The Only Thing That Makes Sense

by Bug's Mom
(North Carolina)

Until about 3 years ago I had never heard of sensory processing, now I teach anyone who'll listen about it. I have a child almost 6 with SPD & Asperger's and a 3 year old that is in the process of being evaluated for SPD.

How can anyone not believe? We all have quirks. Like why I can only sleep with a heavy blanket on me no matter how hot it is or the way I don't like walking barefoot on a bare floor. Sensory isn't new. The mindset that we all process it the same is crazy!

For those who don't believe, come live a day in my shoes. Watch my precious children cry at getting groomed, loud sounds, and sometimes literally shut down and not be capable to function. It's heartbreaking to say the least. If you think they don't know they're different, think again. That brings on a whole list of issues on it's own.

It is easy on the outside looking in to say what you would or wouldn't do, to make assumptions. Don't be so quick to judge or criticize. Discipline and punishment aren't the answer and do not work for SPD. That being said there should be appropriate boundaries and a plan of action to handle whatever behavior comes up.
At the end of the day as parents most of us have did what we could do and made the best with what we have. Do we make mistakes? Sure. Do we have regrets? Absolutely! Do we do what we feel like is in our children's best interest? Always.

You can say it isn't sensory but sometimes when there are no others answers sensory is the only thing that makes sense.