies that are said to help with SPD/APD, but I haven’t tried any yet. I plan on it sometime in the future. I hope you can find some relief and coping methods. Best wishes and thank you for your support, Annette
This is everything I have been going through with my son. He is 9 and was diagnosed last year with SPD after seeing a neurologist for a tick disorder. They told me when he was 6 that he was ADHD. That did not explain the ticks though. He still has meltdowns and temper tantrums as well. He will constantly scream and cries uncontrollably at times. He loves to take baths. Most of the time that is the only thing that will calm him down. He turns the water on himself and I have let the water out of the tub on numerous occasions and it is so hot I can barely stand it. Clothes are definitely an issue as well. Even socks and shoes. People always say I am “babying” him but they do not understand the daily things we take for granted that affect him so much. It is a constant struggle.
You have helped me understand my son. He’s 8 and has SPD and PDD NOS. He is hypo and hyper, with vestibular and proprioception problems. Poor fella! He also has auditory processing issues. He turns the TV up extremely loud….I realize now it’s to block out all of the other sounds. Also, mentioning flight or fight….makes more sense now why he’s extra tired. He keeps his jacket on, but sleeps in his undies. Likes to be wrapped in a blanket and hates the lights on at bedtime. Ahhh, the joys of SPD;) Thanks so much!!
Hi Tonya,
I’m so glad I’ve helped you understand your son better. I also have proprioception problems and remember having vestibular problems when I was a kid. I can’t sleep with lights on or intermittent background noise. I have an air cleaner that hums quietly but still drowns out all the night noises.
Yes, constantly feeling like you’re on edge and waiting for the next startling thing can leave a person so exhausted. Sometimes it can take hours of alone time to feel better.
Good luck with your sensational son and thanks for commenting!
~ Annette
My twin sons are speech delayed and have sensory processing problems. This was just diagnosed and I came here interested in an adult perspective of this. I realize that I have a great deal of this. I found myself saying, “me too” to most of what I just read. I knew that I had the Auditory Processing Disorder, that was diagnosed when I was in the third grade. I just thought that I was just a quiet kid and I had just been raised in a quiet environment so the extra stimulus bothered me. Obviously my boys are more like me that I knew before.
Funny i had looked for the reason the boys would be good at home and no where else. I see now that I have constructed my home to be quiet. At this moment there are only sounds from the TV and I am drowning out the fridge sound and all the lights in the house are off and I can tell the sunlight is fading from the tiny crack between the heavy curtain panels! With out realizing it I have removed the sensory extras to make myself comfortable so I made this house a good place for them too! Or I made them this way by stripping down the sensory extras to make myself comfortable. Impossible to know. I just want to thank you for writing this. You have helped me and my sons so very much.
I have 6-year-old boy/girl twins who have SPD. We have known for a few years and they are doing OT/PT/ST. Boy is more speech delayed than girl, but at the present time both are pretty understandable.
I am wondering what a short explanation for others when they ask might be? I am quick to admit my kids have SPD and so they have sensory issues, but what is a good explanation.
Things that through off people are: Son will have tunnel vision when he zones in on what he wants and walks right through/over/on people and does not realize he is doing it and they just think he is rude. Daughter at times has trouble walking and/or standing up and looks “six shades of drunk” and people suggest she should not be on so many medications. She is on no medications at all. Son has to literally touch every surface to understand in his brain how that feels whereas we know by looking what most surfaces will look like. There are other things, but I am trying to be brief.
They are both in kindergarten and have full days of school. By the time they get home in the late afternoon, they are just “boinking” off the walls. Silly for me to say “settle down” as they literally cannot do that, yet at times I find myself saying it. As soon as the words come out of my mouth, I am regretting them.
I try to provide a sensory diet at home, but sometimes it is not enough.
When we have to go places, I make sure I stimulate their sensory before we walk in the door of what we have to do. They had their school Christmas program last night and they were “boinking” off the walls before we left. We did some sensory before we left and then as they had to be lined up for 10 minutes before going on stage, I stood with them and had them do jumping jacks and lift some ankle weights to help calm then. Then some of their songs included jumping and clapping and so they did great.
Still, my question is how do you explain this without a long explanation that loses the other person.
For my family, I finally copied things out of different websites and sent them an email. Not sure if they believe me (they are a factual group and if they do not see something wrong, it must not be wrong type of people) and no one has ever asked questions since and I have asked them if they understood and they said yes. Can’t beat them in the head, although at times . . .
Do you have a short explanation of what you tell others (if you say something) of what SPD is?
