I've never blogged about this before, so I asked my sweet son who has sensory processing disorder if I could share a bit about what I've learned. He asked that I not use his name. I'm going to respect that.
I cried through parts of this post. I wish I would've known these things at the beginning of my parenting adventure, but I didn't. Now I do. If you have questions about SPD, please drop me a comment. Also, one book that was extremely helpful to me at the beginning of this journey was The Out-of-Sync Child.
1. Bubblegum is a friend.
He chews. I mean chews and chews. Fingernails. LEGO. Holes in his clothes. It doesn't matter how many times you ask him to please not destroy his new shirt, he instinctively needs to chew. So, we stock up on gum. Anytime he asks, it's a yes. It calms. It helps provide the proprioceptive input he is looking for.
2. Sitting in a chair is optional.
Just because students at school sit in desks to do schoolwork, it doesn't mean my child needs to sit to do schoolwork. Handwriting was much more easily completed while standing. And hanging upside down on the loveseat while reading? Completely normal.
3. Nail polish remover, as part of science experiment, is a horrible idea.
One day we were going to do this super cool chromatography activity to observe the pigments present in a leaf. I was all woo-hoo-excited and whipped the lid off the nail polish remover; he ran out the front door screaming, "Why would you do that to me!?" Oops.
4. Gloves and chalk go hand in hand.
Another day we were going to do a fun art project. My son stomped and screamed about the chalk pastels. He just couldn't touch them twice. Together, we finally figured out that he could wear gloves and do chalk.
If you ever see a boy out playing with summer sidewalk chalk while wearing winter gloves, that just might be my guy.
5. Trying to savor a piece of dark chocolate in secret . . . well, it's impossible.
His sense of smell runs long distance, and he can hear a wrapper three rooms away.If by some chance he doesn't notice these two things, he will sniff out the chocolate smell left on your fingers or breath. The moral of the story: I share my chocolate.
6. Gun muffs are all the rage.
He vacuums every day. He wears gun muffs while he vacuums. It's just what he does. I'm sure he'll graduate to earplugs at some point, but he will probably need a sound barrier to protect him from loud noises for the rest of his life.
7. School would possibly ruin him.
Yes, there are amazing teachers in this world. Yes, they would help my child. Would they allow gloves and gun muffs and gum? Would they let him stand at his desk? If they did allow the things he needs, what would the other children say about him? How much teasing could he endure? What kind of anxiety would be produced due to the pressure of fitting in? Would he be in a special needs classroom?
I believe God gave this child an extra measure of grace when He prompted us to homeschool. I have not been perfect {see #10}, but this child has always been unconditionally loved right here. He has had a chance to grow and change and work through some quirks without an audience.
8. An amazing gift lives within this child. Don't miss it.
Even though there have been difficult moments, this child is amazing. A few summers ago we were picking blueberries. After picking and picking and picking, my bucket was full. One son had a bucket almost full. The other son had only two cups of blueberries in his bucket. I was so frustrated. How could he possibly have so few berries?" I stood back for a minute and watched him pick. He inspected every berry thoroughly, examining them for critter bites or specks of pink. I grabbed his bucket and ran my fingers through his {perfect} berries. I get it. I got it. "Son, your small stash of blueberries are beautiful and perfect. God has a very special job for you. {It's just not going to be professional blueberry picker!}
9. My pride is not more important than my relationship with my child.
You can't really imagine the not-so-good advice I've been given over the years in dealing with this child. From strict church goers to well-meaning family members to strangers at the grocery store. They all know exactly how they'd fix him.
I stopped trying to "fix" him years ago. And sometimes he embarrasses me on field trips or while we are out and about. He's not trying to be rude. He's not trying to be obstinate or disobedient. He is just trying to live in a body that experiences the world differently than you or I.
I want him to know that he has someone in his corner, fighting for him, no matter what, even if he does have to wash his hands 73 times during pottery class.
10. I've screwed up. A lot. But my son has forgiven.
This boy was a screamer when he was a babe. He would cry in the sunlight. Cry if his feet touched grass. Cry if a loud noise startled him. He cried. I cried. We cried.
This toddler was frustrated a lot. One day at the public library, he stood on a super small step stool and screamed as if he were 50 feet in the air. I wondered what in the world is he so upset about? I didn't know that he didn't know where he was in relation to the space around him.
