What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

So what the heck is SPD??

 

So for those that do not know, SPD, or Sensory Processing Disorder, is a condition in which there is trouble interpreting sensory input; difficulty processing information from the senses that can cause irritability, anxiety, pain, depression, mood swings, exhaustion, heightened sensitivity, fight or flight. One may have issue with one or multiple senses. As I have been finding, it can be called different things, such as Sensory Integration (SI), Sensory Integration Dysfunction, Sensory Defensive, or Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). Not everyone affected experiences the same symptoms, one may be hypersensitive, under responsive, avoiders, or seekers. It is usually caught early when a baby or child is a very picky eater, is fussy, covers ears to drown out noises, withdraws, has mood swings, reacts unusually to pain.

Here are several websites with further info and symptoms checklists:

SPD Life

Sensory Processing Disorder

SPD Foundation

Sensory Processing Made Simple

Sensory Smarts

A Sensory Life

A New Beginning

I've decided to go back to the beginning and delete (parts of) my blog. Why? Well, when I started I didn't know anything about sensory issues and was newly diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. I tend to overshare and for safety & privacy reasons I am deleting some content.


Now, I have a handle on what works for me, I feel so much better, and I'd rather share what I learned, tried, what has helped & hasn't, and let others know they are not alone & not to feel discouraged. While everyone is different and not every therapy will work for all, many are worth trying.




Disclaimer: I am not a medical expert. I am writing about my own experiences. Please consult your doctor before beginning any therapies.