Thanks everyone for the replies, i'm sorry I haven't checked this forum for a few weeks - things have been very hectic!

Kate_M - thanks for the support, I am seeing an OT, I feel it is helping with coping strategies, and being able to talk through things with someone who understands Have also recently considered the possibility of ADHD in addition to SPD (SPD symptoms being diagnosed independently of ADHD, as they are such a huge problem for me, and not just secondary to adhd). my OT and I had our last session for the year yesterday. It was such an emotional, draining, but productive session. For the first time I actually herd her *say* that I have Sensory Processing Disorder!
We have listed some steps to take next year, including considering consulting a O.T/driving instructor for a (one off) driving assessment, and a physical therapist/O.T - to work with me in conjunction with her (my current O.T). I mentioned to her that I also want to work on balance issues, as I find I get very unstable if something in my field of vision moves slightly - She asked me if I had had any ear infections as a child, as they can ..something about inner ear being close to visual something... I can't remember exactly... I said I wasn't sure - and would have to check with my parents. Spoke with my parents and turns out I had an ear infection and burst ear drum when I was young, about 18 months old.
We spoke how to get better consistency with remembering to brush.
O.T said she finally got in touch with my Psychiatrist, and they discussed the possibility of a very mild anti-anxiety medication to settle my startle response, which I've been struggling with.... (gets embarrassing when e.g. a car honks its horn - no one else cares or even noticed - but you scream loudly and throw everything in the air/or drop everything ) I feel so sorry for my boyfriend if he is out with me - he gets pretty embarrassed easily. him: "honey - stop being so sensitive! " me: really? ... I don't know why i didn't try that already
My O.T suggested that I could try a body sock to help calm me when I go into 'meltdown' mode, to help calm me - espeically in the mornings when trying to get dressed is a huge ordeal!
my boyfriend: "I don't really understand?? why were you screaming and all frustrated, failing around on the floor - you looked possessed! .. you act a bit like a tantrum-ing toddler" .. I try to explain to him I get really over-whelmed and sometimes sensory stuff becomes so much that it hurts me, it feels painful. He's may seem a bit insensitive, but he is very caring, and its probably confusing for him.

Laura - thank you so much for your kind words. it means a lot knowing there are others who can understand my situation

Tuttleturttle - haha yes! fantastic motto by laura, I agree sunglasses can be a problem - but sometimes I have to try and suck it up and deal with it or else im walking around pretty much blinded, and cant see where i'm going - still if i can get away with not wearing them, that's definitely my preference! I have a problem with hats! - they often give me headaches - as too much pressure on my head - but mostly have trouble with my field of vision - the brims seem to interfere and throw me!

Sharon Heller - thank you so much for your reply. My O.T and I are making a game plan and trying to address all different aspects including audio, visual, proprioceptive, olfactory etc. and she is going to keep checking in and working with my Psychiatrist, who I've been working with a long time to address emotional and psychological issues. No doubt both O.T and psychs work will have slight overlap. I am un-familiar with a few of those terms you used in your reply - however I will look into them, and discuss them with my O.T - im also sur eyou explain these in your books;

I'm on a bit of a tight budget at the moment - but I'm hoping to purchase Uptight and Off Center as I have heard it touches a bit more on adult's with SPD? - but I'm hoping to buy both books soon as I can - I've heard such good things about both. I will be sure to let you know how I find them - but im certain they will be a great read, and very helpful.

Naomi (PeceofaPuzzle) - I did look at perhaps getting a psychiatric dog to help me late last year... but didn't go further with it, because parents told me to wait and see if things improved... - I know it would be a huge comfort and great help for me... I adore animals - they are my life! I am currently doing a Certificate IV in animal studies - behavioral stream, so am learning about training and behaviour of animals.... I am hoping to go on to do dog training work.. and there I guess, is the issue - many dogs have behavioral issues, anxiety, fear or aggression - much of which can be directed towards other dogs...
If i did not go down the training path, I would perhaps work in animal adoptions or at a pet super-store/warehouse (one that does *not* sell puppies and kittens - I do not approve of that)... However, I am nervous if I were to have a service dog, I would of course have to be open with employers, who may think there are too many risks in hiring me... I know they can't discriminate, but they could find many other "reasons" to refuse me - such as "we found a better candidate" etc. and I wouldn't know if it were because I had a service dog or they really did have a better candidate.

A friend of mine with another psychiatric problem, has a service dog - and I have seen some people be so so rude to her, because she does not appear disabled physically.. she has even been refused entry to places (which is illegal), and we hear people muttering and giving dirty looks as they pass... I am very very easily hurt/upset by other peoples words, expressions etc. so would have to prepare for that....

Lastly, I have to consider my adopted cat Abby.. she is my first priority... I love her so much ! I would never ever get rid of her - a pet is a life long commitment - not just a 'when you feel like it' pet, or 'until I e.g. move, find a boyfriend etc. Pet', - she has had such a rough life as a stray, early pregnancy and health issues. I would need to be sure that she could handle living with a dog first.. she is fairly young however - so might adapt.

There is so much to consider before I could go ahead with a service dogs... but I know *without a doubt* it would improve my daily living - I would so love to be able to have a service dog, for the company, support and help it could provide me...

Thank you all for the advice and support.

Meg.