Sensory STUFF (Overexcitabilties, intensities, SPD, ADHD, anxiety, behavior… call it what you will)
We recently had a birthday and our little family celebrated with a trip to glow bowling. Have you ever been glow bowling? It is a blast: loud music, flashing and twirling lights, disco balls, everything glows in the dark… all while bowling!
It’s an extremely fun sensory-overload.
Glow bowling would have been hell for our family a year ago. I wouldn’t have considered, even for a second, taking my kids glow bowling because it would have been torture for all involved, including all the innocent bystanders.
Kind of like how we don’t go to amusement parks. Or movie theaters. Or indoor playgrounds.
Sensory Processing Disorder
My child has sensory processing disorder (SPD). What does that mean, exactly? SPD has been compared by many to a central nervous system “traffic jam” where all the incoming sensory information (sound, smell, taste, touch, sight, vestibular input) gets all muddled together, making it difficult for those with SPD to respond to the input appropriately. Some kids with SPD over-react to incoming sensory messages, some under-react. Some are sensitive/undersensitive to all areas of sensory input, while others may have difficulty in only one or two areas (sound and texture, for example).
Sensory processing disorder was first recognized in the 1960s by A. Jane Ayres. More recently, it received a surge in popularity with the book The Out-Of-Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz and Lucy Jane Miller. Sensory processing disorder is one of those in-limbo and questionable diagnoses. Does it even exist? Not according to the DSM-V, which was published just last year. And the American Academy of Pediatrics cautions against using SPD as a stand-alone diagnosis, suggesting instead that it is likely related to ASD, anxiety, DCD, or ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics also cautions that there is limited research on SPD and the success of SPD therapies.
There has been a little bit of research suggesting that SPD symptoms may occur more frequently in the gifted population (overexcitabilities, intensitites and all that stuff). And, there’s been research suggesting that too much pitocin during childbirth can lead to SPD (Lord knows I was provided with plenty of that). But the reality is, there hasn’t been a lot of research on SPD. The disorder does overlap with, or appear symptomatic of, other recognized disorders.
Honestly, I still don’t know how I feel about SPD.
Our experience with Sensory Processing Disorder
What I do know is that my child has struggled with sensory stuff forever. He never stops moving, he can be anxious and fearful, he has extremely intense emotional reactions to various stuff. We even had him evaluated by the school system at age three, at the height of his behavior and sensory processing stuff, but his difficulties were not significant enough to qualify for school-based services. Later, while in the process of having him evaluated for giftedness, the psychologist suggested that we revisit the sensory piece.
And so we did.
The first step for both the occupational therapy evaluation and the neuropsychological evaluation was to fill out extensive developmental questionnaires and rating scales. They took forever!
And, do you know what? Those questionnaires and histories helped us to realize something:
We’ve come a long way since those early days with a colicky, fussy baby who rarely slept.
We’ve come a long way since that failure to thrive period when my days revolved around getting calories in while stressing over calories expended because he never. ever. stopped. moving.
We’ve come a long way since those toddler days when he would climb anything and everything, including climbing out of his crib before he could even walk.
We’ve come a long way since having a toddler who could easily master any child safety lock, and get into everything, including turning on faucets and opening the front door at 2:00 in the morning. I no longer sleep with one eye open.
We’ve come a long way since having that kid who was way too old to be putting everything in his mouth.
My son has overcome so many fears, including: haircuts, baths, automatic hand dryers, automatic toilets, door bells, fire alarms, crickets, mourning doves, squeaky sounding trees, John the lawnmower man, our dog escaping, drowning, doctor appointments, dentist appointments, escalators, elevators, thunderstorms, going to the beach, the sound of our heat turning off and on, the sound of our air conditioner turning off and on, etc., etc., etc.
The occupational therapy evaluation indicated that he has SPD. He seeks movement, he never gets dizzy, and he is hyper-sensitive to sounds. He has several “retained primitive reflexes.” He’s a lefty but he has trouble crossing the mid-line on his dominant side, so sometimes he’ll perform tasks with his right hand. As a result of all this stuff, he now receives outside occupational therapy services once a week and has an absolute blast. OT can be very fun for a busy little boy!
And, while we continue to struggle in some areas, we’ve seen progress. So we are sticking with it.
Are you wondering how I homeschool a child with sensory stuff?
Check out the post I wrote for Year Round Homeschooling about how I homeschool a child with sensory stuff.
If you are interested in learning more about SPD, you may enjoy the following resources:
- SPD Foundation http://spdfoundation.net/
- The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz and Lucy Jane Miller
- Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske
- Too Loud Too Bright Too Fast Too Tight by Sharon Heller
- Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder by Lucy Jane Miller and Doris A. Fuller
- The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder: Easy Everyday Solutions to Sensory Challenges by Roya Ostovar
- Physical Activities for Improving Children’s Learning and Behavior: A Guide to Sensory Motor Development by Billye Ann Cheatum and Allison A. Hammond
If we continually try to force a child to do what he is afraid to do, he will become more timid, and will use his brains and energy, not to explore the unknown, but to find ways to avoid the pressures we put on him.
~John Holt, American Educator, How Children Learn
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*FTC Disclosure: This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Basically, if you click on these links and make a purchase, I will receive small commission (we’re talking cents, not dollars). I would never endorse a product for a few cents. We recommend what we love here, folks.
Great information about SPD. It is so important that parents know how helpful OT can be with children. I have seen how it can have amazing results.Good luck with your son.
