I was recently diagnosed with migraines. While researching them and trying to figure out why lights and sounds drive me batty even outside of an attack, I stumbled across spd and my jaw about hit the ground.

I may not have an intense case, but these are the things I have noticed that I feel I have to do to survive, habits I have had for years:

-from childhood I have preferred soft clothes and avoid jeans, etc. Wear socks and sleep shirts inside out.
-have always hated shoes and would kick them off whenever possible. Today the only shoes I feel comfortable in are those with vibram soles.
-At my old job, if I didn't have a lunch break to calm myself, I would nearly be in tears by the end of the day. I would turn all of the lights off and get in a corner.
-Have always hid in closets, corners, etc when overwhelmed and curled up in a ball.
-Keep lights low or off.
-Sound is so irritating that I sleep with earplugs and a fan and have a pair of those thick headphones that block sound that I wear when my neighbors talk or play music.
-When running errands, I have to regroup for 10-15 minutes in the car between stores.
-Always get lost, can't judge distance driving, hate merging and parking, avoid heavy traffic
-Can not keep up with keys or phone
-Can not find things by feel
-Constantly bruised, clumsy, spill everything, can not learn dance, sports, etc by watching and copying
-Sleep under heavy blankets and even pillows
-stopped eating meat as a child because of the texture
-Can't talk with the radio on

And more. But I thought all of these coping skills were my quirks, until readin about spd. I really am intrigued. I have had constant anxiety for years and attributed it all to PTSD. I am not so convinced now.

I would love any suggestions on where to start with my journey in this. Thank you so much. I am also wondering how people calm themselves while driving.

Welcome to the site! I am 26 and just learned of my own SPD after my youngest child was diagnosed with it.

First suggestion I can give is read as much about it as you can! Usually the info that is out there is geared for kids, but there are some for adults out there. There is a great article on here for creating your own sensory diet. That is my second suggestion. When you can start figuring out what works for you sensory wise, things will get easier.

Also, if you have insurance and even if you don't look into occupational therapy. It is never too late to start

Again welcome to the site, and remember, we are all here for you

My boyfriend is going to be 50, he is hyper, sensitive to sound, textures, impulsive, obessive, was always in trouble, was put on meds as a child, then I come along and he is listening to me talk about my son with SPD and says, I think that is what is wrong with me! I said I guess this why I have patience with you! THis is the longest relationship he has ever been in (2yrs). His daughter became an OT, lol. It is sad that when we were all kids, the kids with "issues" so to speak were just put in a Special Ed classroom and didn't come out. Now we know so much more and are able to help them have an easier time. You live your whole life with all these things going on and you do not understand why, that had to be somewhat of a relief so to speak to finally understand why you felt the way you did. Good Luck to you!!!!! Have you thought about a weighted lap pad for driving, or is it anxiety?

Hi!! I'm new to this site and 22. I was diagnosed by my therapist a few months ago. I just wanted to say hi but can't say much more right now because my sister is banging things in the kitchen. Sooo, hello!

Thanks guys. I enjoyed reading your input. I just got a weighted blanket and am in heaven. I am trying a rice pack that I already had while driving and it is helping some. I do have anxiety about driving, but only when my sensory stuff kicks up and I feel like I can't respond fast enough or judge distance.

I read something recently about a person who was diagnosed with anxiety problems and was treated for that for years, but didn't find much relief until she was diagnosed with SPD and was treated for that. I'm new here too BTW.

is driving really hard for you? i'm 26 and i still dont drive. i never was scared about it until recently when my mom told me one reason she fought with me about driving was she heard people with perception dosorders (still not sure if i have spd or somthing else) can never really learn how to drive and can be really unsafe.

oh and also SUPER WELCOME <3 i just joined too and was starting to get scared everyone was a parent and didnt have the disorder themselves lol

(11-14-2012, 04:27 AM)ddemim Wrote: is driving really hard for you? i'm 26 and i still dont drive. i never was scared about it until recently when my mom told me one reason she fought with me about driving was she heard people with perception dosorders (still not sure if i have spd or somthing else) can never really learn how to drive and can be really unsafe.

oh and also SUPER WELCOME <3 i just joined too and was starting to get scared everyone was a parent and didnt have the disorder themselves lol

YES. Driving is so hard for me. My whole life people harassede about being a bad driver. I am super careful and cautious (ex: won't pull out until it is 100% clear) ad a coping mechanism. Rush hour or crowded streets with pedestrians will bring me to years. :-(

Welcome!! Sorry I just saw your message!!!

I get clausterphobic (horrible spelling) in crowds and I cannot stand driving in traffic. , I have been noticing more and more things about myself. Ugh!