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+--- Thread: newbie (/thread-1026.html)
newbie - subtledawn - 10-20-2013
Hi.
I'm 27, have a 3.5 year old daughter.
Just found out about SPD and have struggled with it my whole life. I didn't know that there was a disorder/condition that so well explained my behaviors and issues.
Seeing similar issues in my daughter made me research until I found something about SPD. It's a relief to find that there are other people with the same condition and similar sympoms because my whole life I've been made to feel like a freak or like I'm crazy.
I'd rather be a freak than crazy, but now I know I'm neither.
I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder six years ago which I feel is inaccurate now that I know about SPD because the only thing that made me have a panic attack was smelling things or hearing my mother yell at us kids. I didn't know what was happening and I kept it to myself until the panic attacks escalated to the point I had to drop out of college (Still mad at myself about that). My psychiatrist didn't bother to ask why I had panic attacks just gave me some atavan (that wasn't good for me).
But I never would have had panic attacks at school if I didn't have to encounter girls spraying hairspray in the bathroom when I tried to use it, and if I wasn't surrounded by 30 different types of hair product or perfume/cologne while trying to pay attention to the teacher not to mention the smokers who used to stand right outside the entry to the school next to the 'no smoking' sign.
my sense of smell has given me the greatest challenge, but I also have sleep problems from sensitivity to sound and light.
I was ostracized as a 'picky eater' by siblings, parents, and friends parents, and drove my mother crazy. I could only drink from a certain cup for some reason that I couldn't explain, and didn't like textured food.
The good thing about being a parent with SPD and having a child who very likely has it as well is that I know what it's like to be a child with SPD and have a great deal more patience and understanding for her than my parents did for me.
RE: newbie - Dani - 11-18-2013
Wow, hello there subtledawn, and welcome to the site!
I'm glad you found us and I'm thrilled you have been learning a lot about SPD for both you and your daughter. It sounds as though it's been very beneficial. I find the knowledge and understanding to be incredibly powerful and have lasting positive changes on life in general. I know it's made an amazing difference in my life. I hope you enjoy your time here and that you get the support you need. Thanks!
