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.