Thank you so much for reading and for the well wishes!
[…] is actually progress! Second, Leo has some sensory processing challenges. This is also a story for another day, but he’s been receiving outside occupational therapy services this year to address things […]
The first (of a LONG list!) of diagnosis that my son got was SPD. At the time all I saw was ADHD issues. Till we did the sensory profile questionnaire … which I thought was ‘normal’. The OT gave me that look. The one that says hhmmmm really? Next thing you know I get a second questionnaire for me to fill out based on ME. You know for ‘family history’ LOL OT looks at my form and says “OH THATS why you think your son’s is normal!” and has a giggle. We left there with mummy and son in sync and both with SPD 😉 As an adult with it, let me say it certainly does keep getting better and you also know what your limits are and can self regulate and know when to remove yourself from a situation. Keep going with the baby steps, you are doing a great job! My boy is 10 now and the improvements in 5+ years have been HUGE!
Ha, Kelly! It’s that proverbial apple again! 🙂 I think I have my own SPD stuff, too. I am sensitive to noises. I have been pining for Bose noise-blocking headphones for YEARS. I do like loud music, though. It’s a funny thing- our quirks! We all have ’em!
Do you have autism friendly movie screenings near you? (Thought I’d ask, seeing as you mentioned movies above.) We have them here in the UK, and essentially they reduce the sensory stimuli – the lights don’t go all the way down, they don’t turn the sound all the way up, there’s no adverts/trailers at the start, you can take your own food and drink, no-one minds if the kids talk, or if you’re in and out of the theatre constantly, and our local one even provides a quiet, calm-down area. Its the only way we get to go and see a movie!!!
Hi Emma.
Sorry for the delayed response- sick kiddos last week. Yes, we do have sensory-friendly showings and I think we’ll opt for that. Until recently I think that would have been too much for him. Baby steps! 🙂
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[…] 7-year-old son has struggled with what I refer to as “sensory stuff“ since birth. He is a tornado full of boy and is in constant motion from sun up ’til […]
Ack! Pitocin?! I hadn’t heard that one before… My son has come a long way too with his sensory issues. The worst of which was between 2.5-3 years old. Looking forward to reading your post on homeschooling with sensory stuff.
[…] My Little Poppies – Sensory STUFF (Overexcitabilities, intensities, SPD, ADHD, anxiety, behaviour… call it what you wi… […]
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[…] Sensory STUFF My Little Poppies (blog) […]
So glad I found your awesome blog! I found it by searching for Brave Writer Reviews. But, this post is so helpful. I am actually planning on calling my son’s pediatrician today to set up an appointment to see about getting an OT consult. Something we have been putting off for years (he’s 5). I am nervous about it. What if the doctor says no? What if I feel stupid? What if he thinks SPD isn’t really a thing? All I know is my sweet boy isn’t like others and can’t handle life all that well and anything I can do to be more educated in his needs is a priority. Years ago, my husband was very closed off to the idea that our son was “different” but he (my husband) has come a long way and we are prepared for whatever happens! Thanks for sharing your journey. I am looking forward to reading more of your blog!
Oh, I adore Brave Writer (as I’m sure you’ve seen!). I hope the appointment went well. OT was a lifesaver for us. If your pediatrician won’t work with you, find another. Go with that mama gut!
It’s so fascinating to read this post. I’ve never done anything other then homeschool with my now 10 yo son. He’s busy busy. He’s gifted and has what I call “auditory memory” because he remembers EVERYTHING he hears. I’m almost 40 and just learned I have Innatentive ADHD. I don’t know if he’s ADHD because he retains so much information which was always my problem. I have so many questions. He’s so creative and that is our entire focus so I don’t know how important it is to do anything about it. We bought a trampoline for Christmas and I’m hoping it helps get out his 5:00 crazies.
I have a child with so many” things”( for lack of a better term) I can’t keep track of what’s what. Innatentive ADHD, Aspergers,OE’s, high giftedness and OCD. Sometimes I’m not sure if some of these are even real because they all overlap and contribute to each other. But we love our distractible, socially awkward, energetic, sensitive,intense,deep thinking girl. How do you deal with multiple diagnoses and unusual things in your children.
I have a child with so many” things”( for lack of a better term) I can’t keep track of what’s what. Innatentive ADHD, Aspergers,OE’s, high giftedness and OCD. Sometimes I’m not sure if some of these are even real because they all overlap and contribute to each other. But we love our distractible, socially awkward, energetic, sensitive,intense,deep thinking girl. How do you deal with multiple diagnoses and unusual things in your children?
It’s easier said than done, but I just try to roll with it. I help them with challenges and rejoice in their triumphs and I try to remember that it will get easier eventually 🙂
[…] Sensory STUFF ~ Caitlin Fitzpatrick Curley, My Little Poppies […]
[…] 7-year-old son has struggled with what I refer to as “sensory stuff“ since birth. He is a tornado full of boy and is in constant motion from sun up […]
Thank you SO much for this! I commented on an early post not related to SPD before we knew what “it” was. My son is now 3 and a half. We’ve just finished our eval for OT and will begin after Thanksgiving. My son is also in speech therapy, You have no idea how much all of your posts on SPD et al have helped me. Reading this specific post made me realize how far we have come too! It all started with our colicky baby who never slept. I’m an optimistic person, but I still feel overwhelmed and often times discouraged. I feel so hopeful now. Thank you for sharing all of this. You really are helping people.