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+--- Thread: Introduction and question about chewelry for adults with ADHD (/thread-2039.html)
Introduction and question about chewelry for adults with ADHD - pinky - 11-14-2016
Hi Everyone
I'm brand new to this. I am 56 years old. I was diagnosed with ADHD with a formal neuropsych assessment when I was 51. Since then I have been on medication (Focalin XR), as well as worked with an ADHD learning coach. Several months ago I began working with an EMDR therapist to deal with childhood trauma and as memories started surfacing, it became clear that I had a high startle response, visual, tactile, auditory, proprioceptive defensiveness. She suggested that perhaps I also had something called "Sensory processing disorder" in addition to the ADHD. I did some checking in adult ADHD forums and voila, there it was. There are a great many ADH-ers who are also sensory defensive.
I found a wonderful book by Sharon Heller, Too Bright, Too Loud, which gave me a good start. Little by little I'm adding things: I purchased a weighted blanket, ankle weights, a weighted vest.
I ordered two other things that look like they may help: a chewy tube for biting, and a Wallbarger brush.
I've seen comments about brushing but what have been the experience of adults with SPD with using "chewelry" ie chewies for biting? I find myself grinding my teeth, or holding my jaw stiffly. I read that crunching into things that have resistance offers some relief, and from there, it was a short hop to the chewies... What has been your experiences with biting into these chew-tubes?
RE: Introduction and question about chewelry for adults with ADHD - Jmelda1 - 11-26-2016
Welcome Pinky. I'm glad you're finding some answers.
I just recently got a chewable pendent from stimtastic. I haven't used it much but it's great for chewing. It definitely helps with clenching my teeth.
I STRONGLY recommend NOT using a Wallbarger brush unless you have been taught how to do the protocol by a trained occupational therapist, preferably one who has experience working with adults. If you don't brush properly with the exact correct amount of pressure, in the correct direction and do the proper joint compressions after, it can go completely ineffective and even harmful. I speak from experience.
Just to let you know, anxiety makes sensory issues more severe. Once I was finally able to get my anxiety under control, my level of sensory issues plummeted.
RE: Introduction and question about chewelry for adults with ADHD - Soccerliz18 - 01-28-2017
"Just to let you know, anxiety makes sensory issues more severe. Once I was finally able to get my anxiety under control, my level of sensory issues plummeted."
Do you always recognize when you have increasing sensory issues? My sensory issues seem to be getting worse and I was wondering if it was stress related or anxiety related but I wish I could recognize faster when I was exhibiting more sensory seeking behavior before someone points it out.
On another note- I also agree that the original poster in this thread should find someone with experience in "Brushing" It can in fact be worse if its done wrong. =/