My friend was observing the 2.5 year-old version on my son one day on a slide. I told him, "If you go up there, I am NOT coming to rescue you. You are on your own." My friend watched him climb up. Get stuck. And scream. I was exhausted. I know motherhood is exhausting, but I didn't know about SPD until my observing friend said, "Ami, he has some serious sensory issues."
I started researching. I thought about everything I had experienced in his little life. I panicked. Surely I had screwed up this child forever with my maddening anti-SPD friendly parenting skills. No compassion. No understanding. No empathy.
I learned as much as I could. I went to a conference with Carol Kranowitz, author of The Out-of-Sync Child. I had him evaluated. I started using sensory play and providing lots of sensory experiences for him.
If I could just experience for one hour what it's like to live in my son's body, with all the heightened sensory input, maybe I would be a little bit nicer. But I can't. So I consistently pray for God to give me more compassion for this child.
I really enjoyed reading this. I could so relate to this post. My son was in school and it ruined him and made him regress. I am so glad that I have the opportunity to homeschool him and my daughter. I love watching them excel. My daughter is a chewer too. She will chew on everything. I can’t do gum with her because she swallows it. So looking into some chew toys. I even had a few chuckles reading. I loved the part about him inspecting the blueberries! Your son sounds amazing š
This was so well written š Your son is lucky to have you there for him. For the chewers out there, there is a great product called “chewlery” that I have used with a lot of my students.
Thank you for this helpful post! And a big thank you to your son, for allowing you to write this. My sons don’t have a SPD, but I can relate to much of this. My first two have a need to chew, and if their speech therapist hadn’t explained what was going on, I might have thought they were being “bad”. And #9…so important. It’s a hard one too.
We love gun muffs & gum! Memorizing spelling by tracing letters on each other’s back, sculpting with clay during history lessons, and drinking through a straw during math are a few of the other wacky adjustments we have found by trial and error along the way.
I completely agree with wishing I could live in my SPD child’s body for just one day. It would be awful, but informative.
Thank you for sharing your journey!
Thank you for sharing! My son doesn’t have SPS, but maybe I need to lighten up when he wants to stand or hang or tumble or jump;)
Thanks for this! As a homeschooling mom to 2 special needs kiddos (ADHD), I appreciate your courage and your passion! Hugs and chocolate to you!
you are an amazing momma. I adore you and your blueberry picker.
I never thought about using gum…….
My 9 year old son has SPD and my husband and I both gave a resounding “YES!!!!!” to #1. Bubble gum is a staple in this house. I should buy stock in it š Our issue is finding gum without aspartame or sucralose in it. We rely on Double Bubble.
Also, I am so glad to know I am not the only one to invest in gun muffs for my kid!
I can SO relate! I was tearing up and nodding through the whole post. I previewed the book on Amazon that you mentioned. My girl (7) is the “More” child. She is misunderstood by a lot of people, including friends and relatives. Thank you for sharing this post. I enjoy your creative ideas and your love for teaching just shines. (((HUG))) Miss you friend. <3
Marie š
Thank you for your post. I have seven children, but didn’t know about SPD until my 7th, who definately is the most affected. We have made adjustments to help her, and I have found, more often than not, that they helped someone else in the family as well. School for #7 is a totally different thought, a scary one. I guess I was feeling a bit like “coasting” with my last child. We have a homeschool routine, curricula that works, I had a system, and then comes #7… As I am faced with starting her next year, I wonder just how much to change. I don’t want to re-invent the wheel, and it is wonderful to hear what works. I would love to hear more ideas from everyone.
PS, I carry mittens in my purse (In May), and I thought we were the only ones who used gun muffs!!
Ami, thank you so much for sharing, especially when you shared about your feelings of “screwing up your child”. I had a moment like that this week and it’s good to know that I’m not alone. Our son too, would have a difficult time in school and I am thankful that God has lead us to homeschool. It’s a blessing that he can learn in a way that works best for him and will discover what God has for him to do.
Two of my three have varying SPD symptoms….I’ve never had them actually diagnosed, mostly because we are military family and to go through all the hoops and referrals to have them evaluated would just be insade, I seed help when my oldest was 2 and the dr’s were ‘idiots’ for lack of better term. They were throwing around things like ODD and we met with a behavioral specialist and they looked at the ‘typical’ disorders and ruled her as still in the normal range….so nothing to help. Then friend brought up SPD and oh my gosh, it all made so much sense! what is even more cool, is realizing that I had suffered with a lot of it as well. I had to laugh about the chalk with gloves because it’s a fantastic idea…for myslef! LOL I can’t stand the feel of chalk on my hands, so I’ve just avoided it, for years!