Thanks
I tell ppl how it is a neurological disorder that affects the seven senses (and usually have to explain what the sixth and seventh are, since most ppl only know the first five). Then I will give an example or two, such as being touched can feel like you got punched in the face, except the feeling lasts a lot longer (could be several minutes) than it would for you. I hear all sounds at the same volume, so don’t mind me if I ask you to repeat yourself in a crowded restaurant. I cannot eat many (most) things because the texture, smell, look, and/or taste will cause me to gag or throw up. My balance is off, especially walking near objects unless (usually) I’m touching them – but it isn’t the kind of balance support that is weight-baring; when I get off the toilet, I can use the toilet paper roll holder to balance myself without pulling it out of the wall. Stuff like that. If somebody is still not understanding, you could equate it with something they do understand, such as the dreaded fingernails-on-a-chalkboard.
I am 13 and i usually say i have sensory processing disorder( they probably wont know what SPD stands for). “it means that im more sensitive to things like bright light and loud noises and fabrics. things feel different to me and that’s why i may act different in some situations than other people. ” that’s what i say but you would form that to better fit your kids.
I have spd too. I am only 13 years old ad have been living with it my whole life. i dress more comfortably than everyone else at school. they all wear holister and fitch but i cant its all to tight. also another trend these days is lace. i cant stand it! on of the most scratchy materials. i like the cold weather more. in the summer i feel hot and sticky and uncomfortable. Something i cant stand that you didn’t mention in your article is static electricity. i hate it. it makes my eyes all watery just thinking about it. i like gooey textures but hate washing my hands afterwards. washing your hands make them all dry after and i have to use lotion. i also hate paper! my skin gets raw on the parts that rub against it while im writing. I don’t have ADHD like most other people that have it but my mom and sister do. WE call SPD SI for sensory integration or SID for sensory integration disorder. SI is an inherited disorder. you get it from your parents if they have it or if they are carriers of it. they pass it down to you. If you do get it but your parents don’t show signs then they might be a carrier which means they have the genes but they don’t have the symptoms. then if both of your parents are carriers then they can pass it to you.
@aspiegrrl I have Aspergers but I never had any sensory issues. I can’t imagine growing up with both of these. Props to you. I’m excited to read more of your blog posts π
Thanks Philip, I’m glad you’re enjoying my writing. π So Asperger’s but no sensory issues? Wow…you’re the first person with AS that I ever talked to that doesn’t have any issues!
Thanks for sharing this. It helps the rest of us to understand what it is like. I am familiar with light sensitivity. You might be helped by wearing Irlen lenses. They are similar to sunglasses, but the shade is determined by testing which spectrum of light is most irritating to your brain. My son started wearing them in his 30s and they have really made a difference for him. They also helped to alleviated some of the auditory processing problems because of reducing stress on the brain. You can google Irlen Syndrome, or go to http://www.Irlen.com, or Irlenboston, com.
I hope this helps to relieve one area of sensitivity for you.
Thanks for having the courage to share!
Thank you for your suggestion Jan, I will definitely check these out. And thank you for your support as well! π
I have been diagnosed as APD (Auditory Processing Disorder) and mine is not exactly the same as Aspie girl describes it. I do have problems in a crowded environment but one 2 one is not to bad most of the time. It is worse when I’m tired/stressed.
I have a lot of problems with ‘volume control’ and there re times when even in a 1-2-1 situation I can not understand what is being said to me. I know the person is talking sense but I can’t make head or tail what they are saying – it is as though they are speaking a foreign language that I have no knowledge of.
I tell people that APD is like dyslexia for the ears.
I also have APD, but it manifests in several ways. Either it sounds like a complete foreign language to me, or I miss words in between and end up with something that makes no sense. Mine is also worse when I’m stressed. Dyslexia for the ears is a great way to describe it. Thanks for your comment! I wrote about my APD way back when I started my blog. I’d have to search through the archives to find it for you if you’re interested.
Thank you for this post. I didn’t know that I had many sensory issues until I had my first child who was diagnosed with SPD around his 3rd b-day. And now I realize that I’m not crazy and that others suffer from these weird quirks as well. If lettuce touches my mouth or even my hands, I gag. What you said about sleeping in clothes…yup I suffer from the same issue. As a child, I go full on Linda Blair/Exorcist child if someone put tights on me. I haven’t worn panty hose in 15 or 20 years. I can’t handle heat at all. I feel like I’m swelling and that I might burst. There are times when I am sitting on the couch watching tv and feel like I will die if I don’t get as many clothes off as I can. I can’t wear anything long sleeved that can’t be removed (like a cardigan). And if I’m taking off a top that is tight and it might get stuck around the shoulders…I have a complete panic attack.
Thanks for showing me that I’m not alone π
Hi Kate, thank you so much for your support! You are definitely not alone. From what I understand, most people have some sort of sensory issue that they may not even realize. I HATE awful tight panty hose as well and refuse to wear them. I also have interstitial cystitis, so that gives me another reason not to wear anything tight because it hurts even more! When I was a kid, my mom used to yell at me about not wearing my pjs. The minute she left the room, I had to rip off some hideous, heavy, irritatingly lacey nightgown. All I can do is laugh at these things now. Well thank you for commenting and I hope you have a great holiday season.
