Oooooh, another scrapper! (high fives all around) I'm feeling in good company.

Ahem. Let me get back to things here. It's very nice to meet you! I, too, am an adult with SPD. I was just diagnosed in July 2010. So I know where you're coming from. You need to first make an appointment with an OT. I got a recommendation for a local OT from my nurse practitioner, but you can just call around and see what you find. You'll want to ask if they work with adults (many focus on children) and if they have someone who specializes in sensory issues. Once you are diagnosed, they will want to continue to have sessions with you so you can improve and learn a sensory diet. Basically, a sensory diet is a group of coping exercises you would do daily, several times a day, as well as some specific things to do if you are having situational difficulties.

As for information, yes, it is difficult to find ONE place that has all the info. I have yet to find one that gives everything you need, although there are quite a few good sites that give good info. This one is good because there are several experienced SPDer's and parents of SPD children who can answer specific questions. You might also get the book Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight for a good description of SPD for sensory defensive people (which it sounds as though you are) with the various senses and different options for you sensory diet.

It sounds as though you are tactile defensive (sense of touch). I am also tactile defensive, even though it is not my primary issue. With my husband, I have had to teach him that firm touch is the only way to go. I want to be tightly squeezed, I want him to massage me, and I find that, when I really crave touch, I am less sensitive in certain areas, namely the back area. If he touches me there for an extended period of time, I am more able to deal with touch elsewhere on my body afterward. That might make things a little easier for you. It would be worth experimenting to see where you are least defensive and start there when you want to cuddle. Also, make sure he knows that sneaking up or touching without letting you know first is a direct mood killer. You know what I mean. It took a while for my husband to figure this one out, but once he did, things are going much more smoothly now.

I'll definitely want to see some of your scrapping! Do you like traditional, digital, or hybrid?

If you have any other questions, let us know! And please let us know how the OT search goes.