so... finally! man, a couple of years back I couldnt find more than what seemed to be 12 adults with SPD anywhere - all I found were concerned mommys with 3yr olds. Its great that there is support for the parents and kids now, but what about those of us around before the popular books and new diagnoses craze?

Because I also had anxiety issues growing up, my focus had always been on that. It seems a lot of people with SPD get lumped in with the SA (social anxiety) crowd. Of course, since I had it, that fit... but that wasnt the whole story.

I have a whole catalogue of things that at one time (or still) bother(ed) me on an SA forum I can import at some time to this one, but basically, certain sounds, lights, and smells overwhelm me. It has had a direct impact on some relationships.

looking for a job that would "help others," I ended up working in group homes and treatment facilities, usually for/with people with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. Worked for the Dept of Health & Welfare for 4.5 years, was a Guardian ad Litem (court appointed special advocate for kids) and foster parent. I did all of that for close to 12 years, and enjoyed it, largely because the things the other people staffing the places needed to mind for the comfort of the residents... were exactly the same things that *i* needed to have catered to. Hey, if your coworkers know that certain noises bother a client, or that disarranging a cupboard will distress someone with OCD, etc, then they work in harmony with that person instead of setting them off (we hope) - exactly the kind of environment I needed, too.

I am 34 years old, no kids (but my foster son John is turning 20 this month - he aged out, dont worry haha), single, and presently work as a custodian for a building doing maintenance and janitorial duties (I had to take a break from that field, on top of, well, Id made a lot of progress on my own, and also had hit a ceiling regarding advancement, needing a big degree to get any further). I love reading (science fiction and studying history), my fraternity (freemasonry), my family (I babysit my 5yr old niece every other weekend, and have a 12 yr and 11yr old sister, and adult siblings also), and the music of QUEEN! I love hiking, and live next door to several groomed easy trails.

Daniel

Welcome Daniel Working as a advocate/caregiver for people with exceptional needs? That is a brilliantly adaptive stratagy. Reading seems to be a very common hobby amoung us SPDers. I look forward to visiting with you more in the days to come. We're glad you're here.

thanks lane. i knew when i started at my first group home (I think i was 19) that i was "home." haha. it just felt natural. structured environments, adaptive strategies, etc. And I was actually pretty good at it, which was also great, because I tended to have a misanthropic view toward others, and finally having a place where I could fit in helped, and so the benefits for myself and others seemed to encourage me to keep doing it.

daniel

My husband and I plan on Fostering soon children over age 3. One of the things described in all the Foster Care and Adoption books of "older children" was an almost universal problem with sensory issues. That it was part of the mental trauma of dealing with separation from their previous caregivers.

I figure especially that part my family can give a safe sensory environment to children, since we already have to accomodate myself so much.

Hi Daniel and welcome!! There will be more of us adults coming out eventually as we recognize things in our SPD children that are also in ourselves as well! That's what happened to me. First my older son was diagnosed. My younger son isn't official SPD, but he definitely has seeker tendencies. Now the more I read, the more I think, "Boy that sounds like me too!"

Just yesterday I was googling anxiety and came across a checklist for social anxiety--and it fit me pretty well! Especially phones and job interviews! Those in particular can cause me to go into full panic attack mode. I may have to look more into SA.

I love hiking too!