What It’s Really Like When Your Child Has Sensory Processing Disorder

Because sensory issues are an ever-present part of our days.This is what it’s really like when your child has sensory processing disorder.


Sensory processing disorder affects my oldest son, all the time.

It’s here every day, day in and day out, making my son uncomfortable in his own body, and unable to tolerate so many things that I just take for granted.

Temple Grandin, speaks candidly about the sensory issues that accompany her autism diagnosis. She speaks candidly about how little research and understanding there is, for something that she considers to be the most significant impairment in her life.

It makes me a little panicky and even more so, angry, when I read about the lack of understanding, research, treatment, and care in the medical community, when it comes to SPD.

The one thing that I wish I could alleviate for my son, above anything else that he deals with, is the way his  sensory system impacts his overall well-being.

It has been so much a part of his daily existence for so long, it’s hard to imagine what his life would even be like without SPD.

What It's Really Like When Your Child Has Sensory Processing Disorder

 

My youngest son also struggles with sensory processing issues. He is not on the spectrum, but clearly has difficulties with sounds, textures and smells. The older he gets, the more challenging his sensory system has become.

This affects every single part of our life, every single day.

I find myself tensing up when my son puts on his underwear, hoping it won’t cause a meltdown.

I am getting used to the  stares when my child melts down in a noisy crowded place.

I have learned to just relax when he lies on the floor in the grocery store, because it makes his body feel better.

I take a deep breath and offer options, when the texture of the dinner I cooked doesn’t feel right.

All of it is a part of my sons’ daily work to understand and begin to help give their bodies what they need to stay regulated. Until my sons are able to do it on their own, I think knowledge and compassion are the only way tools I have to help them.

Sensory processing disorder is a very real part of our lives. Maybe, it is part of yours too.

Please, allow me to share our experience and progress with sensory needs.

 

What It’s Really Like When Your Child Has Sensory Processing Disorder

What I Wish I’d Known About My Son’s Sensory Processing Disorder

How We Accommodate My Son’s Sensory Processing Disorder

Is Sensory Processing Disorder Real?

Sensory Activities Around The House

 

Eating Issues And Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Processing Disorder And Bathing

My Child Won’t Wear Socks: Dressing A Child With Sensory Processing Disorder

 

 

Are you homeschooling a child with sensory processing disorder?

My child won’t wear socks – it’s the actually one of the reasons we pulled him from school and began this homeschooling journey ten years ago!

Since then, I’ve learned that sensory activities can actually fuel learning and help my son in his overall academic performance. In an effort to help other families homeschooling children with sensory differences, I have put together a resource guide to get you started.

Homeschooling Your Child With Sensory Needs provides information and encouragement and guides you through creating your own sensory focused learning plan.

To support you as best I can right now, you can get the downloadable guide for an additional 20% off HERE using coupon code SENSORY20.

Similar Posts

4 Comments

  1. This was a great post…. as our little guy gets older it seem the sensory issues change. We “fix” an issue then a new one arises ….can drive a parent nuts. Esp for the kiddos who can’t tell you. Here’s a few things we have done and I wish and have asked… paint color is huge. For all the peeps that complain about greys and neutrals etc. Those colors our are heaven! They are calming, soothing so guess what yeah our entire house minus accent walls in each kiddos bedroom are blahhhhh. Lol We also hired a man who puts film on windows in the mountains to help have the “view” but block the rays from making cabins so bright. Well amazing we tried one room and it is so very slightly tinted blue… crazy no one can tell but HELLO our little guy gravitated toward that room. So we put it all on every window that has afternoon sun. (Working on the other) It has been worth every penny. Also WOOL carpet! It is great to help combat sound it helps absorb… if you have hard wood consider a nice wool pad underneath…it dulls the sound. Cuts down on echoing etc. If you have a two story great room consider making those wool panels to hand.. can do some cool fabric. When it comes to clothes oh well people sometimes those christmas pjs feel great and yep it takes a miracle to get them off to wash… but he’s happy and calm. Sleeves hates sleeves so winter is hard coats omgosh…. booooo lol. Thanks to all you Mommas and sweet kiddos that share your journeys with all of us. Gives Moms like me reassurance that we are not alone and insight on what I can try to help my kiddo!!

    1. Yes to all of your examples!!! Thank you so much for sharing.

  2. Patricia Hunt says:

    Thank you. Thank you. My son has been newly diagnosed in the last year. It is very upsetting that it is not recognized and acknowledged as much as it should be. Our life is is a daily struggle. I am slowly learning how to accommodate my son. Thank you so much for sharing!

    1. I am so glad you are here. Thank you for your kind words!

Comments are closed.