23 year old with spd

by Katelyn
(Chicago, IL)

I was just recently introduced to SPD because I am working with a Pre-K student who has it.

Turns out, I do too. I have always wondered why some things bother me more than they bother other people. For example, the smell of frying bacon or other strong smells is nauseating to me. When I lived with my family and they would cook strong smelling foods, I would lock myself in my room for hours waiting for the smell to fade because it was impossible for me to get over.

I am currently in graduate school and still have difficultly concentrating in class when the lights are buzzing or there a gum chewers! I realize now that it is my SPD that causes me to hear a person chewing gum all the way across the lecture hall. My whole life, everyone has wondered what is wrong with me when I get so obsessed about noises... having to KNOW where they are coming from and how to get them to stop.

With all that said, Parents, there is hope for sure. I am in graduate school, have always gotten good grades, and been a great student. I have a long-term relationship and am getting married soon. My SPD has made my life more difficult, but having a name for it is so much better than not knowing.

Hopefully, all parents with children who have SPD can be understanding of what it means to be overwhelmed by your senses and take strides to make their lives easier.