Still hypersensitive at age 60 and its fine...

YEP... All my life...

I HAVE BEEN SENSITIVE TO MOST SENSORY INPUT
I wear sunglasses a lot,because my eyes are so sensitive to light and flickering. I do not own a TV or computer, can't watch TV or films. Can only look at the computer screen for about 45 minutes a day It was enough for my jobs. I can't look a person in the eye and keep a conversation going...Too distracting. I have learned to apologize and explain. I have very POOR facial recognition and am comfortable apologizing for that too.

I wear ear plugs most of the time when leaving my home... as I find machine noises and car noises painful. I avoid 'background' noise in my home. No hums. I get EASILY distracted if there is more than one conversation. Had to work in my own office.

Had trouble learning to walk; did not crawl, could not catch balls or swim. Could not copy physical movements made by others. Took over a year with a very patient dad to learn to ride a bike., I didn't like bouncing or jumping or jogging.I failed physical education a few times. Have trouble using small objects, though handwriting is OK. Cannot figure out how to put things together; e.g. part of a machine.

I can't drive, and can't feel where I am in space. I take the bus or walk. I have got lost in the community I lived in for 30 years. It took me over 6 months to find my way easily around one small building I worked in. I just let staff know I would be getting lost for a while, and to bear with me. They did and life went on.

I am very SENSITIVE to touch; can't bear clothing tags. Many fibers feel too scratchy, and make my skin burn, turn red and itch.
I find MANY foods TOO salty, or spicy, burning my mouth. And I can't stand textures that are fatty or slimy or too dry..

SOUNDS BLEAK eh?

But I don't mind using sunglasses and earplugs. I love sensing delicate things in nature: hearing a bird far away, watching a butterfly, tasting a water droplet on a leaf... .I wear light soft cotton or linen clothes, and non-restricting shoes. I am a vegetarian, and enjoy juicy light vegies and fruits greatly.I am an avid reader, in the history of ideas and philosophy. I began walking in nature as a teenager, and have great hiking endurance, and use naturall landmarks including smelling water to help me appreciate and orient in nature. I enjoy walking in the dark near known landmarks. I learned to swim as a grownup and I can enjoy it now. i have a lovely singing voice, and have sung in choirs and created some of my own songs, including one to thank my mom and dad for their fine natures. I have enjoyed good friends, with whom to walk and talk about ideas. I have four university degrees, in both social science and science, with strong abilities in language, logic and mathematics.. I have worked in several worthwhile professions, rewarding to me and useful to others and was considered gifted in my work.I also was a volunteer for some years in poor countries, where my simple lifestyle was an asset.. I am retired now... thankful to still be in good physical health and good spirits.

My parents were VERY supportive and reminded me of my strengths and gifts. I was never considered handicapped, and received no diagnoses or medical intervention. They clearly respected and loved me for what I was. I have been teased as a child and an adult..and that was sometimes hurtful. Nevertheless, despite being seen as eccentric by family and friends, I have enjoyed love, respect, and meaning. I am thankful for my life.


So... if your kids have these challenges, they can still have a wonderful life.... Focus on strengths, foster resilience and thinking of alternatives... not 'putting up with problems'.