Best wishes,
Annette
Wonderful post. Thank you for sharing. I have a son with SPD and some pretty major sensory issues myself… And you described it perfectly. I wish others could understand
Hi Melanie, thank you for your support! I keep writing in the hopes that I can promote more understanding, because SPD is so neglected in the medical community.
Best wishes,
Annette
I am an OT and work with children with SPD and ADHD. As an adult I see mild forms of both in myself (hm, wonder why I chose to beome an OT!). Thank you for so beautifully explaining to us how you sensory input makes you feel physicallu and emotionally. I plan on sharing this blog with my readers. Thank you!
Thank you, SO, for your support and encouragement! I would be thrilled for you to share my blog, and hopefully reach out to others in understanding. Keep doing the wonderful work that you do as an OT!
Best wishes,
Annette
I sent out your blog to all the teachers at my school and a few parents (plus FB and Twitter posts). Many “thank you” responses thrown my way, which I wanted to pass along to you! All I did was share your words! π
Thank you so much! It’s good to know that I’m helping people with my words. π
Ok loved your blog, I dont know if you guys could help me with this one, My four year old son has spd, seperation anxiety, ADHD, mood disorder, and disruptive behavior disorder. The one thing im trying to get him to stop doing is chew on batteries, or any thing that is metal, we have had his iron checked and that is fine, because thats the first thing everyone has said. But i noticed he acts like he needs to do it, and if we hide everything so he cant chew on any of these things he goes into fight and flight mode and it is never good his aggression goes over board, then he goes into crying histaiclly and ive tried fidget toys chewys any thing you could imagine but no matter what if we dont let him chew on something that is metal it is tornado going threw our house, which then sets our other son off that has Autism, and a list of diagnosis.
Wow, Becky, that’s a tough one! Have you talked to an occupational therapist about it? If not, I’m going to give you link to a support group on facebook, where you can post questions and get answers from other parents and OTs. I have posted here myself and gotten really good suggestions for some of my own issues. Here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SPD-Connect/102002179868870?ref=ts. Thank you so much for your support and I wish you the best with both of your sons.
Annette
Thank you! While my issues are not exactly the same the hearing, cold, pain, sleeping, and touch issues. You dona great job of describing it. I’m going to share this with a few people π
Thank you for your support Joy!! π So what are your issues? Sensory problems are so diverse, I like to talk to people about their own issues.
Annette
Thank you so much for your blog. My daughter is 5 and is not able to verbalize to me all of what she is seeing, hearing, and feeling. After reading your blog, I feel like I have some insight into what she is experiencing in the world around her and helps me better understand some of her behaviors that result.
Hi Shona, I’m thrilled that I could offer you some insight into what you’re daughter may be experiencing. I’ll keep writing even if it helps even one person understand APD, SPD, and Asperger’s. Thank you for your support and I wish only the best for you and your daughter.
Annette
WOW! You helped me understand my son so much better…Thank you so much! He has SPD and APD which I can understand but you describing your reaction to heat and cold, well no one had told me this before. My son will not wear jackets unless we barter, but as soon as he is at school it is off. He is the opposite where he just never seems to feel cold unless it is VERY cold. Then again, once it is very cold or cooler than usual he breaks out it hives because he is sensitive to it. He rarely sweats either. I want to thank you for your very informative blog.
Hi Melissa, I’m so happy that I helped you understand your son a little better! π That’s something I’ve found too, more SPD people seem to be tolernat to the cold and the heat bothers them. So I’m different than most. I think that means I need to move to a warmer state, and soon! I don’t sweat either – even after running. Thank you so much for your support, and like I said before I’m thrilled that I helped. I’ll keep on writing even if it helps just one person.
Best Wishes,
Annette
Hi I just wanted to say great article!!! My son who turns 7 in jan. has aspergers and might I say can be quite a challenge. He only recently will allow me to use the showerhead on his body(not hair) although he usually takes baths. He will come home and take his shirt off until the next morning when he’s forced to put one on again for school. He will not let me cut his hair because of the feel of the hair on his skin. I have to tell him frequently to quiet down and or turn the tv down although sometimes I wonder if I am just being picky. He is starting a new school jan 3rd with a smaller class for challenged children and I’m hopeful that he won’t spend as much time in the principals office!!! Thank you for writing this. Now if you can write one on the best way to discipline we’d be all set!!! Have a great holiday!
Hi Lauren, sensory issues can be so diverse it amazes me. I’ve run into a lot of people with Asperger’s who dislike the feel of water on their skin. I’m the exact opposite and find it soothing, whether it’s a hot bath (and I mean HOT!), shower, pool or the ocean. I still remember how, when I was a teenager, my mom would scream at me to get out of the shower, because I would stay in it so long. So have you tried any occupational therapy with your son? If so, what do you think helped and what didn’t? Thank you for supporting me and my writing, I write from the heart and it feels great to know if I have helped even one person!
