Thank you for accepting me here.
If I tell you that I registered more than eight months ago, you will understand what an enormous step writing here represents for me.

I have noticed that those who come here to share their plight usually do so to talk about their children. I am 50 and I am here for myself. I have been "ill-fitted" (for lack of a better word) to this world for as long as I can remember.

All these years, I have tried very hard to change myself, to adapt to my environment, to blend in. All these years, I have tried to understand why I was so gifted in certain areas and at the same time really stupid and clumsy. And why I never ceased to consistently sabotage my own existence.

To make a long story short, five years ago, I went to see a psychotherapist (there is only one who speaks my language here, therefore, no choice) who asked me if I had ever read a certain essay (For the life of me, I can't remember the title, I only remember that there was the word 'child' in it). I googled the title and the description of the symptoms that were dealt with in the book matched mine almost exactly.

Although I believe I am now too old for anything to be done to improve my situation, I reckon opening up wouldn't hurt.

Thanks to those who took the time to read that. Have a nice day.

hi i am here too. 44 years old, had a stroke nearly a year ago and sounds and seeing too much activity are overwhelming me. haven't gotten to the official diagnosis yet, but looking that way. i am still in the process of living with new, not-so-sharp- brain.

(10-23-2014, 01:20 PM)Jaktown Wrote: Thank you for accepting me here.
If I tell you that I registered more than eight months ago, you will understand what an enormous step writing here represents for me.

I have noticed that those who come here to share their plight usually do so to talk about their children. I am 50 and I am here for myself. I have been "ill-fitted" (for lack of a better word) to this world for as long as I can remember.

All these years, I have tried very hard to change myself, to adapt to my environment, to blend in. All these years, I have tried to understand why I was so gifted in certain areas and at the same time really stupid and clumsy. And why I never ceased to consistently sabotage my own existence.

To make a long story short, five years ago, I went to see a psychotherapist (there is only one who speaks my language here, therefore, no choice) who asked me if I had ever read a certain essay (For the life of me, I can't remember the title, I only remember that there was the word 'child' in it). I googled the title and the description of the symptoms that were dealt with in the book matched mine almost exactly.

Although I believe I am now too old for anything to be done to improve my situation, I reckon opening up wouldn't hurt.

Thanks to those who took the time to read that. Have a nice day.

---

hi i am here too. 44 years old, had a stroke nearly a year ago and sounds and seeing too much activity are overwhelming me. haven't gotten to the official diagnosis yet, but looking that way. i am still in the process of living with new, not-so-sharp- brain.

(10-23-2014, 01:20 PM)Jaktown Wrote: Thank you for accepting me here.
If I tell you that I registered more than eight months ago, you will understand what an enormous step writing here represents for me.

I have noticed that those who come here to share their plight usually do so to talk about their children. I am 50 and I am here for myself. I have been "ill-fitted" (for lack of a better word) to this world for as long as I can remember.

All these years, I have tried very hard to change myself, to adapt to my environment, to blend in. All these years, I have tried to understand why I was so gifted in certain areas and at the same time really stupid and clumsy. And why I never ceased to consistently sabotage my own existence.

To make a long story short, five years ago, I went to see a psychotherapist (there is only one who speaks my language here, therefore, no choice) who asked me if I had ever read a certain essay (For the life of me, I can't remember the title, I only remember that there was the word 'child' in it). I googled the title and the description of the symptoms that were dealt with in the book matched mine almost exactly.

Although I believe I am now too old for anything to be done to improve my situation, I reckon opening up wouldn't hurt.

Thanks to those who took the time to read that. Have a nice day.

Hi there!

(10-23-2014, 01:20 PM)Jaktown Wrote: Thank you for accepting me here.
If I tell you that I registered more than eight months ago, you will understand what an enormous step writing here represents for me.

I can certainly understand and appreciate this. Thanks so much for taking the time (and gathering the courage) to post. It can be very difficult to put yourself out there like that. I know that when I first joined the SPD community, all I did was wait around and watch for some time before jumping in. I'm honored that you feel comfortable enough to post here.

Quote:I have noticed that those who come here to share their plight usually do so to talk about their children. I am 50 and I am here for myself. I have been "ill-fitted" (for lack of a better word) to this world for as long as I can remember.

Yes, unfortunately at this moment, there still are not a heck of a lot of resources out there for adults with SPD. Much of what is available is geared towards parents and kids with SPD. I've done my best to compile what resources are available here, but I am always hungry for more.

Quote:All these years, I have tried very hard to change myself, to adapt to my environment, to blend in. All these years, I have tried to understand why I was so gifted in certain areas and at the same time really stupid and clumsy. And why I never ceased to consistently sabotage my own existence.

Yep, I can certainly relate to this. Unfortunately, there is only so much you can do (especially in times prior to receiving any treatment) to avoid the triggers and keep stable enough to really 'blend in'.

As for being gifted in many areas, but having difficulties in a number of others, I would recommend checking out the phrase 'twice exceptional'. It's used in child care and schools these days as a way of indicating that a person is very bright and gifted, yet also has some sort of significant impairment making it difficult for them to reach or show their true potential at all times.

Quote:To make a long story short, five years ago, I went to see a psychotherapist (there is only one who speaks my language here, therefore, no choice) who asked me if I had ever read a certain essay (For the life of me, I can't remember the title, I only remember that there was the word 'child' in it). I googled the title and the description of the symptoms that were dealt with in the book matched mine almost exactly.

Could it have been 'The Out-of-Sync Child', 'Raising a Sensory Smart Child', or 'Sensory Integration and the Child'? Those are just a few that come to mind. There are plenty more SPD books with 'child' or 'kid' in the title, after all.

It's great that your psychotherapist was able to point you in such a valuable direction. That's excellent!

Quote:Although I believe I am now too old for anything to be done to improve my situation, I reckon opening up wouldn't hurt.

Thanks to those who took the time to read that. Have a nice day.

This is one area where you can certainly be wrong. All kinds of people are helped out by the treatment of SPD. Heck, I've heard of people in their 70s and 80s who receiving help for SPD and actually showed improvement! The brain is never done changing and wiring during our lifetimes. While we are alive, there is always a chance to make lasting improvements, even if the 'golden years' for treatment may have already passed. This is a very good thing for us adults who have to live with this.

I am very glad you wrote here! I hope to see you around more and that you feel comfortable enough to post in the future. In 50 years, I'm sure you've gathered quite a few techniques for getting through life, like walking through a field of land-mines. I really think you should try to find an Occupational Therapist (OT), as their help can be very beneficial and help dull the impact of said land-mines.

Thanks again for posting and sharing, and welcome to SPD Support!