Sensory Processing Disorder

Yesterday I spent most of the afternoon/evening trying to figure out how school was going to run for us this next semester since we are starting the new program. As I clicked on every possible link of the school’s website, I came across the parent forums. I read through and happened upon one posting about a single father with his two children, who he homeschooled. As the posts continued, others began to share their story as to why they choose to keep their children home … and one particular post caught my attention. It spoke of a lady whose niece was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. As I began to read through some of her examples of the child’s behavior, I could relate to most of it. So, I decided to look into it for myself.

Sensory Processing Disorder

You would just have to know me to understand … most people just think I’m a bit weird or “far fetched” in some of my actions … but after reading through this I was almost excited knowing that I’m not the only one … and there could actually be a warranted, medical reason as to why I have these behaviors! This website has a pretty exhausted list as to some of the symptoms … so I’m just going to hit on the biggest issues I seem to have that effect my everyday life (keep in mind that I fit into one extreme or the other … you may understand after reading through the list yourself).

SENSORY MODULATION:

• bothered by clothes; certain materials, tags, seams, pantyhose, ties, belts, turtlenecks, have to wear shorts or pants exclusively, etc. **Especially under garments! They drive me insane!
• bothered by “light touch”; someone lightly touching/rubbing your hand, face, leg or back
• distressed by others touching you; would rather be the “toucher” than the “touchee”
• difficulty going to the beach; the sand blowing on your skin or getting on your body
• avoid touching anything “messy”; if you do, you have to go wash your hands right away and/or only touch it with your fingertips
• hate to wear shoes and/or socks **can’t stand my toes “sticking together”
• a thrill seeker; loves fast and/or dangerous rides, leisure activities, and sports
• difficulty riding on elevators, escalators, or moving sidewalks
• seek out fast, spinning, and/or upside down carnival rides
• restless when sitting through a lecture, presentation, or movie
• difficulty eating foods with mixed textures, or one particular texture
• prefer foods with very strong tastes and flavors, particularly spicy foods
• bites lips or inside of cheeks **especially when in public; have to carry chap stick everywhere
• love to sleep with multiple or heavy blankets on top of you
• becomes nauseated or gags from certain cooking, cleaning, perfume, public restroom, or bodily odors
• identifies objects by smell, have to smell everything, judge whether you like something or someone by smell
• very high or very low energy level
•  avoids crowds and plans errands at times when there will be fewer people **my poor family
• notice and bothered by noises other people do not seem bothered by…clocks, refrigerators, fans, people talking, outdoor construction, etc. **the dishwasher is my most bothersome noise
• sensitive to loud sounds or commotion
• can not attend certain public events or places due to excessive noise

SENSORY DISCRIMINATION:

• difficulty finding things in your purse or pocket without looking
• bothered by hands or face being dirty
• has to touch everything
• difficulty heating food to the correct temperature, feeling if it is too hot or too cold
• difficulty judging distances about where your car is in relation to other cars, in parking spaces, or near a curb (fail miserably at parallel parking!!)
• difficulty concentrating on or watching a movie/tv show when there is background noise or distractions
• can not complete concentrated tasks if noises present
• sensitive, or over reacts, to sirens, dogs barking, vacuum cleaners, blenders, or other sudden/loud sounds **again, the dishwasher, a small toy, anything can drive me crazy
• lethargic, hard to get going, appears “lazy” and unmotivated
• become engrossed in one single activity for a long time and seems to tune out the rest of their environment ** particularly my computer
• spend hours at a time on activities
•  great difficulty settling body down for sleep or waking up in the morning

SOCIAL / EMOTIONAL:

• dislikes changes in plans or routines, needs structure **THIS IS HUGE for me
• may be described as “stubborn”, “defiant”, or “uncooperative”
• can’t seem to finish anything
• difficulty making decisions
• rigid and controlling
• prefers solitary activities, avoids groups
• impatient and/or impulsive
• difficulty with authority figures
• trouble relating to and socializing with peers and colleagues
• easily frustrated
• needs sameness and routines; needs to know what to expect
• have panic or anxiety attacks **especially in public places
• plagued by fears and/or phobias
• OCD-type qualities; can’t let foods touch each other on your plate, have to wear clothes a certain way, will only do ____, repetitively does ____, can not do _____ without doing _____, has to have ____ like ____
• hates surprises
• avoids eye contact

Can you relate to any of these? Do you know anyone that suffers from this? I am curious to find out more about it and how others cope? Now wonder I am so “strange” to those around me! It can overtake your life and it holds me “prisoner” within my own world. All of this coupled with my hypoglycemia … ugh, my poor family!

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