Have a wonderful holiday,
Annette
Thank you for this post. Our son has autism and spd. I knew he was affected by the age of two. Luckily there is so much info now via the net that we have been able to try to make accomidations to make his life happier and easier. He is effected by light, sound, touch and heat. Thank you again for sharing. Our son only has moderate speech so we have to watch for clues as to what could be setting him off. Your blog is just another piece of the puzzle.
Hi Tracy, I’m so glad that I could help you find one more piece to that puzzle! I think it’s great that you’re watching for those clues as to what could be troubling him. I’m just curious, have you tried any occupational therapy with your son? Has anything worked well or not so much? Thank you so much for your support! I will keep writing because of the lovely messages such as yours that I receive.
~Annette
I read this to my son, he is not on the spectrum, he is all SPD! He agrees with you about the clothes, he hates anything that doesnt have elastic and has to be under his belly button. He is the opposite of you in most everything. He is HYPO sensetive and it casuses much miss understanding. With the APD, he becomes overwhelmed and then all the sensory he is keeping at bay explodes. My son is a hummer……..he is constantly making noises! Thank you for being brave and sharing your story with others. Sensory is a real big area of neglect in the community.
Hi Neener, isn’t that crazy that SPD can affect a person in so many ways? I also feel that APD is overwhelming. I have been wanting to try one of those listening therapy programs for APD, but so far I haven’t gotten around to it. Has your son had any OT for his SPD & APD? And I agree – sensory problems are hugely neglected by the medical community!
Thank you for your support,
Annette
Thank you so much for writing this post!!!!!
Happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for your support.
Thank you very much for writing your post! A friend forwarded it to me about my teenage son and I began to realize where he’s coming from. I knew I was “very sensitive”; didn’t know there was a name or anything – he was “dignosed” as ADHD & cyclathymic disorder. (they don’t really fit (like round peg, square hole.)
Your blog makes much greater sense as to what’s wrong. This morning we were commenting about how “super-sensitive” his senses were. Its amazing what he sees, hears & is very sensitive to touch – extremely sensitive – all the senses – hyper… We moved to the middle of the woods, off-grid due to my “sensitivities” where my body can relax and he was born here. (I often wondered if I made it worse for him yet his “sensitivities” are amped even more. Is this because of where we live?)
The earphones helped him focus in school when younger and he did well; can’t get anyone now to listen – they just say he won’t focus… They get angry, frustrated & so does he. The few that remain calm, have no difficulty and tell me how special he is. He gets sooo frustrated trying to fit in. He works better in small groups, yet he needs socialization and keeps trying school and being a teenager in a small town… It can be so frustrating for him… We’re very rural (50 miles from nearest town) and he needs the interaction. I’ll share this with my family – it’s very helpful to know that there are others out there. Thank you!
Hi Lisa,
I’m very glad that my writing could help you understand a bit more about your son. From what I understand, SPD is common in people with ADHD as well. There are therapies that are specifically for SPD & ADHD, have you checked into anything like that? Hearing & socializing programs? Or an IEP at school?
I’m sure it’s difficult since you’re in a rural area to find support. I don’t think where you live caused the supersensitivities to increase, but this is based on my own experience. In quiet, rural areas, I feel much more at ease and not as much in that everlasting fight or flight mode.
I know how frustrating it is for him. I went through much of the same from elementary right through high school, and now the workplace. It’s gotten easier for me because I’ve trained myself to do certain things, and learned a lot just by watching and listening to people. I would highly encourage some social interaction, especially if he can handle small groups. What are his interests? Perhaps you could find something based on his interests, which will make him feel more at ease?
Good luck and know that you aren’t alone!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! So glad I found this post. My husband of 33 years thinks it’s “all in my head”. Do you happen to know if menopause can make things worse? It seems like I have more issues than I use to have.
Hi Judy,
I don’t know for sure if menopause can make SPD worse, but I’d think it’s a possibility. My traits have certainly gotten worse as I’ve gotten older, I’m not sure why, maybe it’s stress. But no, it’s not in your head, many people have sensory integration problems. Try the website I mentioned in the post for more information. I’m sure they have something you can print out to help your husband understand. Also check out SPD connect on Facebook. It’s mostly geared to children, but I’ve posted on there and gotten so many sugestions from parents, people with SPD, and occupational thereapists. Very helpful page.