My 8-year-old son was diagnosed with SPD just before he turned 4. I can LOL about things now, but it was rough for a while…until I knew what was going on and OT/LT. Mine’s a chewer too; so many shirts! Gum is a pocketbook STABLE…along with a little MP3 player and his favorite music (The Beatles) to block out sounds. And the chocolate? Yes! How he can SMELL it from rooms away I have no idea! And #10…I feel the same way! There were many things I did before knowing and more before understanding and even some now during frustrating moments where I wished I had made different choices…but I’m learning too!
I just have to say I needed this after a really tough week with my SPD child. Gum is amazing. Trying to figure out a way to deal with car rides right now. ::sigh::
She was diagnosed late, so we are struggling to find an OT that will work with her.
You did a lovely job of explaining SPD. I cried all the way through the book Raising A Sensory Smart Child because I finally found something that explained my daughter. I pray for compassion too!
Thank you.
Thanks so much for sharing this! I have been struggling with a daugther that has similar sensory disorder issues including the intense chewing. It's frustrating on a level that most people don't really understand. It helps so much to find a post from someone who is right there too. Every little bit of information and support helps!
Thank you so much for this post. My husband and I laughed when we read #5…that is so our son. He is almost 6 and starting kindergarten tomorrow. We got a very unofficial diagnosis of SPD from an OT friend and a Speech Pathologist just 3 weeks ago. We live in Nigeria so no OT's for us to see here so we are trying to put together a sensory diet of sorts to do with him. We've met with his teacher to work out a potty schedule as he still isn't potty trained. Anyhow, I've been reading online about other people's experiences and it has been so helpful. For years I wondered if he had ADD but the sypmtoms just didn't all fit. When I read about SPD I so often see my son. So again, thank you so much!!
Oh Ami,
Thank you for this!!! A friend forwarded this to me. My children are 2 and 1. Both have SPD. So do I. Your sharing made me cry!!! Not a bad cry but an I feel your heart cry!!! I live this daily in 1 way shape or form with my sweet loves ory own body. I want to HS but so many ppl say I shouldn't. You encouraged my heart. That it is possible. You said exactly what I have said. With SPD I can work better with their needs, struggles during school time. I would love to chat more with you!!!! I don't have any friends that get this life of a mommy to SPD children. I know that I. Am. Exhausted. Feeling all to well too!! Please email me if you have time!!!
Blessings and thank you so much for sharing!!!!
I just had to say! I UNDERSTAND, also a homeschooling mom with two SPD kiddos, I enjoyed your post greatly! hugs!
I am so happy to have stumbled upon your post and site. I too have a 5 yr old boy with SPD. His symptoms come and go with the typical life stressors, but we are gaining ground. We use the plastic chalk holders for our chalk and my son will not touch crayons, so we us the twist up kind that are encased in plastic. We went through a time where he was washing his hands every 5 minutes. I as well can not sneak in a chocolate kiss, as he can smell it a mile away. We are finally holding our pencil correctly and coloring and drawing, something I wasn't sure he would every enjoy. Hoping handwriting improves as a result. We us the multisensory TV Teacher tapes for our homeschool handwriting lesson. He loves it. I confess, I let my guy jump on the bed. He practices his addition tables while jumping up and down. It works for us. Public school would never have worked for him. I pray that we get to keep the right to homeschool for the next 12 years!
I understand you, though my son is not like that , but he has so many fears,.. i am still in denial because comparing my son to other children he is intelligently good but unable to comtrol his behaviour in most of the time. hugs to you
Thank you!
Noelle
I can't thank you enough for your post. Your son sounds as amazing as mine! We are trying to figure out how to help our little man with school, and your post just confirmed my decision to home school. He struggles enough without needing the additional pressure of a large combined grade 1+2 class. Your comment re chocolate brought up many memories of evenings when my husband and I thought our son was asleep only to have him run into the living room to find out what we were opening! Bless you and your son for sharing.
