Suddenly sensitive

by Trisha
(Asia)

I am a mother of a 15 turning 16 year old daughter. I remember her having some symptoms of SPD as a kid. But it was very mild. She didn't like kisses from her dad because of his facial hair and she wipes off after. I cut quite a few tags off, had a few battles with her concerning clothes and accessories. and up until now she really HATES it when someone combs her hair. She would clench her teeth or bite her tongue. She said she didn't like saying ouch too many times when her sister or I combs her hair as she feels it's extremely annoying if she does. But if her grandma brushes her hair, she will keep saying ouch after each stroke and take the brush away to comb her hair herself. It even hurts for her to brush it herself.

Showers were never too much of a problem but there were sometimes where she felt that the water hitting her really hurt like tiny arrows stabbing her. She used to only be able to sleep if someone scratched her back until she fell asleep. Now, she can't fall asleep unless a pillow or a bolster is constantly touching her back. She doesn't mind teeth brushing since little and even found it too ticklish when someone else brushed her teeth for her. She is excessively ticklish and will hit whoever tickles her.

She has a habit since young where she bites her nails and cuticle. She used to chew her shirts. Now, she constantly needs something in her mouth so she keeps her bitten off nails in her mouth (even through the night) and eats even when she isn't hungry. As a kid she would keep her food in her mouth and didn't chew. But she also can't stand food that's is too spicy, sour or salty and once almost vomited from swallowing yogurt and actually vomited from the smell of her medicine before. She gets really scared and panicked if she has to swallow a pill. However, she isnt a picky eater at all.And the list goes on. but of course these issues are quite mild and I never really thought too much about it.. After all it didn't affect her daily functioning or her behavior in school.


Now I think her senses are getting worse. She only wears either her pajamas or just three pairs of shirt and 3 pairs of shorts. No long sleeves. (she rolls up the sleeves of her pyjamas) She only likes wearing sports bra but doesnt mind underwear too much.. She always had her 'favorite' pieces of clothing and would be devastated if she outgrew them.

Lately, her Tactile sense has been worsening and she is getting more annoyed at her clothing. Even the tablecloth is starting to annoy her. She always had a sensitive nose but it seems to be getting more sensitive. Her hearing is keeping her awake at night these few days.. It all happened suddenly but she did have a few changes in her life recently. Not too extreme though. Even though it's worsening, it is still mild and doesn't really affect her life too much. She still gets her appropriate hours of sleep still.


I'm just wondering weather these are just normal issues or does she have a mild case of SPD? Is it possible for her to suddenly get increasingly sensitive almost overnight? I just want to know if it is normal behavior or has happened before. My other children dont really have symptoms of SPD.. Accept one that has sensitive hearing and hears sounds that others don't normally hear and has sensitive smell too. I just want to know if it sounds like I need to worry or if that's completely normal behavior. To me, it's not much of a problem. But i want to hear what others think. Thank you for reading.