SPD rules (our house!)

For those of you unaware of what Sensory processing disorder is (previously known as Sensory integration disorder) - you can find out more here http://www.sinetwork.org/about-sensory-processing-disorder.html or goto google or search engine of your choice, and check it out. Some argue whether or not it is a REAL disorder, others simply say it is a symptom of another underlying problem such as Autism- either way, those that live with it daily (themselves or their children) know just how REAL it is!

In our family, we are dealing with it in two different ways. Two children with a form of sensory disfunction- both presenting and reacting to things in very different ways- yet so similar in others. One child that hates loud sounds and being touched, and the other who LOVES to make as much noise as possible and touch, touch, touch, everything in sight.  Somedays this poses a real problem, Mew wanting to grab and hold Jocie, Jocie shrieking she doesn't want to be touched! Mew screaming out for whatever reason while Jocie sits with noise blocking headphones on to muffle the sound of his cries. Mew so badly wanting to share a toy with jocie, but she is too terrified of it to even LOOK his way. You get the idea- sort of back and forth all day, both working against each other just being themselves. BUT, when all is said and done, they do recognize each other's sensitivities and are overall pretty sensitive to those things(MOST of the time). They have a bond with each other that I am not sure they will ever have with anyone else. They can be so sweet to one another and at times SO helpful! Because they both have fears in public places or around other people, they tend to latch to each other(if they are not latched to us haha), holding hands, hugging, and protecting each other or just making each other laugh to ease the tension they feel. It is so sweet to see! I am proud of BOTH of them!

   

Everyday it is a part of our lives. From getting dressed and bathing to eating and sleeping. From playing outside to going to the store. We have to be conscious of sounds, sights(lights and movement), crowds, their movement and anything else that may affect our day. We do our best to expose them to a variety of experiences and to get them to try new things, but we also do not want to traumatize them. If things get too upsetting, we leave. Do we do everything in ways others consider 'typical'? Probably NOT, but we do them OUR way, and they are happy! Do they HAVE to carve(or watch ME carve) a pumpkin to enjoy Halloween? NOPE! We use plastic 'potato head like' pieces to decorate or we paint them. To them it is just as fun!

Does everyone accept or support our ways of doing things? Certainly NOT! But that is THEIR problem not OURS. Our children are happy and in most ways healthy and that is what matters MOST to US! They are growing, making progress and living their lives the best way they know how!
They are Jocie and Mew- Nothing LESS! Their difficulties are part of who they are but do NOT DEFINE them! I believe they will both reach their full potentials and be the best that they can be. Those that choose to stick around to help, care and support us and open their eyes and hearts to all that these two have to offer, will see GREAT things! Maybe even learn how to slow down and take the time to appreciate even the smallest of things in life- the smell of a flower, the feeling of the breeze in your hair, the grass on your feet, or the joy of jumping in a middle puddle! They have taught me more than I could ever teach them!

Life is interesting!:)