Sensory Processing Disorder
Online Support Group

Hi. I'm a mom of two boys, and our 4 year old has been loosely diagnosed with SPD among other possibilities. After reading a ton of info about SPD I know that's what he's got.

I sit here in tears reading about other parents dealing with this, and finally feel like we are not alone. I'm not the only one getting looks from strangers as our son has a major meltdown in public, or crying at night because I feel like we are failing him. So far we've only seen an OT twice in the past 8 months (he's on a waiting list). Been to our family doctor and still on the waiting list for a mental health assessment.

I just don't know what else I can do. I feel like he's completely worn us out, and I've exhausted all my parental reserves.

You have found the right place! You are so far from alone indeed

The book, "The out of sync child" is a "bible" for parents with SPD. Could help out alot. And of coarse coming to this forum.

If I knew more on his specific behavioral tendencies, I may be able to give some advice

Hope all is well!

I have actually started reading that book. He is a sensory seeker, is constantly moving, jumping, spinning, and everything has to be loud and fast. He can barely sit still for even one minute. He has major tantrums, and gets very aggressive and violent during his meltdowns. He's also very picky. Likes only certain foods and drinks, and favors the feeling of silk clothing. Has always had issues sleeping. I'm worried about him starting school in a month, and we still havent really had any professional help (2 one hour sessions with an OT over the past 8 months, and still on the wait list for seeing a mental health professional.

I was a lot like that as a kid! Family wasn't too happy with me haha. I know mostly what works for me as an adult. AS a kid we had a swing set in our backyard, that was helpful. So was our office spinning chair. Having a blanket around to wrap myself. And having my parents wrap it super tight around me. For food, I do better with small pieces. About half the size of what most people consider small. And to have as little food showing. So sandwiches, wraps, smoothies etc were easier. Anything crunchy helps block out other textures, and is good for sensory seekers. Plastic utensils always made me less picky too. Having something to grip in my hands, or play with was helpful too. I can't think of others. Oh, wearing a hat has always been super good!

There are many more suggestions in the coping strategies thread. Here is the link,

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/sensory-processing- disorder-discussions/general-support/3744824-coping- strategies

I am sure someone else will reply with more, it is the weekend, so the forum is much slower than normal.

Hope you have a good weekend!

Post edited by: zaylia, at: 07/15/2012 11:47 AM

Yeah it can be really hard living with another person with SPD. And other people really don't understand it. Growing up people just thought I was spoiled, or had tantrum problems, or need more discipline, or was lazy or picky. No one really understood that this was a real problem and how hard it was for me. I know I drove my parents nuts constantly. People still think that about me and nothing can be further from the truth. I think the fact that you are actually recognizing your son's condition and acknowledging that it's not his fault does mountains for a kid. It's a hard thing to live with, but at least now you can help him grow up understanding what is going on with him instead what happened with me. I pretty much grew up feeling like some sort of alien-freak-person. I think your son is lucky to have a mother who has caught this problem so early. When I was his age, no one really talked about this sort of thing and I didn't get this diagnosis until I was 30.

I completely agree with IKeepgoing! The BEST thing for a SPD child, is support and understanding.

Thanks. I feel like it is a good first step that we see and acknowledge that things are "different" for him. I've known almost since the first week he was born that he wasn't really the same as other kids/babies. By one week old, he could push himself from one end of the crib to the other... totally unheard of in my family and all our friends. People in our baby group looked at me like I was nuts!! But to have a crawling 4 month old and a full out running 8 month old is basically nuts - but nothing stops our son.

That is FANTASTIC!!!

I think SPD can really help figure out movements sometimes. I taught myself how to ride a flat tired bike, too big for me, on a downwards, gravol driveway. And things like sports, I am naturally good at just knowing how to move. Even race car driving in video games is natural. Anytime I overthink movement, I fail. But if I go with instincts, it's all good. I also used to do yoga poses and didnt even know they were yoga. Same with chiropractic moves. But I can't dance for the life of me!! haha

Has all gotten a bit harder the older I get, because I think and analyze things. But as a kid, they just do it! That is exciting to wonder what your son may all do and accomplish with wonder! I know it took me WAY longer to crawl or stand walk, run. That truly is so amazing what your son has done!!

Hi Carebaby, my son was a problem from the word go, he is adopted but I fostered him from hospital. He was a prem baby and use to hit himself and scratch his tummy and thrash all the time, awake and asleep. Though he didn't sleep much. He screamed most of the time and wriggled non stop. He is nearly 6 now and was only diagnosed beginning of the year with SPD. I fought hard to find out what was wrong with him, everyone said he was just hyperactive. I too suffered comments in supermarkets etc.

It does make you a stronger person. I fight for my child constantly but it is worth it. His school sent him to OT for diagnosis. They have been brilliant. He also can't at the moment eat wheat, gluten and soya. At one time he didn't have dairy either. He spins, runs, jumps, shouts is very very hyperactive and everything is done as loud or as fast as possible. He doesn't see others invisible box so touches everything and everyone. Hugs babies he doesn't know, breaks toys, he is behind in his class but has an IEP and extra help. The list goes on.

He is however funny, smiles nearly all the time, is very lovably and I don't know what I would do without him. You will find the strength to get there, it is long and hard but oh so worth it. If I can help in any way please get in touch even if it's cos you having a rough day.

He also gets me into embarrassing situations but hey ho you only get one shot at life. Grasp it with both hands and run with them. Just in case you think I am a young mum. Think again I am 55 but he keeps me young.

Wow Jaffa! Your son sounds a lot like mine. Everything loud, everything fast, all the time!

When we had our second son, I was shocked to find that some babies actually sleep! Our guy could maybe get 5 hours and still be going full speed, and of course he has a very hard time falling asleep and staying asleep.

I know that I'm the only one who will stand up for him and fight for him, so I won't let this go until we get somewhere. We now have an apt next week with a child life and child cognition experts. The following week we are finally meeting with a child mental health worker.

Hopefully we will get into the OT program. The very brief 2 sessions we have had are good, but I know we need more support. Especially right now while we are all trying to learn and find what will work best for him.

Honestly, I already feel like a weight has been lifted just from finding this group. Thanks everyone!!