I'm hoping to connect with parents who are facing the challenge of parenting kids with sensory seeking behavior. I hope you'll join me in sharing your frustrations, successes, thoughts, and how you take care of yourselves in times of stress.
My daughter is 5 y.o. with the following symptoms:
-loves movement/spinning/somersaults, loves “rough-housing,” happiest in busy, stimulating environments, going to the playground
-craves salty, extra chewy and crunchy foods
-always in constant motion--unless TV is on (and loud)
-toe-walks, or runs/jumps/skips everywhere rather than walk
-difficulty staying still in seat
-touches everything, puts inedible things in her mouth
-plays rough, hugs other kids too hard
-poor attention span
-craves water/wet activities--bath, swimming, sprinkler. washing hands, bubbles
-Can't potty train (did I mention she loves water?)
-speaks in a loud, booming voice
-speech delays (diagnosed as apraxia of speech)
-highly sensitive to sugar and certain fruits--if she eats them she gets super cranky, throws herself on the floor, bangs her head on things (but fortunately we figured this out early on and have eliminated this behavior)
-Doesn't realize her face is dirty, clothes are disheveled
-Does a lot of risky things--jumps off high places, will jump into deep water, run into traffic, touch hot surfaces
-Falls apart emotionally if plans change, but is easily distracted and redirected
Now for the positive things:
-Very loving and empathetic, tells us she loves us frequently
-Always singing, smiling, hugging, making up stories
-Loves to be read to and wants to learn to read
-Great at puzzles, putting things together
-Will try any food, at least once
-Very helpful. does chores willingly
-Loves to join us for outdoor activities and loves spending time with family
-Very proud of her accomplishments (newest one: can do five rungs on the monkey bars on her own!)
-Makes us laugh--ALOT
-Sleeps like a rock--11 hrs. a night
When I'm really stressed I like to have a glass of wine and read a novel. I usually feel better if I do something active, which is usually mountain biking with my husband. I love educating myself, and in the two weeks since my daughter was diagnosed, I've already read 3 books about SPD. Feel free to suggest some!
Tonight I'm frustrated because my daughter discovered the knob in the back of the fridge and turned it off on Friday before we went away for the weekend. I just had to throw away everything in my fridge and will have to fit a shopping trip in my day tomorrow on top of taking her to her first OT appointment at 5 p.m. (after work)
Thus far, our successes include discovering that heavy lifting really works and helps her to focus, as well as chewing gum or a chewing necklace/object. She made it through an entire workbook page last week after doing some lifting, bouncing on a yoga ball and chewing gum while she worked.
I'm skeptical about the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol, but we've introduced so many new things in the last two weeks, I may not be recognizing its benefits.
I hope many of you will reply. I'm looking forward to hearing your stories!