Hi all,
I'm Bernadette yes it's my real name that's ok . I live in Tasmania, Australia. I have 2 children aged 23 and 21, and have just celebrated my 25th Wedding Anniversary.
I have several interests in the Sensory Processing area.
Firstly my daughter who is 21, has had lifelong sensory processing difficulties, that were enough to have me wondering by the time she was 4 whether she had Autism. But, when I discussed it with others, for example my son's teacher, they all said 'no, she's too verbal to be autistic' Now I know that what she was experiencing was sensory issues, and she doesn't have the social deficits that define Autism. We never got a SPD diagnosis, I have only found out about SPD in the last 5 years or so, through my work associations. I wouldn't go as far as to say that she has a 'disorder' as it's never come to a point where the sensory issues have completely over-ridden her ability and capacity to participate and enjoy life.

But I now know that I have quite a few sensory defensive issues myself, and my husband (no surprise) is probably a sensory seeker to some degree.

That's what's hard about SPD - its all about degree.
My other interest in SPD - I mentioned I learned about it through work. I have 18 years experience in disability support, case management and currently do intake in a large NGO that provides government Disability referrals, support and case management. So SPD as it applies to diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum disorders and other intellectual and learning disabilities, also interest me greatly.

I don't need help now, although I wish someone who knew had been able to help me, when we had difficulty with - hair brushing/washing, eating with cutlery, the sound of paper tearing, riding a bike, oh so many things I can't remember I am happy to help others who are starting this journey and confused.

Bernadette.