Hey All!

New to the forum. Trying to reach out. I've skimmed through a handful of posts and there is still a LOT of "lingo" that I'm not familiar with so it seems a bit overwhelming, but not any more so than my sweet little girl...

My daughter is 7 1/2. We are still without an "official" diagnosis (which leaves me feeling like I STILL haven't gotten any validation, at times). She shows a LOT of symptoms of SPD (sensation seeking as well as aversion) as well as ADD (she is lacking any of the hyperactive characteristics that may relate to adHd).

She is an incredible artist and never stops drawing. She has the biggest smile. I call her my "flower child", she is SUCH a bright light and loves to laugh, dance, and sing.

But she has a meltdown if the seams on her socks aren't perfect.

And refuses to flush the toilet. Flat out REFUSES.

And will only eat about 5 different foods, no matter how much I bribe her.

And everyone looks at me like her enabler. Because I don't MAKE her flush that toilet (ESPECIALLY in public bathrooms) or wear that certain pair of socks or the jeans that are "scratchy" etc etc.

I'm burnt out, and just looking for some hope. Looking for someone that's been there. And looking for someone that agrees with me when I say that whatever it is about her that causes her so much anguish when it comes to that pair of socks, is beyond her control. I cannot find it in myself to believe that it's an act of defiance (her teacher suggested ODD, and I nearly choked on my milk).

So yeah! That's it in a nutshell!! Thanks so much in advance for your time!

-Stephanie