how I felt

by Katie
(San Jose, CA)

I'm 2nd from the left. I'm at my sister's graduation.

As a child with SPD, I knew I had this condition, but never really knew what it was. All I think know is God Bless my kindergarten teacher. After barely any time in her class, she thought I might have this, and she was right. Really, the first few years of school were Hell. Its not that I hate learning, but I cryed every morning because I didn't want to be left out. I had wretched motor skills, and had speech problems. Also, my friends tell me I was too clingy,and even now, I have trouble noticing many social cues, that others seem to think are obvious. However, I think I owe a lot of thanks to Janet(My therapist) for 2 years of occupational therapy, and two my two oldest and best (at times only) friends.

Even when I stopped therapy, Janet thought I would never be able to play an instrument, or ride a bike. I'm 15 now, in honors classes, and I can play viola passably. I'm clumsy, but I can ride my bike 3 miles to school. I have made new friends, and do costumes for all our school plays. I never could have made it this far without that therapy, but it goes to show you. Professionals are helpful, but they aren't always right.