My son just got his SPD Diagnosis today. And I've been feeling the pull to homeschool for nearly a year. This diagnosis, and your beautiful, honest article has nearly cemented that decision. Thank you for that!
Krissy,
Please let me know if you need anything!!
Ā
š Ami
Kiara,
We, too, have dealt with many fears. I sometimes call them “irrational” fears because to me, they seem unfounded. To my son, though, they are very real. Use an extra measure of compassion with your child. It takes SO much patience and time, but your son can overcome some of the fears and anxieties. It’s also about giving them tools to deal with things.Ā
Try to stop comparing. Your son will fall short in some areas and in other areas I am sure he is highly gifted. Don’t miss the gifts! Foster them! šĀ
Hang in there. It’s a challenge, but our children need us to fight for them. šĀ
Thank you for this post. I also home school a child with SPD and it feels great to not be alone. I so often doubt our decision to home school, but this reminds me why we do. And I am totally with you on the chocolate thing, just not possible!
Thank you for posting this. My daughter is 3 1/2 and was diagnosed at 3. She received early intervention services for 1 year prior and is now in a public preschool. She does well in school but at times she has difficulties after vacations and days off. I've started exploring the thought of home schooling her because I know that things may get more difficult as she progresses from year to year and I am concerned about the adjustments that she'll need in addition to social interactions. Since you do homeschool your children, how do you satisfy the social interaction?
Beautiful article! Thank you for sharing your experience. My 6 year old was diagnosed with SPD 4 months ago, and a diagnosis of ADHD quickly followed. Kindergarten in a private school was a positive experience, but his school in first grade was a terrible place for him. We brought him home, and he is back to the healthy, confident, gifted child he was before. We also adore his occupational therapist! What is most amazing to me is that by empowering him at home and working with OT (no medications!) he is doing much better socially as well. He still needs gentle reminders about appropriate touch at times, but a beautiful part of homeschooling is I am able to quietly model what that looks like and correct him instead of leaving it up to a teacher who may not understand (which was the experience we had). I'm with you on the gum too. We go through a pack a day sometimes!
What a wonderful report, Jessica! š Happy for you. š
What a blessing this was for me! Such a great reminder to myself that my little man experiences the world differently than I do and to ALLOW him to just that vs. trying to change him! I'm working on that and finding what will work best for his learning experience and am so thankful God has lead us down this road for our kids. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you so much for this!!! Both of our kids have SPD and our son has PTSD with auditory processing disorder. We have always planned on homeschooling when we found that a class of more than 6 kids would cause our children undue stress. I still have that small voice int he back of my head tell me I can't do it ro that I am going to mess them up more than I already have; so I have looked at charter schools specifically for SPD kiddos. That still doesn't feel right to me, so your helpful article has really helped me refocus!! Thank you!!
Ok…so how do you go about getting a diagnosis? So far my sons pedi has been no help. We are in the process of having school eval him but teachers are being uncooperative. Help?!
I really LOVED your top 10. My son I believe suffers from SPD but on the other end of the spectrum. I really want to start home schooling him but don't know where to start, what do I do. I equally feel terrible for some of my behavior/parenting… had I known. I was frustrated with his lack of many things and chalked it up to laziness, all the while secretly knowing something was a little off. It is getting worse as he gets older and falls farther and farther behind in school. The poor child is a social outcast and all he wants is friends but they all treat him like he is diseased with the exception of a few. His self-esteem is plummeting to a new all time low. No interest in school or passing, just wants to play basket ball. Worst of all he will be shipped off to our junior high next school year which starts at 6th grade and he is nowhere near ready. I am worried. I am a struggling mom seeking advice and HELP. Where do I start??
I loved your post. I can't believe that I'm actually picking up homeschooling. I never ever thought I'd be the type of mom could do such a thing. My four and a half-year-old is really having a hard time in her private pre-Kay and we just do not see how she can adjust in a normal school setting. I'm trying to figure out how to do the OT thing and our insurance only covers issues that are autism related or some other condition which she does not have. It's just sensory issues. I would love to talk to you if it all possible I'm not sure if you get my email address even though I signed up to comment. I don't know how this works. I don't know if I'm allowed include my phone number but anybody on this board if you can call I'd be so appreciative. My daughter definitely has sensory issues as per the neurologist another specialist and I don't know what to do for her. I'm very scared and in the early process. Thank you so much any help would be really really appreciated best Mary
Hi Mary!