Good luck,
Annette
Awesome post! My daughter was failure to thrive, low muscle tone, severe reflux which all resulted in a g-tube and an MRI that showed low white brain matter. Docs said it had to be from lack of oxygen at some point in the womb or at birth. Planned C-sect, normal pregnancy, hmmmm. Anyway, she had sensory issues as well as being delayed so we had PT and OT for 2 yrs working with her. My son who is 20 months older than her would do some of the things with her during therapy. I, as well as the therapists, started noticing he was worse than she was in some areas. When he was 3, I was battling throwing himself on the floor and ripping his clothes off (just switched from summer clothes to winter). One day he fell asleep in the car so I laid him on the couch. He woke up, realizing he had his clothes on, screamed and tore them off, came to sit on my lap and could feel me breathing, started screaming and hopped down and then the dog walked past him, ever so lightly POSSIBLY barely brushing against him. That was the day it all clicked!!! I knew at that point what was wrong. A friend with an autistic son said she saw sensory issues with him since he was 12 months old! Meanwhile, my mom was telling me to spank this out of him, there is no reason he should be throwing himself on the floor taking off his clothes and screaming. I’ve now been told for the past 2 1/2 yrs that it’s a discipline problem by my family. He’s now in kindergarten and can’t focus or sit still. His teachers are wonderful and work hard at keeping him on task. He is taking forever to copy a sentence off the board and is even missing out on the more fun activities because its such a challenge. He missed 13 letters on his paper one day with a note saying he was very distracted. I realized it was the day he came home and tore off his clothes faster than I’ve seen in a long time. I’m thankful that for the past 7 months he has been wearing his clothes all day and evening, even his socks at times. He will drink milk when its right out of the fridge, tells me he needs wind when we’re in the car rather than screaming because he gets warm, is okay with windows down at times and the sun doesn’t bother him as much. He’s learned to cope with some stuff but now that he’s getting older, new things are coming up. Gets on a bike and screams and cries because the pavement ahead is a TAD uneven or sloped, refuses to straighten arms on a swing to swing himself, crazy fear of heights. We’re starting OT in a few weeks and I’ve asked the school to eval him but they’ve already formed the opinion that he has ADHD because he can’t focus. His doc and I don’t think this is it. The kid can sit and do something for 20 minutes but can’t focus in school. I’m really thinking its a SPD thing and possibly LD. Any clue on how to get the schools to look past ADHD and quit jumping to that diagnosis?? Oh and BTW, HE was my kid that had oxygen issues during the birthing process which resulted in c-sect. I’m completely convinced that this was reason both my kids have sensory issues but my daughter’s early OT intervention has resulted in her being much more normal. I still see things but she has learned to cope much better. Sorry for being so long winded!
Hi Sarah:
I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through all of this. It sounds like your son is really sensitive to touch, hence the ripping off of clothes. It certainly isn’t a disciplinary problem, my god, that kind of treatment would make it even worse. Myself, I have to wear certain clothes, soft things with no tags or weird annoying seams. And I still cannot sleep with clothing on, it bunches up and irritates me too much. I have noticed that my sensitivities have changed as I’ve gotten older, they see to take turns annoying me!
So I asked a few people in the know about IEPs and this is what I found. Maybe one of these things can help you get your son’s testing & diagnosis done by the school without the automatic ADHD label. I would suggest that you get free advocate advice from your regional center (state run developmental delay facilities)…They will accompany parents to IEP’s when needed… There are a huge list of rules regarding your parental rights. Parents can call emergency IEP’s whenever needed. Just go to the school district office and they will start the process.
Also: There are books available that talk about IEP’s. You could go to your state board of education’s website for more info on IEP’s, 504 plans, etc. Generally a case study is completed on a child and if deficit areas are found an IEP is written to cover this through special education. Are you having problems in dealing with your child’s school? There is a new initiative called Response to Intervention or RTI. If children are having difficulties in school, interventions are put into place. If one intervention doesn’t work another is tried and the student moves up the pyramid. The fourth tier would be testing for special ed. That’s a very basic description, you could google to get more information.
I hope this helps you some. It can be difficult sometimes getting what you feel is right done. Good luck and thanks for commenting!
~ Annette
What a great blog! I am a OT (Australian). I have worked with SPD for almost 20 years (I feel old!). People were asking questions about adult treatment. The interplay between stress levels and sensory modulation is strong.
Sensory modulation is the technical term for hyper or hypo responsiveness/over or under sensitivity (so many terms for the same thing). It’s like the volume control on your radio except that you can’t control it. At any one time some sensations are are enhanced and others are inhibited so you can pay attention to the right thing but in SPD this is faulty and you end up with overactivation of the Autonomic Nervous Systems and the Fright, flight, fight “Stress Response”.
Anyway, as I said the interplay between stress levels and sensory modulation is strong. So, short story…ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO REDUCE YOUR STRESS LEVELS long term can be effective intervention – child and adult alike. So, when we look at what we know reduces excessive stress they are activities that elicit the parasympathetic nervous system to have a “relaxation” response:
π Sleep – good, regular, restful, sleep. See an ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat Specialist) if you snore because you won’t be breathing well and getting restful sleep.
π Meditation – to still the mind and focus on your breath
π Resistance exercise – push, pull, carry – weights, gardening, etc. Focus on core and breathing.
π Developing CORE postural muscles so that the diaphram can be pulled down easily and you can breath well.
π Massage and deep pressure – not tickling but a firm touch massage – if your are really touch sensitive just start with whatever body part you can handle
π Orgasm – Of course, for the adults here. No-one really talks about this point because we’re a bit shy…
π Reducing toxicity in the body – see a naturopath who looks at diet and nutritional supports, such as minerals to support the adrenal system (which is tied up with all of this) and a Vitamin B complex (like the ones prescribed for stress and mood disorders).
