Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support

What Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Parents Want You To Know ...

Children with sensory differences ... painting the world beautiful.

What Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Parents Want You To Know ...

Jeanette Loftus

Around thirteen years ago when I first heard the words sensory processing disorder, it was not a known disorder.

As experts and researchers continue to shed light on this disorder more parents are discovering that their child may have sensory differences.

The journey of raising a child with sensory processing disorder can be challenging and overwhelming and the parents of these children have some important things that they want the general public to know.

Raising a child with sensory processing disorder is not easy but it is a journey that parents do with love, determination and strength.

We each have do our part in educating ourselves and creating a more inclusive and understanding environment for children with sensory processing disorder and their families.

Every Child with SPD is Different

Just like with any disorder, every child with sensory differences are unique. Some may struggle with loud noises, others may have a hard time with textures or smells. Each child has their own set of strengths and difficulties, and it is important to remember that when interacting with a child with sensory processing disorder.

Sensory Processing Disorder is Real

One of the first things that parents want others to know about sensory differences is that it is a real disorder. It is not something that their child is making up or just a phase that they will grow out of. Sensory processing disorder is a neurological condition that affects the way the brain processes sensory information, and it is recognized by the medical community as a valid disorder

Early Intervention is Key

Parents of children with sensory challenges know the importance of early intervention. The earlier a child receives therapy and support, the better their chances are of developing coping mechanisms and skills to navigate the challenges of everyday life. This is why it is so important for parents to recognize the signs of SPD and seek early intervention for their child.

Sensory Processing Disorder is Not The Child’s Fault

Many people may assume that a child with sensory difficulties is just being naughty when they exhibit behaviors related to their sensory processing disorder. Tt is important to remember that it is not the child’s fault and that they are not intentionally trying to cause trouble. It is the disorder that is causing them to react in a certain way, and they cannot control it.

Parents May Struggle with Sensory Processing Disorder too

Raising a child with sensory differences can be exhausting and overwhelming for parents. The constant challenges, therapies, and appointments can take a toll on their mental and emotional health. It is important for others to be understanding and empathetic towards these parents, as they are doing everything they can to help their child.

Acceptance and Inclusion is Key

One of the biggest hopes of parents of children with sensory issues is for their child to be accepted and included. They want their child to feel like they belong and are not different from their peers just because they have sensory processing difficulties. This is why it is important for people to educate themselves and be more understanding and inclusive towards those with sensory processing disorder.

We Need More Awareness and Understanding

Finally, parents of children with SPD want more awareness and understanding about the disorder. There is still a lack of understanding and recognition of SPD in society, which can lead to stigmatization and isolation for children and their families. By educating ourselves and spreading awareness, we can help create a more accepting and supportive environment for those with sensory processing disorder.

I asked 60 parents what they would like others to know about Sensory Processing Disorder.

Here are their answers.

1. Sensory Processing Disorder is not just parents making excuses for behavior problems in school

2. Our kids are not "bad kids"

3. Our kids do not "lack discipline"

4. You can not "spank the behaviors out of them"

5. We are not making excuses for bad behaviors

6. "One size fits all" parenting does not work with Sensory Processing Disorder

7. Sensory Processing Disorder is real. It changes. It shifts. It morphs. Just because something was fine one moment, doesn't mean it will be fine the next

8. It can be extremely challenging to live with as well as to parent a child who has Sensory Processing Disorder

9. Sensory Processing Disorder cause extreme reactions, behaviors, and anxiety

10. Small accomplishments in overcoming sensory differences are huge for kids and families

11. Sensory Processing Disorder does exist!

12. If you see a child having a meltdown in the store, it's not because they're misbehaving. This could be sensory overload

13. A meltdown is not the same as a tantrum

14. Our kids are not weird, or bad. Don't judge, & educate yourself about Sensory Processing Disorder

15. Change is scary for children with Sensory Processing Disorder

16. Children with Sensory Processing Disorder may use weighted blankets for calming. They crave pressure

17. Some food they just can not eat, sometimes it's the texture sometimes it's the sight

18. They won't eat eventually when they are hungry enough

19. Sensory Processing Disorder is not something they just out grow

20. Be inclusive; someone's path through these woods may not be visible to you, be patient. Their path is just as beautiful and full of potential as the one you can see

21. Malicious opinions are not acceptable. Simply being supportive and understanding is very appreciated

22. Children with Sensory Processing Disorder are not giving us a hard time, they are having a hard time

23. Sounds and smells can cause our children meltdown

24. Sensory Processing Disorder does not affect everyone the same way

25. Reading about Sensory Processing Disorder is different than living with Sensory Processing Disorder

26. Sensory Processing Disorder is not "curable"

27. Symptoms or "triggers" may change over time for our children as they get older, are exposed to new/different things & settings

28. Children with Sensory Processing Disorder are not "spoiled" and they do not react this way for attention

29. Children with Sensory Processing Disorder are still amazing kiddos with a lot of love to give

30. You are never too young to have Sensory Processing Disorder. Please don't tell us to give our children more time. Saying "all kids go through things like this" is NOT helpful as we are doubting what we think and you are making those doubts worse

31. We are not bad parents. We are good parents because we try our best

32. Many children with Sensory Processing Disorder have a very high IQ and are gifted

33. We wouldn't change them for the world, but we sometimes wish we could change the world for them

34. Sensory Processing Disorder can be a disability

35. Please don't brag to us about how well your child does and how he/she is exceeding expectations with things. It can be hurtful. Just because they are not exceeding levels expected of them doesn't mean they are not exceeding and overcoming a lot on a daily basis

36. Don't judge us parents, but support us and encourage us

37. How they react has nothing to do with their age.

38. Sensory Processing Disorder is exhausting for parents, and kids too

39. Children who have Sensory Processing Disorder can do what typical kids can do

40. Either support and help us parents or get out of the way, please

41. When it looks like our children are spacing out and unable to focus, they are actually trying to process sensations and feelings

42. Understand that our children are smart, beautiful, kind and caring. They are compassionate and have huge hearts

43. Kids (and parents of) have feelings too

44. Until you walk a mile in our shoes, please do not judge us

45. Sensory Processing Disorder can be can be debilitating

46. We have good days and bad days

47. We parent our children based on our child's individual needs

48. Girls and boys can have Sensory Processing Disorder

49. We wish Sensory Processing Disorder would be recognized in the The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

50. We would love for our family and friends to learn more about Sensory Processing Disorder

51. Just because Sensory Processing Disorder cannot be diagnosed, does not make it any less of a diagnosis. This doesn't mean that our children suffer any less

52. Change is not always good. Change is very difficult for children with Sensory Processing Disorder

53. Please stop telling us that if we spanked our children that they wouldn't act like this

54. Sensory Processing Disorder doesn't have a "look"

55. Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder may only eat certain foods or wear certain clothes

56. Adults can also have Sensory Processing Disorder

57. Sensory Processing Disorder is a disorder that you cannot physically see. What may look like defiance is actually the child's inability to cope with his overwhelming environment

58. Sensory Processing Disorder doesn't just affect the kids, but everyone around them.

59. Most parents who have children with Sensory Processing Disorder are often tired and exhausted

60. Children are not the only ones affected by Sensory Processing Disorder. Often the parent and their child have Sensory Processing Disorder and trigger each other