My best advice is to have your daughter assessed by an OT upon referral by her primary care doctor under the ICD-9 code 781.3 (lack of coordination). Check and see if your insurance company pays for OT under that code, and then make sure to get a 12 or more visit authorization for OT. Also, read "The Mislabeled Child" for the chapter on SPD.
Good luck!
This is awesome! My SPD child is 4yr. My whole family (women being the most extreme) are all a bit sensitive. Dirt on the floor makes me batty, bright lights hurt and perfumes … Massive instant headache. Seriously.. When I go to the mall I go to the opposite side and hold my breath to pass a Bath and Body Works.
My son is the most extreme, at 4 he can finally walk some barefoot outside (about 5'). Lights don't seem to bother him much now, but they did in the NICU (he was 3mo early) you could watch his numbers improve just by covering his eyes. He chews constantly, we just got him a Chewie a few days ago (and love it already! He is getting used to the feel of the strap, so he still takes it off, but it is getting less and less.
He HATES cold. He has just gotten where he will eat a tiny bit of ice cream or a Popsicle. I haven't noticed him with scents but that is probably due to my own sensitivity, I avoid it so he isn't exposed either.
He also head butts (got any remedies?) everything. Usually the floor or a wall/door. I have tried getting him to head but the couch or chair but that just makes him madder.
We did end up teaching him "5 breaths" because of his inhaler. We hold down his hands and make him to deep berths to calm him when he is headbuttingly angry. Sometimes it takes multiple tries but it usually works.
Hi, I really enjoyed your blog. I have four children. 2 boys and 2 twin girls. Ages 7,3, and 2,2. I have a son who has sensory issues. So far they are proprioceptive, tactile, and expresive and receptive language disorder. We are a one income family and I homeschool my oldest. We can not afford to send our son to THE MAGICAL SPD school where everythings bright and dandy. I believe that my son will benefit the most at home some days, other days Im so challenged and discouraged that I feel i cant give him what he needs. Alls we have is the local public school preschool child find. And to me I feel with his anxiety and the fact he loves home, will he really excel there.I have the desire and the compassion to homeschool him here right at home. Im scared out of my mind that Im not gonna succeed. But when he has a melt down or freaks out when his toys are out of order or needs a hug, whos gonna hug him like I can. Whos gonna have the compassion of patients I have. They can have every degree known to man kind and have worked with every disability known. But there not his mother. I know when he needs a hug and deep pressure to his joints, He always seeks me for love. His home is his known place. He knows where to go and what to do to calm his nerves. And for the love of me social interaction isnt just found in school , he has 3 siblings who love him to death who are home as much as him. He goes to playgrounds, church classes, therapy. When do compassionate mothers with kids like ours get the least courage and become the least knowledgable of our children. I get so discouraged with the every day sayings such as PUT HIM IN SCHOOL, HE NEEDS SOCIALIZATION, When did we have to give our kids to people we dont know to raise them for us? Wish there was more out there for mothers who are fighters to do raise and teach their kids with the help of God. We need more rescources instead of discouragement. God bless you for being such a powerful and strong mother.
My son was diagnosed with this as well just today. But she also mentioned social skills. Does your son with SPD has social limitations as well? I am leaning towards homeschooling, but feel torn about him having difficulty beeing around other kids.
Hi Ami,
Thank you for your lovely post. My daughter was recently diagnosed with SPD at age fifteen. I look back at her childhood and see so many signs that indicate symptoms that I did not realize what they meant. Your post was very encouraging as we have homeschooled as well. My daughter is struggling to figure out how to adjust with this new diagnosis as well as the pressures of high school. Thankfully there is a little bit of flexiblilty with homeschool. Hopefully as she learns how to add the sensory diet activities life will become more manageable. At this point she is not convinced that the activities are all that important. My prayer is that I can educate myself enough to provide examples to share with her others successes so that she can see the purpose behind the activities. Your post will be helpful in just that. Thanks again.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I was searching for some help with home schooling my almost 8 year old boy who I recently discovered through some of my own research (after people telling me my son is OCD, out of control, anxious, etc) has SPD, or at least many of the 'symptoms'. I hate labels, but it is nice to know that we are not alone. He is the most loving, compassionate little boy and deserves unconditional love from me. And – you're SO not alone – I've screwed up many, many times in moments of frustration.