ALSO, if you have any ENT issues, such as mouth breathing, regular sinus issues go and see an ENT because these issues restrict every breath we take – breathing is the primary way we relax.
All of the small accommodations described by previous posters are great. If you also able to reduce your overall stress levels through strategies above and if you have a strong core and and breath well you won’t need so many minor accommodations.
I hope this helps some of the adults (and kids) out there.
Marg
hi – good read – i have aspergers – i believe autism across the spectrum is all the proof one needs to see that nature in regards to evolution is shifting. I occupy a five dimensional axiomatic reality – this obviously means nothing to most. Nature shifts slowly, and this shift will probably take another ten thousand years to fully realize itself.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. I believe in the shift as well, so you aren’t the only one. π
Wow. Great post, thank you!
I too deal with a lot of sensory issues as an adult. My 7 year old daughter deals with them as well. We also both have ADHD.
She started screaming at 3 weeks old and didn’t stop till she was close to 4 YEARS. That was fun. π Everything bothered her. She would NOT take a bottle. She wanted to be held, but then would keep her body incredibly rigid & stiff, leaning away from me the whole time. She screamed unless she was “just right” which was almost impossible to do.
As she got a bit older & it was easier to tell what was setting her off, I began to understand… And try to explain to my husband that if the sock is bunched in the shoe (i HATE socks), life was not okay. She really could not “ignore” it & she wouldn’t just “get used to it” as suggested.
She will not eat pasta.
I can’t eat slimy or gritty food.
I can’t eat food with mixed textures.
Lights bother me greatly.
Sounds are the WORST for me! Small repeating sounds or loud abrupt sounds. I can not deal with smacking or dripping noises.
I have to be still or move myself. I can’t handle other people moving me (if a child climbs on the bed & wiggled or keeps bumping my chair)
She can’t deal with people touching her unless its her idea.
We both have big issues with touch and clothing.
She still just gets overstimulated in general.
My overstimulation is the worst when I’m hungry or stressed.
If one thing sets her off & no one helps quick enough (or she’s ignored or gotten onto), other things become a rapid domino effect in overstimulation.
Things I’ve found to help:
Me: sugar type candy (smarties, fun dip) – sounds bizarre, but it calms, soothes & helps me focus. Caffeine also helps me focus. It doesn’t wire me like most people.
Blankets.
Normally I’m extremely extroverted, but when overstimulated, I need to be in a quiet comfy (soft) place with a blanket & sugar candy… and I’ll bounce right back.
If I can’t get away from stimulation, just the candy or frappe or mellow yellow will help calm enough till I can get away. Seems kinda crazy to add stimulants to stimulation, but for whatever reason, it works for me.
Daughter: a blanket will help, but she does not sleep with one. It’s on her bed, but never on her body, ha!
The only thing Ive found so far to help calm her down quickly & totally, is to just sit in the floor & pull her into my lap, wrapping my arms around her as she folds into a ball. I will put my face in hers, letting my hair even fall around her… And sing to her or just speak softly “i love you. It’s okay” over and over. Sometimes rocking, sometimes not.
She will come to me & ask me to hold her.
When she’s having difficulties, but not to the point of general over stimulation… She will come sit on my or close by, pick up my hand and tell me she wants me to rub her back, arm, etc & even tell me how (lightly, w/ fingernails, massaging, etc.).
Carol Kranowitz (or some such similar spelling) wrote a book called “The Out Of Sync Child” and another “The Out Of Sync Child Has Fun” that are EXTREMELY helpful, even to me as an adult.
I explain that my daughter is different than most kids. She’s very smart & very sweet, but she is kinda like a cat. She can only handle so much & on her terms. After that, she freaks out & needs to hide. π
Also, she has major mouthing issues. Nothing hugely noticeable to the outside world, but she will put her mouth on anything (shopping cart, edge of table in restaurant, etc), is constantly chewing on her hair or has her whole hand in her mouth (at home). I have recently stumbled across chewelry and am looking for something she might wear, like & chew on.
There was something else I was thinking, but I’ve been interrupted too many times while typing & my dog is breathing so loudly I can’t think any more!
Thank you so much for this post. I can’t wait to explore the rest of your blog!
My husband & I are also foster parents, and lots of children that we’ve had in our home have some type of sensory issues. It’s challenging and fun to figure everyone out, and be able to pass along what helps to other people in their lives.
Karyn Purvis wrote “The Connected Child” and has a website “www.empoweredtoconnect.org” or “.com”, can’t remember. She has very valuable information and techniques that we use on a daily basis.
Have a great day!
JoAnna
Oh yeah… I also deal w/ smells & “have to” touch things I’m interested in to get the full effect. It’s like I have to experience everything… Not just see it.
