I am 26 and Im not weird I have SPD and SID.

by Nicole
(Massachusetts)

Hello,

My name is Nicole and I am from Boston. I just turned 26 this past May.

I was diagnosed with both SPD and SID when I was only 7 years old. It was tough for me because kids did not know what it was or understand what I had. They would make fun of me and call me weird. I had a hard time making friends because I wasn't really able to socialize with others, because of my shyness. Getting my haircut was a nightmare because I didn't like people touching me.

I had extensive OT and PT to help me and my parents fought to get the state to pay for it. They were lucky enough to get the state of MA to pay for it because it was expensive and insurance did not cover it. They also had to fight for me in school to get the help that I needed.

I remember when I was about 9 or 10 my mother had signed me up for swimming lessons at the Y and I was excited to go. The first day of class the teacher had us put on bubbles that would keep us afloat in the water. She then instructed us to swim to the other side of the shallow end. All the other kids went but me. I stood there frozen unable to move. I was scared and didn't think the bubble would keep me up. I remember looking over at my mom, I was about to cry because I felt like I had failed. Swimming lessons after that were not much fun. I never really learned how to swim after that. I tried though.

After having all the extensive OT and PT at age 14 I was told I did not need it anymore and that I had graduated, which made me feel good inside. I was able to go on to high school and do well in school.

After high school I went away to college in CT that had a great program for students with learning disabilities. I was able to graduate with my BS in liberal studies, and I graduated with honors. It was a HUGE accomplishment for me and my family was proud of me.

Since then I have been able to do a lot of things that I didn't think I would have been able to do since I have SID and SPD. I have gone on my dads motorcycle with no problems and I have gone on a 2 week cruise with one of my best friends.

I am proud of myself and would love to help others because I know what others are going through.

Just remember YOU ARE NOT ALONE! There are others out there who share your pain and frustration such as me, and you can do anything.

To parents do not let schools or education systems tell you your child doesn't need the help because only you know what your child needs. If you feel like your child needs the help then you keep fighting to get them what you need.