What's important is that we learn and grow with our children!
Thank you so much for posting. We recently discovered that our son has SPD. He is now six. I start to tear up all of the times I think about the ways I was impatient and how I have made the situation worst and not better. In particular, thank you for sharing the story of the blueberries. My son has worked hard at understanding that it is ok to eat a tomato with a spot on it and that it doesn't mean there is a worm inside š
I have a 6 year old boy who has SPD. Mainly proprioceptive (needs deep pressure), vestibular(craves movement) and severe auditory processing disorder. I am going to homeschool him this fall for Kindergarten and I wanted to find a good curriculum for kids that have SPD. Any advice would be great. Thanks!!
i know this post is old and i have never commented though i must admit ive read it more than once. and mainly for inspiration on those very tough days. my son is about to be 4 and he has SPD. i knew he would be extraordinary since i was three months pregnant and it seemed he was doing backflips in the womb. long story short he is indeed extraordinary. i would never change him because like you said God chose and trusted us to be the mothers and fathers of these children that will one day do amazing things in this world. is it hard? heck yes! but i try to remember every day and in those very difficult moments that it could be way worst. i love him so very much. and i know he loves me too. thank you for sharing this and i will always come back to it when i need that reminder of how great it is to be a mom of an SPD kid. i plan to homeschool my son. because i know public school would break him.
I just stumbled on to this blog. I'm glad I did. My twins now 8 both have SPD issues. My son goes to OT once a week where they work with him. My daughter is super sensitive to touch, she hates anything such as lotion oils or even clothes that are slightly too tight. I am thinking of having them both evaluated professionally, although my husband doesn't think it necessary. This will be our 4th year homeschooling. I have found it very hard as they get overwhelmed very quickly..I'll definitely be using some of your suggestions.
Hi Denise,
We had our son evaluated at age 2 and not again until 13. Wow. I highly recommend the evaluation. Professionals will have more ideas, support, and resources for you.
I wish I would have seen your comment earlier, Lizbeth.
Yes, my son struggles with various social issues, but I believe school would have made these things WORSE–not better. You can still be around other children in a variety of settings if you are homeschooled.
This was a great article! I totally understand your frustration with your son. My son is the same way, and it has been a long journey. He is now 12 has changed a lot over the years. He was in therapy for sensory for a few year's, and they gave him gum to chew. He will go through a whole pack in about an hour or less. He thinks and learns completely different, and also stands, moves always upside down the whole time I'm teaching him. My son does not do well with textbooks, he would rather watch videos and learn. Breaks all the pencil lead every day, gets frustrated so quickly. It is not easy, you have to take one day at a time. He never ceases to amaze me with the things he comes up with, very creative. If I could just create and sell all the ideas he comes up with I would be a rich mom;) He is very athaletic, takes gymnastics which helps with the pressure and he is also in Archery. We just have to hang in there and pray. God made them special and chose us to be the parents, because most could not handle it. Good luck. Tracey
Thank you so much for this article. This is my first year of homeschooling our first-grader with SPD along with my preschooler who is also a sensory-seeker. There have been many moments when I think I won't be able to do this. Your article brought tears to my eyes and gave me the reassurance that Im not the only one who struggles to have the patience and the faith that God will give me what I need to succeed in this.
Just got dignoised with two of my kids 9 has spd and my 5 year old has spd and adhd and going back and forth for switching to homeschool and dont know what to do.
On a day when I'm losing it completely (two second graders- one SPD, one very spririted and SPD) to the point of considering public school for fall, this article showed up as a blessing. I feel most days I'm ruining their love of learning since my patience wears off quickly. The transition has been tough as they attended a Christian school for 3 years (pre-K through first grade) and this is my first time homeschooling and not working FT. Again, thanks so much for sharing!
I love your article! We homeschool for the very reasons you mentioned…I want our boys ( 9 & 7 both with various degrees of SPD) to know how wonderful they are, as God intended. Not as others have tried to label them with their quirks, habits and needs. But I must admit, this year has been very tough for a variety of reasons. I, too, have thought of sending them to a small, private school as I get so exhauseted trying to understand our regressions in behaviors or challenges in learning. Your blueberry picking story reminded me that I need to take a deep breath, step back, watch and learn. As most of the time, I end up realizing that they are teaching me far more.