Like, I want to touch paintings & peoples clothes that look a bit different, etc…
Ah, the fun. π
Hi JoAnna,
Thank you so much for your support! π I loved your reply, you gave a lot of examples of the different ways sensory issues effect us and some of the ways you have found around them. I’m sorry it’s taken me this long to reply to you. I have Interstitial Cystitis and I’ve been too sick to keep up with my messages lately. I’ll have to check out those books you mentioned. Maybe I’ll be able to do a book review for it on my facebook page.
Thanks again for sharing your experiences with me,
Annette
[…] What is it like to have a Sensory Processing/IntegrationΒ Disorder? […]
Thank you for the referral! π
This post describes my tow girls who are 7 years old. It was really encouraging to me because you wrote about it so “matter-of-fact” and that you are happy with who you are…..that gives me hope for my girls. Because right now they stick out in any situation. One is in constant fight mode and one is in flight mode. I get the best of both worlds:) I love them so much and I just want to help them in any way I can…..I will save this for them so that one day they will see that they are not alone. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us:)
I meant my “two girls” π
Hi Kimberley, I figured you meant two girls. π So are your girls twins? That must be something, one in fight & one in flight mode. I can just imagine! Thank you for reading my post, I’m really glad it encouraged you. I might still stick out a bit, but I’m quite content with who I am. π Autism spectrum disorder and everything that came along with it. Are your girls on the Spectrum as well, or is it SPD alone that they have to deal with? I started this blog because I wanted to reach out to parents who needed me, but my main aim, as I write this book, is to let all those little girls out there know they weren’t alone in all that happens to them, emotionally or otherwise. So what you said encourages me in turn.
They are not twins but they are 6 weeks apart in age. We adopted one from China and one from South Korea. They both were recently diagnosed with SPD and one will have further testing when we get home. Right now we live as missionaries in Mexico but my Momma radar tells me something else is going on with one of them other than just SPD:) So we are headed back to Texas (for good) so we can get them the right therapy for both of them. Oh and yes…the fight in one and flight in the other proves quite interesting around here:) But really….thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am so thankful I found your blog and I will be reading up on prior posts as well. Have a blessed weekend!!!
Hi there… Our 20 month old son was born profoundly deaf with ANSD and now has bilateral cochlears… The last few months we have been noticing changes … Tantrums, head butting, jumping off sofa etc with no concept of fear/danger, doesn’t like certain textures and tastes, balance is terrible or no awareness of surroundings… Cannot sit still – loves confined space of high chair but hates swings, shopping trolleys as feels cannot balance and very fearful… His therapist thinks it may be SPD as showing symptOms… Vestibular based … Worries me as constantly thrashing, skittish and the head butting of walls and floors ….. Currently waiting for OT referral – any suggestions ??? Thanks for your time x
Hi Mrs. Stephens,
I’m so sorry to hear that your little son is going through so much right now. I’m certainly no expert, but I’m just wondering, has the therapist considered an ASD in addition to SPD? Some of the symptoms that you mention overlap with ASD. I would hate for something like that to be missed.
I’m not sure what can be done to help, other than avoiding those things that seem to overstimulate him for now. Stay away from the foods, noises & fabrics that he can’t tolerate yet. I was a very clumsy kid who also had problems with balance & depth perception. I remember being horrified whenever I knocked over a glass of juice or whatnot. It was frustration in that case that put me in a meltdown. The best thing my mom ever did was not to scold me or make a big deal out of accidents. She really must’ve had a lot of patience. π
Have you ever seen the movie Temple Grandin? You mention that your son likes the confined space of the high chair. That reminds me of Temple because she’s the one that demonstrated how being in a confined space was calming for some people. She actually built her own “squeeze machine” for when she felt overstimulated.
I don’t know if I’ve helped you much, but I really hope you find an OT soon. And please keep me up to date with your son when you can. xxxx
~ Annette
Hi there Annette…Thanks for your message – very kind of you to reply to me…
Like i say at the moment, its very early days with him – Because he has cochlear therapy (speech etc) its something they have picked up on from observations…. His symptoms inc thrashing/skittish behaviour, crashing and constantly had butting people, walls , floors – in fact anything!, picky with foods, only drinks milk, tires easily, doesnt really like being touched although craves tight squeezing and any pressure applied to him, can’t sit still for long periods of time and handle transition, chews his fists/hands, balance and co-ordination are very poor – gets so very frustrated…
Like i say we are awaiting referral to OT desperately as well as Paediatrician evaluation…Therapist thinks definite case of SPD but not sure about ASD as its not her field?? Will try and locate that film and watch it – it may prove to be an interesting read…
Yes Annette you have helped a great deal and just lovely to hear someone elses opinion and thoughts on the subject as all so new to us….
Thanks so very much for your time ……Sharon x
[…] about him. I worry he’ll get hurt and I worry what the future holds for him. I recently read an article from an adult’s perspective on what it feels like to have SPD. It made me sad to know this is what my son deals […]
Thank you for mentioning my blog in your own article. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions about my experiences with SPD.
