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Hi, new. - angie21837 - 06-29-2011
Hi,
I'm Angie and I was just diagnosed as having SPD. The Occupational Therapist said it was a "severe sensory sensitivity". This makes so much sense as I am also currently diagnosed as having depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, intermittent explosive disorder, and inattentive ADHD, along with sleeping problems that were undiagnosable. I believe that most of these problems may actually be attributed to to the SPD. Am I wrong?
The therapist says that I exhibit a high level of alertness to most sensory input and that multiple sensory environments can raise my level to intolerance. They also say that I have a high startle response. I have problems with small amounts of input being overwhelming. On the adolescent and adult sensory profile I scored very high on sensitivity, high on registration and avoiding, and low on seeking (if this means anything to anyone). They also say I am very sensitive to smells, bothered by loud unpredictable noises, easily distracted, overwhelmed by visual stimuli, am irritated by light tactile inputs, I have gravitational insecurity, I need high levels of deep proprioceptive and slow vestibular input to maintain comfort and motor stability. I have figure ground problems.
They recommended a weighted blanket and say that it could help with my sleep and might actually solve my sleeping problems. They also said I should start a "sensory diet" and use deep tactile stuff to calm myself.
Sorry this is long, but I was wondering what people who are experienced with this think? Any suggestions? Does the weighted blanket really help? Does the "sensory diet" help as much as they say it will? Any advice for a newly diagnosed late twenties adult?
Thank so much!
RE: Hi, new. - AngelaVA - 06-29-2011
Welcome!! I'm a Mama with a child who has SPD so hopefully some one with an adult perspective will pipe up for for what it's worth here's my two cents. It's summer now, do you have an access to a pool or beach? I wonder what spending some time in the deep water each day would do for your sleep and your sensitivity. Weighted blankets are a common recommendation, we didn't find it miraculous because it made her too hot and she needs to be cool to sleep, I think maybe instead of just going out and buying a blanket some thoughtful evaluation of what your sensory needs are at night might help. It took us a long time but I think we've finally found a good combination for my daughter, she needs a very soft mattress (we're actually using an air mattress) and blankets and pillows surrounding her sort of like a nest. She also needs a soft light versus having the room totally dark. For years we kept trying to make the room darker, but it turns out that was a mistake.
Also, how is your nutrition? Have you considered that you may have food sensitivities. A lot of people with SPD are helped by a casein free gluten free diet.
RE: Hi, new. - angie21837 - 06-29-2011
Hello,
I haven't looked into nutrition yet, I just received the diagnosis yesterday so I am still sorting through all the information. I have no idea what to really do. I was diagnosed through a Vocational Rehab ordered Occupational Therapy evaluation, so it was sort of a short feedback session with no real opportunity for treatment options. She mentioned a weighted blanket for sleep and calming, the sensory "diet", and finding little fidget things to help me self soothe. I don't know what other options are and I can't really talk to my Vocational Rehab counselor until the end of July to see what she suggests.
So yeah, any information anyone has that could help would be wonderful.
I'm glad you found something that works for your daughter. I'm sure having caring parents that can work with a child and recognize these behaviors will make all the difference in the world. Good luck to you!
RE: Hi, new. - beck7422 - 07-02-2011
Quilts and other heavy blankets can also give the cocoon feeling your body is probably craving. Weighted blankets are too heavy for me and the weight isn't distributed evenly enough for me.
I have food allergies, but those need to be diagnosed separately through a skin prick test. It won't tell you your exact food allergies if you have them but it will let you know if you have food allergies or not and where to start.
RE: Hi, new. - LynnNBoys - 07-04-2011
Hi and welcome! If I ever get officially diagnosed I bet I'd be about the same as you. Sounds very familiar.
I have weighted blankets for both my boys. It helped my older son to calm down at bedtime enough to be able to fall asleep. I also did joint compressions on him when he was really agitated. We were able to cut down his falling asleep time from ~3 hours to 20ish minutes over time. He doesn't use it as much lately. My younger son loved big brother's so much that I bought one for him too. He used to be a great sleeper but starting in Kindergarten he started taking longer and longer to fall asleep. I was also seeing more and more signs of him being a seeker. He still loves his weight blanket. I also give him 2 mg of melatonin. I've borrowed their blankets for 20-30 minutes at a time and love it. I also love wearing the lead vest for x-rays at the dentist! I find the weight very comforting and calming.