Back when Sensory Processing Disorder was unknown to us, my parents had no idea what I had and the doctors at the time didn’t either, besides saying that I had ADD (which I do). It wasn’t until one day that my mom surfed the internet and found out what I really had.
I’ve had therapy, both at school and with an occupational therapist. I’ve had a prickly brush go on my arms, back, and legs but that didn’t do much.
What really helped was when I joined marching band in High School back in 2003. We were required to wear the uniform, a material that I didn’t like but since I loved it so much and wanted to participate, I went through the annoying “take it off, take it off, ew, ew, ew” going on in my head.
My parents were equally shocked that I would go through such an experience. From hot to cold weather, with two different materials that grated on my skin in annoyance, I went through it. I loved being in the marching band and I wasn’t going to let that get in the way.
There was one time that my high school’s (Allen Eagle Escadrille ) marching band was invited to the Rose Bowl Parade and I marched in it, all 7 miles, in the rain! It soaked us all to the bone and it bugged me so much that I felt numb afterward on the bus ride home.
I was just itching to get off the wet and icky material that felt like slime and made my brain do it’s annoying chant louder than before. When we got back to the hotel, I wanted to run when I headed to the bathroom to change out of the uniform and into the clothes we were all required to wear.
Despite that experience, I still do not like certain materials that feel extremely gross against my skin.
I’m 23, a college student in her second semester going for Web & Interactive Design Certificate at the local community college here in Austin, Texas. I wear comfortable clothing, not caring the slightest of what the judgmental people think of me when they see me. And while I didn’t have the community that is here today for those with SPD, I’ve accept this side of me.
I won’t let it get in the way of doing the things I love to do and I’m sure that when other people with SPD realize this, nothing will stop them either to do things that they love.
Thanks for reading,
Camille Arana
Camille, I will hang onto your post and share with my daughter that is now 11. Her SPD affects her auditory senses but also the feel of clothing bothers her at times. I love to hear from young adults to understand how if affects others and how they overcome it. Thanks for sharing…so happy that you were able to cope and enjoy such a rewarding hobby.
Hello Cathy! You’re welcome, I felt I had to share my story after coming upon SPDFoundation. My mother was also frustrated and had no clue how to help me so I like to try and help out parents understand how our brain works and what solution they can take. Of course, there’s different levels of SPD but the basics is still there.
I’m happy too that I found a hobby that I can do
I hope the same goes for your daughter and all the other children out there with SPD.
Thank you for sharing your story! My daughter was diagnosed with this several months ago and I just don’t know what to do. I really can’t afford therapy and want to try some home remedies. Besides band was there anything else that was helpful?
Jamie,
I have a son, Joel who is 14 yo. We have known that he has SI since he was a wee one. He has learned how to seek out things to help himself. He swings alot (we have a heavy duty set). Pushing and pulling heavy things help, like mowing the yard, or carrying heavy things. We have found that swimming has been GREAT. I think it has to do with the resistance against the water. Jumping, even jumping on a trampoline. Spinning around. They seem like little things to us mothers but it really does help them settle down.
How old is your daughter?
You’re welcome, Jamie
I think that if you can find an activity that she enjoys to do, she’ll probably love it so much and will go through it it. I loved band so much that I ignored it – and that alone was hard since you have a voice in your mind going “Ew ew ew, take it off, take it off” just like when you feel an itch. It’s just like that for us.
Hello. My 5 year old son was dx with SPD when he was 2 years old. At that time he had the intelligence of a 7 year old! He still amazes me. He does really well while in school, however his teacher is my best friend. She knows how to handle him. Things are a daily struggle, all the while being different. One of the hardest things is his uncontrollable anger. Screams, without the ability of being redirected, are really hard for his 2 siblings and his father. I have the most patience with him, but it wears on me. He has never slept well since birth. I’m now going on 5 years of little sleep. lol. It’s better, with him being somewhat older because he can do most of his necessary things himself. He’s learned to cope with some aspects of his disorder. He’s just now able to wear tennis shoes, seatbelts, caps/hats, and certain fabrics. The most recent thing I’ve noticed, is him being a bit mean to his kitten. He had a ring-necked snake that he loved. he cared for that nasty thing, like it was solid gold. After 2 months, I set the acquarium outside to get some fresh air and sunshine, unbeknownst to me, the lid was cracked and “chocolate” escaped. Jaron was uncontrollable for 2 1/2 hours. Screaming, proclaiming that I “hate” him and didn’t want him to have a pet. I was torn to peices. I called pet stores in the surrounding areas and no one had another snake that would eat just earthworms. I’m not prepared to thaw mice out for pythons. I found a kitten to replace Chocolate. Cocoa, probably hates me about now. She is tormented with me removing her from Jaron many many times in a day. I’ve even resorted to treating him the way he treats his cat, and still nothing. I’ve spanked, used time-out, and nothing seemed to work. I resorted to making him write sentences. “I will not hurt my cat.” front and back of both sides of the paper. He was not happy. Since school is out and our routine is changed, he has not transitioned well at all. The fits, anger, negative activity and once again returned and I’m at a loss once again. I don’t know if this is common. To come and go, or if he’s able to manage it during school hours, or what? I work full time and cannot afford to drive to Abilene, 2 times a week for OT. I need some advice on how to start all over with Jaron. He’s so bright that he cannot channel it, being he is only 5. I cannot imagine what his intelligence level is now.
Please help?
Heather Schriber
It’s so nice to hear about someone my age with SPD being successful! I’m almost 22 and was diagnosed about 6 months ago. Since my parents don’t consider making oneself comfortable an important part of life (even after I was diagnosed), things have been tough. But after hearing your story, I think I’ll feel a little less insecure when I close all the shades in my room or sleep with soundproof earmuffs, or wear sunglasses when I go outside during the day.