I Grew Up With Sensory Processing Disorder And It Wasn't Easy. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

I Grew Up With Sensory Processing Disorder And It Wasn't Easy.

I was the child that turned their PB&J sandwich inside out. Would run their hands through oatmeal, eggs, toothpaste, and lotion.

151
I Grew Up With Sensory Processing Disorder And It Wasn't Easy.

Sensory Processing Disorder, formerly known as Sensory Integration Dysfunction, is a commonly overlooked diagnosis. A diagnosis that was almost overlooked in myself.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). What is it exactly? Well, according to spdstar.org the definition is, "A neurological disorder in which the sensory information that the individual perceives results in abnormal responses." In other words, the brain has a hard time receiving and responding to stuff that comes through the senses.

The senses I struggled with were touch, sound, and movement. I was, what is considered to be, a sensory craver, meaning I sought out a lot of textures, preferably smooth. I was the child that turned their PB&J sandwich inside out. Would run their hands through oatmeal, eggs, toothpaste, and lotion. I would squeeze bananas through my fingers. Once I even rubbed Vaseline through my hair which, my OCD mother was not very fond of. There were a few senses I rejected though. I had a very hard time with socks and tights as I couldn't stand the feeling of the seam. In fact, my mom had to buy me special socks that didn't have the seam. I would refuse to wear turtlenecks, hating the feeling of the material on my neck. I couldn't wear an undershirt, it was too much on me. I even would repeatedly remove my diaper before I was potty trained, as it was another texture issue I had. My mom even said that if I had it my way, I wouldn't have worn any clothes at all.

Although in my case I was considered to be overly, or hypersensitive, others can be under (hypo) sensitive. Meaning one child could freak out over the sound of a leaf blower, covering their ears, screaming and crying while another child could seemingly be unfazed by either extremely cold or hot temperatures.

Usually, a diagnosis isn't made until the symptoms become severe enough to disrupt the child's life and affect their functioning. Once one is made though, there is Occupational Therapy. It's specialized to meet each child's needs based on the senses they struggle with. It's designed to engage them in fun activities, while simultaneously challenging their senses. They try to involve the parents by having them follow the child's lead. So whatever abnormal acts they perform, the parents do the same. It's a way for the parents to enter their world and for the child to feel supported. Then they try to switch the play around and get the child to follow the parent's lead, trying to get them to behave appropriately. They try to strengthen their skills in relating, communicating, and thinking.

I went to OT two times a week. One of the things they found that helped me was swinging. I enjoyed the motion of it. I still do in fact. I will find myself rocking while I sit, or even sometimes in bed trying to fall asleep. They also had this brush that they would use on my body. It was part of my at-home therapy as well. Another thing they used was a weighted blanket. It was a heavy blanket they would lay on top of me. Something about the pressure would just relax me. I love when people brush my hair or draw on my back. I especially like when my dad would pretend to put makeup on me. They're guaranteed ways to help me calm down.

SPDSTAR.ORG has a checklist for each age group to help parents try to identify the problem and advocate for the child because this disorder isn't considered a stand alone disorder and is so commonly overlooked or misdiagnosed. In fact, I was misdiagnosed with ADHD. However, my mom knew that wasn't right as there was more to it. Upon further testing, they correctly diagnosed me with SPD.

As with any disorder, it's something you grow into and learn to manage. There are still certain textures I have a hard time with. I have a very hard time being touched, but I know how to manage it. I know how to keep myself from getting overstimulated. As a result, I am now an adult with SPD that is able to function normally in society.

To learn more about this disorder I highly recommend the book, "The Out-Of-Sync Child" by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A. Also check out SPDSTAR.ORG as they give you all the information you need to know, as well as offering educational classes.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition

10 ways to prepare for finals week—beginning with getting to the library.

75
How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again when college students live at the library all week, cramming for tests that they should have started studying for last month. Preparing to spend all day at the library takes much consideration and planning. Use these tips to help get you through the week while spending an excessive amount of time in a building that no one wants to be in.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl roommates
StableDiffusion

Where do we begin when we start talking about our roommates? You practically spend every moment with them, they become your second family and they deal with you at your best and at your absolute worst. They are there to make you laugh just a little harder, cry a little less and make each day a little better. We often forget to thank them for the little things that they do to make college even a tiny bit easier and more fun. This list of 26 things are what you should thank your roommates for right this minute and every day that you live with them.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

20 Thoughts While Studying For Finals

I may or may not be stressing right now.

1226
Thoughts While Studying For Finals
StableDiffusion


That time of the semester has arrived once again, finals. The worst week ever. Who thought it was a good idea for all your classes to have exams all in the same week? Definitely not me. Here's 20 thoughts you may have studying for finals.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Disney magic for New Year!

The "Happiest Place on Earth" has a lot of characters with some pretty great advice.

6286
Disney magic kingdom castle on new years
StableDiffusion

Disney movies are well known and very popular in today's world. Although many people appreciate the plot and the storyline, not many people appreciate the wisdom these characters possess. Every Disney movie has unique advice that can be applied to everyday life. Here are 11 Disney quotes to help start your New Year off right:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

40 Gift Ideas for the Indecisive

It's a time of love, family, memory-making, and gift-giving. But also a time of stressing over the perfect gift.

120404
Christmas gifts around a tree
StableDiffusion

It's officially December. There is less than a month of 2024, and I still feel like yesterday was summer. Now comes the merriest time of the year, the Christmas season.

Everyone has been waiting for this time of year since mid-October (which is way too early, in my opinion) or before. It's a time of love, family, memory-making, and gift-giving. A lot of times when I ask friends and family what they want, I get a lot of "I don't know" or "I don't care."

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments