You Know You’re an SPD Parent When…

These quotes are from a series posted on the Sensory Spectrum.  It’s grown to include more than seven installments, based on feedback from moms with SPD kids.  The Sensory Spectrum is always worth a look.

 

Finish this sentence… “You know you’re an SPD parent when ____.”

You’re happy your kid has his meltdown at home and not in the mall. – Jody P.

Living with SPD makes you more tolerant and accepting of other children’s special needs. – Jeannine T.

You always have sunglasses and ear plugs on hand. – Michele W.

You know what it is like to be judged by complete strangers who can’t understand why you would allow your child to leave the house wearing shoes but no socks. – Kate R.

When your child eats something new, it is so exciting! – Vanessa K.

You get excited in a pumpkin patch because your child got his face painted! – Angela L.

When you cheer loudly at the park because your 5 year old goes down a slide for the first time. – Amy S.

You haven’t dried your hands in a public bathroom for years because you’re not allowed to use the electric hand dryers. – Jennifer H.

You rejoice when your child comes home and says “today was a good day mummy” and you so hope it was. – Nicki G.

You have a therapeutic brush in the lounge room, car console and day bag. – Lucia B.

You can spot another child with SPD in a crowd – Nanda G.

You automatically put your hands over your child’s ears when the train is coming – Jeannine G.

You find gum on clearance and buy EVERY SINGLE PACK and then wonder if that will last you the next two weeks….

You have to constantly rub his back or hand just to get him to sit still at church for an hour – Manal J.

You use words and phrases like “crazy body” “safe hands” and “big squish” – Amanda L.

You spend a 1/3 of your time avoiding the meltdown. A1/3 of the your time managing the meltdown and the final 1/3 recovering from it! – Karen M.

You run everywhere instead of walking – Meagan W.

When you plan a quiet room for every relatives house – Amy S.

When you don’t even bother asking your six year old to put on sweats and just let him go to the grocery store in his PJs. (Or Target. Or the library.) – Jennifer H.

 

What do you have to add?

Handwriting

Handwriting is something that OT’s work on with kids regularly. This article explains simply why we do, what to look for and what we can all do to help.