so... finally! man, a couple of years back I couldnt find more than what seemed to be 12 adults with SPD anywhere - all I found were concerned mommys with 3yr olds. Its great that there is support for the parents and kids now, but what about those of us around before the popular books and new diagnoses craze?

Because I also had anxiety issues growing up, my focus had always been on that. It seems a lot of people with SPD get lumped in with the SA (social anxiety) crowd. Of course, since I had it, that fit... but that wasnt the whole story.

I have a whole catalogue of things that at one time (or still) bother(ed) me on an SA forum I can import at some time to this one, but basically, certain sounds, lights, and smells overwhelm me. It has had a direct impact on some relationships.

looking for a job that would "help others," I ended up working in group homes and treatment facilities, usually for/with people with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. Worked for the Dept of Health & Welfare for 4.5 years, was a Guardian ad Litem (court appointed special advocate for kids) and foster parent. I did all of that for close to 12 years, and enjoyed it, largely because the things the other people staffing the places needed to mind for the comfort of the residents... were exactly the same things that *i* needed to have catered to. Hey, if your coworkers know that certain noises bother a client, or that disarranging a cupboard will distress someone with OCD, etc, then they work in harmony with that person instead of setting them off (we hope) - exactly the kind of environment I needed, too.

I am 34 years old, no kids (but my foster son John is turning 20 this month - he aged out, dont worry haha), single, and presently work as a custodian for a building doing maintenance and janitorial duties (I had to take a break from that field, on top of, well, Id made a lot of progress on my own, and also had hit a ceiling regarding advancement, needing a big degree to get any further). I love reading (science fiction and studying history), my fraternity (freemasonry), my family (I babysit my 5yr old niece every other weekend, and have a 12 yr and 11yr old sister, and adult siblings also), and the music of QUEEN! I love hiking, and live next door to several groomed easy trails.

Daniel