What a Child with Sensory Processing Disorder (“SPD”) Would Tell You If They Could:

[neonds13]

What a Child with Sensory Processing Disorder (“SPD”) Would Tell You If They Could:

Carrie Fannin

1. I have SEVEN senses, not five. Each of them affects the way I feel and learn and interact with those around me.

2. I must have a calm mind and a calm body in order to learn. I have a bright mind that becomes lost and confused with a traffic jam of input from my sensory system.

3. There are many red flags to my disorder that are often-times unintentionally disregarded: I’m not being a “big boy” or girl for not crying after that “huge fall” – I may be unaware or unresponsive to pain or touch. I may be very bothered by overcrowded areas, or my clothing may bother me to the point of a meltdown. I may avoid touching any thing “messy” like glue, mud, or even my birthday cake! Noises may bother me to the point of a full-body “startle”, or my hands may “fly” up to my ears to cover the sound. It may be hard for me to wind down to go to sleep at night; or I may never nap during the day or sleep through the night. I might chew on my clothing at the sleeves or collars excessively. All of these things can indicate a body that is having trouble staying regulated.

4. Meltdowns are not the same as a tantrum. A meltdown is an outburst of rage or frustration caused by stress (i.e. caused by sensory overload) A meltdown is not a tantrum. A tantrum is intentional behavior for the purpose of manipulation.

5. I do best when I have a routine; it comforts me and gives me something that I can count on when most of the time everything in my day feels out of control.

6. Transitions are hard for me (and the words “no”, “don’t”, and “STOP” are all transition words).

7. A Sensory Diet is an important part of my day. Every Day.

8. I am not going to “grow out” of my SPD. With sensory-based Occupational Therapy and maturity, I will learn self-coping skills but my disorder will never “just go away”.

9. If I “could”, I “would. You can’t coax a sensory sensitive system to do something you want it to. If I’m having a hard time with my clothes, or the weather, or the noise, or the food in front of me, WORDS usually aren’t the answer to make things better for me.

10. I am brave. I face a world that doesn’t understand me every day.

[neonds13]

Nov. 18, 2009 at 3:50 AM

PLEASE VOTE POPULAR & BUMP!!!!

(Original Poster)

[MommyJanice44]

Nov. 18, 2009 at 11:52 AM

Thank you for making that point clear for years , THESE HICK VILLE IDOTS IN MY TOWN , had no clue what the difference was between a Meltdown or a Tantrum , there is a reason behind there actions ...... OMGOSH I"m so glad to have read that ... all I can say is thank you dawn ........ So many have no idea what autism is all about .......... this helped a lot to explain my Kyle .... I have already known but many other might not ,, awesome ........ YOU GO GIRL .

[gkm15099]

Nov. 19, 2009 at 8:08 AM

This is beautiful!  I have two children with SPD and understanding this disorder is something many people need. 

[mommyoftoddlers]

Nov. 19, 2009 at 12:55 PM

Aw thanks for posting this, is very informative and now I know maybe the next child that I see crying could be one with the disorder.

[jennient3]

Nov. 19, 2009 at 12:57 PM

thank you for writing this, I too have a child with SPD.

[quiltmomof6]

Nov. 19, 2009 at 3:40 PM

Thank you!!! I have several children with this and SPD is so misunderstood.

 

 

[mtnmama111]

Nov. 19, 2009 at 3:49 PM

As an adult with SPD issues, thank you. I get migraines from the weather, have been known to wear my clothes inside out, and can't wear certain things like sunscreen on my face.

SPD doesn't go away, you are right.. just learn to deal with it...

[Bleaf]

Nov. 19, 2009 at 4:47 PM

My daughter has a lot of this going on wow, I thought i was nuts. She does things all the time that should hurt,,, but dont seem too and never stops going and so many of these things. Where could i get her checked out????