Your article inspired me. Thank you! Thank your son for us too! Your stories make me realize… my boys and I, are not alone.
Monica,Ā
Thanks for your kind words. Our kids are SO MUCH MORE than a label, aren’t they?Ā
Yes, take a deep breath, step back, watch, and learn! I love this!!Ā
Blessings to you!
Thank you, thank you, thank you
Thank you for this! God totally had me see this today. I broke and yelled. I failed my kids today. I have 2 kids with Tourette's, my oldest son has SPD and he in one of the 2 with TS. That's a bad cocktail right there. I have 5 kids total and I homeschool. I love seeing them learn and thrive in the ways which they need. But sometimes I just get so tired and for an hour or two, I want normal. Then I remember that God put my kids in my lap because I needed them to teach me and vice versa.
I'm thankful that God's mercies are new each moment. He forgives and He loves me and my family and will guide us.
Thank you for sharing, such great points. I have a 5 and 7 year old with SPD. We will be homeschooling our 5 year old for the first time this fall and I'm nervous. I too struggle with lack of patience š It's so nice to read encouraging words from other moms. God Bless you all!
Thank you Ami, my daughter has Spd & Aspergers she is pleading for us to home school but I do not have a clue about how too. Your article has give me hope.
Thank you Ami! I enjoyed reading your blog – and especially #10. My almost 6 year old son has SPD (and well, restless leg) and we will begin our "official" homeschool journey this fall. I didn't figure out he had SPD until he was almost 3 – after years of sleep deprivation and "high needs", ignoring pediatricians advice to "sleep train" and to discipline him; and in desparation after seeking out a pediatric neurologist who within minutes in our first office visit recommended that I read "Out of Sync Child" and "Raising Your Spirited Child." I didn't get through the 1st page before I cried. I no longer felt alone in a sea of criticism. I felt a mix of hope and regret – hope for his future and regret for the 3 years that he didn't have the support the way he truely needed. I messed up and he has forgiven. Today he came to me and said out of the blue "Mom – I love you! I love you even when I'm mad at you and you love me even when your are mad at me." I wrapped him in my arms and said in his ear "Yes – that is true. I love you – you are always loveable to me and I am blessed to be your mom." He replied, "Mom, I love your voice – it sounds beautiful to my ears."
You are so welcome. Thank you for sharing your sweet journey. All the best as your start your homeschool journey!
Thank you. Just found out my 11 yo has SPD. We knew something was "not normal," but she's bright, so didn't know what kind of help to seek. Praise God for the OT who spoke at our homeschool conference this past spring. We had a huge "Aha!" And sought help fast. It has made all the world of difference between being exasperated with our child and compassionate towards her. Knowing I'm not crazy helps too š It is amazing how just a few techniques instantly started helping. Thanks for sharing your stories. Appreciate all you moms!
I know this is an old post but I am going through the same thing. We've suspected sensory issues when he was young and he had even gone through OT. He was in the school setting but I pulled him out in K and have been homeschooling since. He's now 8 and I feel like his sensory issues have gotten worse and I don't know what to do. I have contemplated putting him back into school but I don't think that's the place for him to be because of sensory overload. His best education is at home but I need to find better ways to manage it to make it easier. We have a trampoline and I allow ample time for breaks but that doesn't seem to be enough. Thank you for sharing.
Another option may be an indoor swing. Sensory Critters sells the swing + the bar for around $100. You may also want to consider some breaks for yourself. I’m not sure what that might look like. My son started classes at a local community school of the arts when he was younger. I think working with clay was a challenging sensory experience for him, but I also think it has been very healing! It took him a long time to be willing to attempt the wheel, but now it’s all he wants to do. Ā (The classes also gave me a break from being his teacher all the time.) Hugs to you. š Please let me know if I can help in any way!
Hi! š
I know this was written a few years ago but it encouraged me today!! I pretty much cried and laughed through the whole thing…I have a 5 yr old with spd and I homeschool
Thank you!!
Jackie
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Im going to try the gum thing!
Hi. Thank you for opening up about this. I REALLY need help with the constant complaining. I can handle and have strategies for chewing, rocking, moving, crying, etc. But, the constant complaining while homeschooling gets me every time!
Thank you for writing this! I know it’s been a few years but it’s encouraged me today…it made me cry reading because it’s so true, true of my son!