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What Does Sensory Processing Disorder REALLY Mean?

By Lemon Lime Adventures 21 Comments

There seems to be a lot of talk about sensory processing disorder lately. That’s a good thing, right? It means people are starting to become more aware and understand more. There’s just one problem with that statement… those of us living it every day don’t even understand it fully. Some days are a complete struggle while others are completely rewarding.

 What Does Sensory Processing Disorder Really Mean for loved ones

 

Many might ask what is sensory processing disorder…

I’ll tell you. ..

What Does Sensory Processing Disorder REALLY Mean?

Sensory processing disorder means never knowing how your child is going to feel from day to day.

Sensory processing disorder means others will look at you like a bad parent, like “why can’t you just control your child”.

Sensory processing disorder means your child may never look you in the eye or learn to hug you.

Sensory processing disorder means feeling lost as a parent one moment and feeling relief the next.

Sensory processing disorder means you never know if today is the day others will see the child you know your child can be.

Sensory processing disorder means fighting and struggling with love ones to find answers and agree on solutions.

Sensory processing disorder means becoming a helicopter parent even though you wish you weren’t.

Sensory processing disorder means never knowing if you will have to cancel on your loved ones plans at the last minute.

Sensory processing disorder means feeling guilty as a mom because you just can’t take the noises, the touches, and the meltdowns one more day.

Sensory processing disorder means unconditional love.

Sensory processing disorder means everyday things like going to the movies, getting ready for school, and eating a meal can be the worst part of the day.

Sensory processing disorder means having to hug your child tight and teach them they are perfect despite their tears of feeling rejected.

Sensory processing disorder is real.

Sensory processing disorder affects everyone involved, not just the person struggling.

The truth is… it’s a silent painful disorder that I wouldn’t have any other way. It has taught me to be a more accepting parent, a more receptive teacher, and a more loving individual.

It's not about what you GAVE UP to raise a child with Sensory Processing Disorder

For more information on Sensory Processing Disorder and Sensory Awareness, check out these great resources.

What is Sensory Processing Awareness Month? 
Sensory Processing Explained
22 Truths People Affected by SPD Want You To Know
What it Means to be a Parent of a Child with SPD

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Comments

  1. Kathryn Guffey says

    October 3, 2015 at 12:52 am

    I think you summed up Sensory Processing Disorder extremely well. What most don’t understand is that it is many times complicated further with additional disorders in combination with it from the the Autism Spectrum. One is a battle/ add another or more & the war(s) never end. Very special parents are God’s gift to these children.

    Reply
  2. Hillary Cole says

    October 3, 2015 at 7:24 am

    Very good – My older daughter dealt with this and I remember reading her a book about Ellie Bean to help her get it. That sometimes she was louder or had to spin because she was just made that way. And it was ok.

    Reply
  3. Sheri says

    October 14, 2015 at 12:16 pm

    Is SPD considered part of the Autism Spectrum? How does a person go about having a child diagnosed with this disorder so he/she can receive help in situations such as in a school setting? I believe my 7 yr old nephew has autism and one of his symptoms is a very high sensitivity to noise and color.
    Thanks for your help

    Reply
    • Lemon Lime Adventures says

      November 6, 2015 at 2:40 pm

      This is a sticky situation. If you are concerned, I highly going to your pediatrician and getting a referral to a specialist or neurophycologist.

      Reply

Trackbacks

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  • Today I had a photo shoot for an upcoming project that starts March 7th.
.
At first thoughts of ... “I’m not cute enough. 
I’m not skinny enough.
My teeth aren’t white enough.” ... flooded my head.
.
And then I took a moment to celebrate the true wins.
.
I CAN smile again.
I DO have joy again.
I HAVE a lot to be excited about. .
Two years ago I couldn’t say those things honestly. .
So today... I celebrate the small wins, the big wins and the wins that are yet to come...
.
What can I celebrate with you?

#embraceadventure #calmthechaos #ctcwin #parenting #launchlife
  • A simple classic game. But so much opportunity for connection. 
What’s your favorite family game?
  • This is my date for Valentine’s day. 
At 13 I have to embrace every moment he would choose to have dinner with his mama. 
Every day might not be perfect but I choose to use moments like these to anchor me for when times get hard. 
How are you connecting today? 
#itstartswithconnection #raisingsuperkids #calmthechaos #autism #parenting
  • “Papa can you play with me?”
.
His response could have been ... Not right now...
I’m busy.

But instead ... he simply said ... Sure!
.
These two are like peas and carrots.
.
This is a little girl that loves her papa.
. 
This is a papa that loves his little girl. .
What appears to be a quick game of tic-tac-toe...
.
Is really just one of many examples of unconditional love.
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I get so much joy from watching their relationship grow and develop. 
5 minutes can make a huge difference. 
#itstartswithconnection #calmthechaos #raisingsuperkids #fatherdaughter
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.
He wasn’t hit by a football🏈
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He wasn’t being careless⁉️
.
He didn’t step on them on accident 🤦🏻‍♀️
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No. He broke them because he was mad. 😡
.
He had a rough day at school (understatement)
.
They use a “seclusion room” when children are disregulated
.
Today my son could NOT calm on his own. .
He shared he went between screaming and throwing his glasses to try to get out...
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To crying on the floor thinking he’d never get out.
😭
This was the result. .
I could get mad that we have to get new glasses.
I could scold him for having a fit at school.
I could punish him for all the destruction.
.
Instead, I choose to connect with him.
. 
He’s been isolated enough and that didn’t end well.
.
Tonight we will connect and plan how to alter the results when he gets upset.
.
What choices could he make differently?
What could he say? 
How could he calm himself next time? 
#itstartswithconnection #calmthechaos #parenting #autism #raisingsuperkids

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