(01-11-2012, 04:01 AM)knofskia Wrote: I can so relate to this! I have SPD and Auditory Processing Disorder, and I can't follow a conversation more than the trivial and mundane. Don't bother to ask for my input; if I even managed to understand the conversation, my thoughts don't come out quite right (sometimes, it's just not what I meant; other times, it's down right nonsensical).

The worst part is that no one believes or understands the problem. I have a twin sister who is deaf. She can't hear anything other than some environmental sounds. And she has an audiogram that proves it. At most, all I have is a confused look on my face or a strange response. People are always saying, "You can hear just fine." But I can't. And I know from experience that you only get so many "What?"s and "Can you repeat that?"s before people get frustrated with you. It's easier to just wait for more clues or tell yourself that it wasn't that important anyways. So people take your silence to mean that you heard, understood, and agree with everything they said, reinforcing their belief that you can hear 'just fine'.

And if they do believe you, they still don't understand how much it really affects you. They think that you would only have a problem at a loud club or concert, like they would; they don't consider a busy (as in not closed) mall or restaurant, a full business meeting or classroom, or even a quiet office (if you are tired and overstimulated enough). They don't realize that it is more of a problem in a business setting where most communication is through meetings than in a school setting where with textbooks and research you can get most of the information anyway. So those good grades you got from constant studying proved (to them) that you can hear and should have no problems (in a completely different setting!) at work. And most businesses that you work for or with (as a customer) require you to use the phone as the first, if not only, resort in communication.

I feel like I could have written a lot of what you said here

I appreciate everyone's responses so much. I still very much have my SPD issues. Auditory issues. They are just being compounded now with what is called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility type.

Compressed nerves in my spine and limbs from dislocations and sublaxations are making usual SPD symptoms even worse.

The auditory and communication side of things are still a nightmare that no one in my every day life tends to understand. My boyfriend being an exception. Though it is easy for him to forget at times. He has been very good to me and has learned to adapt the way we engage in conversations.

This forum, even when I just come and read posts, but do not interact, is a true blessing and a highlight in a very difficult time in my life. I am so grateful for all of you, and appreciate your daily struggles very much.

My heart is with you all

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(10-18-2011, 12:01 PM)LynnNBoys Wrote: That sounds very frustrating! I'm sorry this is upsetting you. BIG HUGS!

I have a little trouble with listening. I can't seem to make sense of verbal information very well. I have to have things repeated multiple times. It's easier if I can watch someone's mouth while they're speaking or if the information is written down so I can read it while I hear it. Otherwise, it just doesn't seem to make sense to my brain. I can hear each word but it seems like a jumbled mess.

I think that's part of my phone phobia. I've had past jobs where I had to take phone messages and I would panic about having to write down the right phone number. So now, in general, I avoid the phone when I can. Thank goodness for email and Internet!

I trip over my words sometimes. Especially if there are too many people focused on me suddenly, I'll mess up what I'm trying to say. I can relate to saying that "red and yellow make green"! I'm sure I've said things like that at some point.

I'm not sure what music therapy entails or how it works or if it would help with the things you've mentioned. Maybe someone here would have information about it. Or maybe try calling a local OT place to ask if they know who would offer that kind of therapy.

HUGS!

Hi Lynn,

I have read this thread many times, and somehow this is the first time I read your post???? Ugh hate when I do things like that. Sorry

I can relate to your phone phobia... even my mother texts me now lol... I love music... especially music I can FEEL. Not too sure what the therapy would involve tho. I am on limited state insurance at the moment and not much is covered.

I love subtitles! It is like the spoken word is in one ear out the other lol... I can't even remember things I just said verbally! Some days it is a miracle I can communicate at all lol... For years I have lived through the internet. Real life? What's that????

Here is to never giving up

**big hugs**