Finding out you have a special needs child isn’t always easy. I always assumed my children would need PT and OT because I assumed they would inherit CMT from me. One thing I never realized they could inherit from me is my apparent Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory Processing Disorder
As a child (and even as an adult) I never had a name or an idea as to why I struggle with textures, and being over-stimulated, but when I started to look into my sons issues I realized that now there is a name for this obnoxious problem I’ve battled with my entire life.
It was a sign of relief to know that we could work toward life being easier for my son, but at the same time it is very over-whelming. We have begun the process of therapy for Raiden and I plan to write more about our journey as it progresses.
For now I will take a deep breath and get ready for a new day with new challenges and hope that with each passing day things get easier for Raiden and for us as a family.
Some days are easier than others.
I will admit that every day isn’t easy and that some days go better than others. I try my hardest to not push my son, but at the same time I know that we need to push his boundaries and help him to grow. I’d hate for him to struggle his whole childhood and feel like an outsider because he can’t handle things that other kids enjoy.
I have already seen some of his frustrations around other kids when they are having fun with something and he just can’t handle it. It makes my heart break when I see him have a melt down or watch him just shut down and walk away because he just can’t do what the other kids are doing.
He is growing.
Despite everything I have seen I’m thankful that he is growing. Only a few months ago he wasn’t able to touch play-doh or water beads. As therapy has continued I have watched him grow and learn to play with both things! He can handle the texture of both and smiles and giggles with you while he plays.
It is amazing to see him grow and I love seeing him get excited to try new things. I finally feel like I don’t have to be so worried about him succeeding in life.
Does my child have SPD?
If you are asking yourself if your child has Sensory Processing Disorder then I would recommend checking out the list below. This list showcases common symptoms that can come with having SPD. Your child more than likely won’t have all of the symptoms, but this is a great way to know if you need to ask about it with your child’s doctor.
- Inability to focus on an activity if there’s background noise
- Jumping from one activity to another, never fully being able to complete a task
- Responding negatively to loud noises, or often covering ears
- Seeking high movement activities, but often appearing clumsy
- Showing a strong preference for certain foods or smells
- Irritation from shoes, socks, tags, or different textures
- Difficulties learning new activities
- Under or over-sensitivity to touch, movement, sights, or sounds
- Tendency to be easily distracted
- Social and/or emotional problems
- Unusually high or low activity level
- Poor coordination
- Physical clumsiness or apparent carelessness
- Poor fine motor coordination
- Impulsivity, lack of self-control
- Difficulty in making transitions
- Inability to unwind or calm self
- Emotionally reactive
- Poor self concept
- Delays in speech, language, motor skills
- Delays in daily skill performance (dressing, feeding)
- Delays in academic achievement
