Too Old for This

About two months ago I found out that all my sensory problems and everything that comes with it is because I have SPD. One of my major problems is with food. I cannot handle most textures and I have odd reactions like swelling and itching to most fruits, vegetables, and some grains. I have tried everything to get better and nothing is really helping. I read this article looking for some possible ideas... Though, I am almost sixteen and these are all targeted for a much younger age. Does anybody have any suggestions to appeal to an older age?



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Mar 24, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Referrals
by: Dr. Jerry

Several have asked for referrals. Georgia DeGangie, PhD, OTR practices close to Washington DC and is highly qualified to help. I don't know others in the Northern Calif. area, but if you get a good OT and a good psychologist who understands sensory processing, you're on the right track. Good Luck.
Mar 23, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		the origional poster
by: Anonymous

we did a few tests to tell me what to avoid on what bothers my mouth and throat and now i've started on an enzyme to digest my food for me... it really helps a lot to stomach sensitivity, a lot as in completely. You can get it in the diet sections of any health food store! Good luck!
Mar 23, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Possible food allergies as extra dimension
by: Anonymous

It sounds like you may have added complications of food allergies and/or food intolerance's. (As if the SPD isn't enough, right?!!)

There are blood tests available that can identify specific food allergies and food intolerances. I recommend you get one. It takes about two weeks to get the results, but if this is part of your problem, it will be worth it to see the report.

Once you know which foods to avoid trying to incorporate into your diet, things might go easier for you. This is just one element, but at least it could be a step in the right direction.

My 15-year-old nephew has always been a picky eater, and it has gotten worse as he has gotten older. I promise you that at 16 you are not alone, and I wish you every success in your efforts to do battle with SPD.
Apr 01, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		15 year old
by: Anonymous

I also have a teenage girl (15 years old) as mentioned before and we have been to pediatricians, OTs and nutritionists. If anyone can suggest someone in the Washington, DC metropolitan area that can help, I would be very grateful.
Mar 23, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Dear DW
by: Anonymous

I am the one who wrote this original comment. I go to a chiropractic wellness doctor who specializes in applied kinesiology. My advisory OT recommended it because I am too old for regular treatment. You may want to try this, but you have to keep your mind open to what they do. They do a series of muscle tests to see how your body reacts to medicine, you do not take anything, or do anything else to harm your body. It does however seem like the doctor is almost doing "witch magic" but I feel 110% better than anything a regular doctor did for me.
Mar 23, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Question for Dr. Jerry OR anyone else who can advise
by: DW

My question is how do you find a therapist who has the type of experience that you have? My daughter is now 14, and over the years I have tried countless therapists, nutritionists,psychiatrists, OTs. I have not been able to find anyone who has experience with SPD and oral defensiveness. I have found that if they have that type of experience they only work with young children or children with severe texture problems who can't swallow their food. I believe my daughter needs a therapist who can help her establish a new relationship with food. Someone who will meet her where she is and take the baby steps needed to help her overcome her irrational views of food. She has convinced herself that she does not like anything except some high fat/sugar carbs.

I live in Los Altos, California 94022. Is there anyone you can recommend?
Mar 14, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		thanks
by: Anonymous

I do have one... But right now she is focusing on balancing my adrenal system and fixing my anxiety. At the moment I am mostly just avoiding all the foods that do it. The only fruits I can eat are pineapple, bananas, and grapes, so I eat them a lot. And the only vegetables are corn, peas, and beans. Though, I lack a lot of vitamin and nutrients because of it. My stomach also can't handle most medications and I'm on a lot of homeopathic stuff so I can get what I need to balance. Basically, I am tired of avoiding a lot of things. Not only foods either... My doctor is doing a good job of getting me balanced though.
Mar 12, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Psycho-educational Model
by: Dr. Jerry

I am a clinical psychologist and an OT, and have been working with adults and children w/ SPD for 30 years. You need to find a therapist in your area that is comfortable teaching you what to do to make your life more tolerable. It is more of a psycho-educational model that you need - exploring activities that will help, then incorporating them into your daily life.

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