Welcome to the site Vivian! It is a great site, and there are many great posts, all over it, plus stories, and more in the menue above! You are not alone! It sounds like you are doing an amazing job, and you are very in touch with him! My 12 yr old has spd, and I do as well. Last night I was telling him to not poke me - because it literally hurts! He seemed amazed that such a light poke hurts me, because he has a high pain threshold (and we both have Fibromyalgia too - I am diagnosed and he will likely be soon) I relate to the personal grooming aspect - boy wait till puberty! I still have to ask him every day if he put his deoderant on, and yell up to him everyday, to wash his hair really GOOD. I found that if I tell him he smells good, or how great his hair looks, it helps him stay on that path (girl interests are already kicking in for him too) I am glad you mentioned the balloons, because I forgot that we used to do that - a lot in our home. Again, welcome, and remember you are not alone! stacey