SPD Support Forum

Hi! This is all pretty new to me; up until today, I didn't know that SPD even existed (and actually thought I was just going crazy). Looking back, I have no doubt had overly sensitive senses since childhood and things I thought were just personality quirks, are SPD related. Over the past couple years, I have noticed a steady increase in symptoms, anxiety and even anger. I had just assumed that being a busy mom of 5 young children was enough to make anyone feel nuts I am a LPN and have a degree in Psychology, so I'm kind of kicking myself for not discovering SPD sooner. My mom was trying to convince me that I have ADD, and I flat out said,

"But I do not have a deficit, it is being overly aware of EVERYTHING going on around me. I can hear and am aware of every noise, I notice EVERYTHING including slight changes in lighting, pitch, and even have an awareness of the clothing I'm wearing touching my skin. I hate it, I can't filter out anything! Certain noises, dim or flashing lights and clothes that don't fit right/feel right, make me down right ANGRY, I don't know, it just hits a nerve or something. It's like being in constant fight or flight mode. I wish I could just zone out, but that is utterly impossible for me because I NOTICE EVERYTHING."

I try to stay away from self-diagnosis, but after stumbling across the info about SPD, I know that's my problem - it totally hit the nail on the head! It also explains why depression and anxiety meds haven't helped in the past. I may have ADHD, if the "HD" refers to hyperactive senses. I don't know, it's not something I ever talked to anyone about and just thought I was "quirky." For example, when riding in my minivan with my 5 kids and husband, I am totally aware of every noise every person is making, the sound of the engine, the sound of the air coming out of the vents, I notice when the vehichle shifts, when someone moves around, what every person is saying, if someone is tapping their foot, and the radio if it's on (God forbid). The strobe lighting effect of the light coming through the tree's or the bright sunlight before sunset absolutely drives me crazy; like an itch I can't scratch. So what happens on a typical family outing? ANXIETY and occasional anger/yelling. I do feel like either running away or yelling and stomping. Fight or flight? Even if I'm focusing on driving and having a conversation, I still am overly aware of everything else that is going on. I can't distract myself from distractions! Is it SPD or something else? Would SPD explain why I think being tickled hurts?

I've never reached out to anyone about this before, so if anyone has any comments, etc. I really would like to see what others think, especially if I'm not the only one who has this problem. Whew! I will be SO relieved if it's a disorder and not part of my personality! Thoughts and comments will be much appreciated! Thank you for allowing me to get that off my chest!

Welcome We are here for you. This is a great place to get answers to many of your questions and an Occupational Therapist can help in evaluating SPD. Don't be hard on yourself. Your a busy woman with a large family. Take some time out to explore and find the answers you seek. There are many parents here of children with SPD. (I am one of them.) There are also many adults with SPD who share and are happy to help. I am sure you will find this forum helpful and informative, as well as insightful.

Hi, and welcome to the site! You are definitley not the only one! As far as worsening symptoms - I experienced that also. After childbirth, then a total hysterectomy, and a virus that resulted in full blown Fibromyalgia, and SPD 100x worse! So I am no stranger to it worsening as other things change! I cant imagine having 5 kids with it! My 2 are enough to drive me batty at times!
Fight or Flight - words that I live by - not happily. Tickling not only hurts but will get the tickler hurt too! I faked not being ticklish just so I would never accidentally hurt the kids - for years - now they know, and are shocked that I pulled that off for so long! Sounds and smells are the worst offenses for me - but honestly every sense is so heightened that its torture these days. Basically today was non stop assaults until one of the bigest cries in quite a while - ugh. Any specific questions - I may be able to relate - or give ideas on how to head something off This site is great - reading old posts is highly beneficial, and connecting with others is comforting. welcome again! stacey

I have a 6 year old child with it. I also have four other children. He is so much more of everything than the other four put together. I can't imagine you going through life with it to this point. Well done you.
He is so hyperactive I have trouble keeping up and meltdowns happen regularly. His heightened hearing causes problems too. He had trouble sleeping because of it but have found using other noises comfort him and drown out the bad sounds.
Having five kids and SPD you must be an awesome mum.