Hi,
I'm Angie and I was just diagnosed as having SPD. The Occupational Therapist said it was a "severe sensory sensitivity". This makes so much sense as I am also currently diagnosed as having depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, intermittent explosive disorder, and inattentive ADHD, along with sleeping problems that were undiagnosable. I believe that most of these problems may actually be attributed to to the SPD. Am I wrong?

The therapist says that I exhibit a high level of alertness to most sensory input and that multiple sensory environments can raise my level to intolerance. They also say that I have a high startle response. I have problems with small amounts of input being overwhelming. On the adolescent and adult sensory profile I scored very high on sensitivity, high on registration and avoiding, and low on seeking (if this means anything to anyone). They also say I am very sensitive to smells, bothered by loud unpredictable noises, easily distracted, overwhelmed by visual stimuli, am irritated by light tactile inputs, I have gravitational insecurity, I need high levels of deep proprioceptive and slow vestibular input to maintain comfort and motor stability. I have figure ground problems.

They recommended a weighted blanket and say that it could help with my sleep and might actually solve my sleeping problems. They also said I should start a "sensory diet" and use deep tactile stuff to calm myself.

Sorry this is long, but I was wondering what people who are experienced with this think? Any suggestions? Does the weighted blanket really help? Does the "sensory diet" help as much as they say it will? Any advice for a newly diagnosed late twenties adult?

Thank so much!