Comments on: Accepting the Reality of Sensory Processing Disorder

By: dahlia

dahlia — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 18:44:25 +0000

In reply to Treble.

Hi Treble,

I’ve never heard of an adult with SPD, of course kids grow up…I would love to hear more about how you dealt with your challenges. I sometimes think my daughter is growing out of it, but she still has setbacks. Maybe other things are at work there too. I don’t know how to do this blog stuff – can you write back to me? How do I give you my contact information?

Thanks so much Selena, I just discovered your blog and plan to spend lots of time catching up with it.

By: Treble

Treble — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 23:46:44 +0000

In reply to Sarah Nenni Daher.

Hi! I just found your blog, and I think I’m gonna keep following it! I’m studying to be a teacher, so I LOVE anything that can help me understand my students better – and the information here for ADHD, etc will be especially beneficial, I think.

I can totally relate to this post on SPD. Not because I have kids that are SPD, but because I myself have SPD, and I show cases of both the sensory underresponsive and the sensory overresponsive. You summarized both sides very well. And I often questioned myself as to whether or not there was something more going on than just SPD. But I’ve come to the conclusion that I really am just SPD, and that’s OK 🙂 It can be super hard to find a medical practicioner who’s familiar with SPD because of how debated the diagnosis is in the medical community, but the diagnosis is so worth it. Although there’s no medication for it, the accommodations in the classroom can be so helpful, especially with teachers who actually train the kids so they don’t need the accommodations anymore once the year’s over. Keep pressing! You’ll find someone soon! 🙂

By: Selena Robinson

Selena Robinson — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 01:18:47 +0000

In reply to Stephanie. It is such a relief to hear from fellow moms of SPD kids! And it's so great to hear that your son is doing so well! Really gives me hope that our kids can excel. We just got a chewable necklace for Tigger last week. She really likes to use it when we're doing math, which is not her best subject. Interestingly, her grades are much, much better since using it. ;)

By: Selena Robinson

Selena Robinson — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 01:17:25 +0000

In reply to Kari. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your story! It definitely takes time to find out exactly what is going on, but it's worth the effort.

By: Selena Robinson

Selena Robinson — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 01:16:42 +0000

In reply to Dawn Perry. Alone time is sooo important for sensory-sensitive kids. Shucks, I need it myself pretty often! Sometimes I have to tell the kids "Okay, Mommy needs everyone to be quiet for two minutes." :)

By: Krista Bateman

Krista Bateman — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 20:16:04 +0000

We have a 4 year old with SPD. I “always knew” something was different. I had even convinced myself he had a degree of autism. We questioned the pediatrician who assured us he was nowhere near the autism spectrum. However, he wasn’t the most supportive of our pursuit of getting him evaluated. He did eventually give us our order for evaluation. Once evaluated, it was like a light went off! EVERYTHING started making sense. We learned about different therapies, why he’s always been so sensitive to sounds, why he throws temper tantrums, etc. We decided to use OT and ST in conjunction with ILS therapy, and we’re seeing vast improvement. He’s transitioning well, he’s able to verbalize whenthings are too loud or he’s over stimulated, and he’s making friends. I encourage you to pursue therapy (ours specializes in sensory issues), and keep researching and understanding!

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 16:49:27 +0000

3 of my 4 kids have SPD. Working with an OT who specializes in sensory can be a huge help! There are also catalogs that cater to sensory issues – Therapro- is one. They have great ideas in them. For your daughter’s chewing/sucking needs, many OT’s suggest a product called Chewelry which is jewelry that is designed to be chewed on and sucked on for sensory input. Since it looks like fun jewelry, your child doesn’t stick out wearing it and it is designed to be safe. Your child will need something to fulfill that sucking need. It won’t just go away (down the road it may, but that could be way down the road!)
I have a 17 year old who had very strong sensory issues, Because we did OT and really structured our lives to be responsive to his needs, he has turned out great! He is a straight A student in an IB high school program, has plenty of friends, and seems like every other nice, polite teen. His sensory is still there some, but he has learned how to cope with it and even thrive. No one has a clue the sensory is there. So if you handle it right, it is just part of who they are. It was not an easy road – and I am really reliving it with my 8 year old- but the payoff is immense. I think sensory kids turn out to be incredibly compassionate and understanding when their needs are met in a sensitive, appropriate way! My 16 year old also had sensory issues in addition to ADD and he also has turned out beautifully – straight A’s, class VP, and socially doing great! If you ever want more info on what worked & didn’t for us, feel free to contact me! Our OT jokes I know enough on sensory to be an OT- I just don’t have the degree! definitely get to a pediatrician who accepts the sensory diagnosis. You need someone on your team who “gets it. Also be vary careful consulting psychologists to be sure they agree with a sensory diagnosis. Many sensory kids can get labeled as having oppositional defiant disorder when in fact their SPD is what is causing the “defiant” behavior. Enjoying your blog.

By: Kari

Kari — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 12:01:48 +0000

My son has SPD. I knew that something was a miss and fought hard to figure out what it was. He has been seeing a PT and starts OT next week. His PT actually pushed for a sensory evaluation and for his official diagnosis. I think the acceptance process is different for each parent and child. What helped me was everyone seemed to be very open and excepting. I know that doesn’t happen for everyone. I’m sorry it’s been such a difficult road for you! Good luck!

By: Dawn Perry

Dawn Perry — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 22:27:59 +0000

My almost 11 year old is easily overstimulated, and gets overwhelmed by being with people too much, even a couple of days of one-on-one friend dates can leave him burnt out and overwhelmed. I am finding that it helps to find a quiet place that he can go to when he needs to calm down. I let those in charge know we have set this up and then rehearse with him before hand. I also have been teaching him to politely tell his friend that he needs a bit of time to himself and then leave for a while. This is helping, although it doesn’t solve all our social problems.

By: Selena Robinson

Selena Robinson — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 10:07:14 +0000

In reply to Adrienne Bolton (@TheMommyMess).

Thanks for sharing your experience, Adrienne. I’ve often wondered if there are other issues that are going on that we’re unaware of, but it’s so hard to get a good, straightforward diagnosis. A lot of times doctors will just take your word for it and use that as a guide. But that’s not necessarily all there is to the situation, kwim?

It’s so good to hear that your son is managing better. That really gives me hope. 🙂