SPD is ruling my life!

by Elizabeth
(Connecticut)

My 4 year old son was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder about 6 months ago. I went through this checklist and am constantly learning new behaviors that go hand in hand with sensory issues, and they all fit my son perfectly. For example, I always thought it was strange that he ran in the house and purposely fell onto the hard wood floor. He has black and blues all over his legs from doing this, but it doesn't bother him. And he's constantly putting things in his mouth, which drives me crazy. He never looks people in the eyes when talking to them - I thought it was shyness, but it seems related to the sensory issues too.




He started occupational therapy, which has helped, but we seem to go up and down. I was happy to see that it's not unusual to be inconsistent in their behavior. I am so frustrated b/c he used to only have issues with shoes and socks, but now he will only wear sweatpants and refuses socks completely. He won't wear his pajamas anymore and forget about a winter coat. I try really hard to be patient, but it's wearing me down. Any suggestions? Are there parents of Sensational kids support groups? We are struggling every day.............



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Nov 09, 2010
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Deep breath
by: Anonymous

Take a deep breath and if possible take some time for you and for your husband. This is not the end of the world, but it is a game changer for you and your family. There will be issues, and things that occur that make you scratch your head. You are going to have days like you did today that all you want to do is run away. Yes, there are groups, the best thing you can do is to get a good friend, one or two that understands and gets it. One person that will let you vent and get it out and then pour you a glass of wine and never bring up what you said again.

As you said, you are knew to this, and you are going to have days like this, the socks, shoes, sweat pants is all normal. They do make seamless socks, I have not broken down and purchased any as of yet, I do try and make sure I wash everything with fabric softener as this helps but I try not to over compensate for my children, all three have SPD, I want them to learn to adjust and deal with the extra sensations, it is not an excuse for bad behavior on their part in my mind.

Just remember at the end of the day you have to do what works for your family and as every SPD child is different, I have three very different SPD children, there is no way to really compare our children.. Hang in there and welcome.

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