~ Annette
My family members every time say that I am killing my time here at web, but I know I am getting know-how everyday by
reading such pleasant content.
Thank you, I’m glad you feel that way! π
Hi there!
I have just started my own blog about my own SPD as nobody around me (except parents of auti or aspi kids) know what it is and it’s hard to explain. I too am hypersensitive to all senses, hearing being my main aggravating problem though. I can now look back at my childhood and realise the hours of swinging blinded folded or rocking on my hands and knees for hours was all due to undiagnosed SPD as a child. Mine seems to be extremely bad when I’m pregnant, which is fascinating as well as frustrating for all involved.
Thanks for sharing your story!
Thank you, Bambi. I will have to check out your blog, it sounds very interesting. π
Reading ur blog has made me realise that the things my child goes thru everyday is really upsetting for him, he’s only 5 and I think he mite b hypo sensitive 2 a lot of things, he’s physically sick a lot of the time because of smells and he will spit his food in the toilet, socks make him cry and won’t wear a coat unless its a silky material and many more things. I just googled what he was like and ur blog came up any ideas on any help tried thru the school but don’t get anywhere. Thanx
Have you tried having him evaluated by an occupational therapist, Rachel? I’m not positive how things work with schools, but I believe if your son has problems that prevent him from learning in a traditional school setting (and if he has sensory problems, it may very well be affecting his ability to learn), then you are entitled to an IEP meeting/evaluations and treatment plan. If you can’t get help from the school (and I would go right to the top level there), it sounds like an evaluation by a neuropsychologist would help you at least get a diagnosis. Once you’ve got a diagnosis, they can’t deny it any longer, and you’ll be able to tell your occupational therapist exactly where the problems are. The OT would work with your boy on a regular basis to address the targeted areas, and give you help with ideas for things that you can do at home. This is how I understand that it works anyway. When I was a kid, they didn’t even know what SPD or Autism Spectrum Disorder was. I send a lot of people to SPD connect on facebook, where parents can interact and discuss issues, what worked for their kids and what didn’t. They also have a website with information and support. I wish you and your son the best! Please stop back and let me know of any successes or helpful organizations that you may come across, as it may help other parents as well. π
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Hi, I wish for to subscribe for this webpage to get most up-to-date updates, so where can i do it please assist.
I’m actually closing my account on WordPress soon. You can find me at http://www.facebook.com/AutismandAngels. Thanks for your interest.
Thank you so much for this blog. I was searching the internet because my grandson has what we thought, over sensitive hearing. If he is playing a video game and someone across the room hums softly he will ask them to stop because it is bothering him. He hates to hear a person burp or make any noise that to everyone else is natural. We would get upset with him and it got to the point that I decided to look it up. I am amazed that this is a real disorder. He also sweats a lot and cannot sleep without the fan blowing directly in his face whether it is summer or winter. He sleeps only in his underwear.
I am going to let his mother read your blog and get him to his pediatrician to get tested for SPD. This blog has really opened my eyes and now I feel bad about thinking he was just being difficult. He really does hear things on a different level than the rest of us. Thanks again.
So I have had this for year does anyone else have trouble relaxing the muscles I latterly can’t they are always tight never noticed tell I was getting out of the army due to a broken back and the doctors pointed it out to me
Mos15e, yes! I cannot relax them like (I believe) other ppl can. If I concentrate really hard to try to relax them, I might be able to have them relax part or most of the way, but it only lasts until the next time I take a breath, as taking a breath causes them to go back to my normal tightness.
I’m 63 yrs old. Sounds/noises are the biggest problem for me. I really thought I was going insane and just can’t stand to be around people. I can’t go to a movie theater, concert, large meeting, and now i’m having a hard time going to church. If I am touched in certain ways, lightly, or brushed against, like someones sleeve that is sitting close by me, I just want to punch them. There are so many other things… I knew something was not right with me, but no one ever seemed to care. I just wanted to know that this “thing”/emotion/feeling has a name to it!
I can totally relate to most of this. I have a mild case of this too. If someone isn’t looking at me or facing my direction, I can’t make out what they are saying a lot of the time. Yet, a fly buzzing across the room will drive me insane. I can smell like there’s no tomorrow. Anything below 60 and I’m chilly. It’s had a positive affect on my eyes, I have better than 20/20 vision at 41 years old. Tastes and textures have a big affect on what I can eat. Can’t have anything touching my back, drives me crazy. I could go on and on. I’ve learned to adapt and do well. My wonderful wife does her best to take care of me. Will cook me mild tasting foods and such. I try to use it to my advantage in my professional life. I own a Cell phone repair business cause I can see things others need some sort of magnifying glass to see. I do micro-soldering for computer shops and myself.
Its made for an interesting life for sure.
This article connected all if the “DOTS” for me. I’m stunned, excited, relieved, and finally at peace…. Just knowing that I’m not the “NOT” the only one!
Life Changing
A
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