Hi Gang,

I'm Rachel, and I was diagnosed with SPD three weeks ago at age 27. While it was somewhat of a shock, it finally explained my "quirks" over the course of my life. At age 14, I was misdiagnosed with Panic Disorder, not surprising as the jumble of sensory input can - and did - cause great anxiety. It didn't help that I grew up in NYC, and still live here to this day.

Until my diagnosis and the begining of my OT treatment, my days were anxiety-ridden blurs of avoidance and frustration. I couldn't pinpoint just why I needed to cry multiple times after folding myself back into the safety of my apartment each night, or why I needed to bury myself under five blankets to sleep. For me, sights and sounds seem to battle one another painfully (too loud! too bright!), my balance is pretty bad, and I crave touching soft objects.

Since starting OT (and brushing, my first SPD exercise), I have stopped crying nearly altogether, and I no longer feel that same press of anxiety or agitation. I've also been sleeping better, and feel less of an urge to pet every dog/cat/soft coat/couch that comes my way.

The wonderful host of this site has gotten me even more involved now, and I thank him for taking the time to train me up in SPD-ese. He's been an awesome source of support during the past few weeks.

I am currently a graduate student at Yeshiva University, pursuing my MA in Mental Health Counseling. As such, I am interested in helping others, and have been keeping a blog since my diagnosis about the trials, tribulations, and joy of the diagnosis and beyond. I hope you find me at: comingtosenses.blogspot.com.

Also in the realm of supporting the SPD cause and in anticipation of Sensory Awareness Month, my graphic artist boyfriend has begun a line of SPD gear designed to encourage us SPDers and those who love us to "come out" and share our condition with others. You can find his work at:

http://www.zazzle.com/spd_senses_fight_t...1436631770


http://www.zazzle.com/someone_i_love_has...8360767326

http://www.zazzle.com/spd_senses_fight_b...3012811405

http://www.zazzle.com/spd_senses_fight_h...4328057673

I look forward to getting even more involved on this site, and wish you all the best

Rachel/GreenEyedRach[/font]