Ever since my daughter was born, I knew she was different. She had her eyes wide open all the time as a newborn. She has always struggled with sleep. We sleep trained her several times as an infant and toddler until the age of 2 and it would work for a few months then not. At 2, cry it out was no longer an option because she would cry for 6 hours. We’ve tried so many things - the hatch green light, the excuse me method and introducing an incentive chart. Incentives do not work on her - presents, candy nothing. She has been waking at 4am for over a year and even when she was 1.5 she had a few weeks of early wakings on top of waking up multiple times in the night. We’ve seen pulmonary sleep specialists and had her in hydroxyzine for a month, iron and Flonase but none of it helps. I didn’t want to do hydroxyzine long term so we only did it for a month. She demands to get up right when she wakes up at 4-5am and screams. She screams herself to sleep a few nights a week and almost all naps on weekends but seems to nap fine at school. We are struggling because our 10 month old daughter is woken up by her and she also has medical needs. This is just sleep.

Behavior wise, she has always been hyperactive and strong willed. Always moving, darting off and can’t sit still to the point she falls off her chair. Can’t sit for more than 5 minutes of a movie. She is always very clumsy and often sits in a W position which her OT has mentioned can be common in kiddos with sensory processing differences. Our daughter does OT weekly and has been for a few weeks now. We haven’t seen much improvement but it’s been helpful for me to learn about regulation methods. She is definitely sensory seeking.

I guess this rant is just to get things off my chest and also seek community in other parents who have similar kiddos and if there are things that worked for you/if they outgrow this. I’m really struggling and feel like it’s impacting my relationship with my daughter. I love her so much and just want her to thrive. The sleep is the toughest part.

I absolutely panic in the salon chair but sometimes I just have to go. I only go once every two years on average. It's just so intimate and scary. Random people used to pet me when I was an infant and small child because of my "magic red curls." It was a thing with older Hispanic women in my town, they thought I was lucky, apparently. But maybe that's partially where the fear comes from. Doesn't matter who cuts my hair, it's just the most terrifying thing to me and I have been through what people would call objectively worse trauma. But I freak out about my head being touched and feel like someone is going to kill me.

What do I do to calm down?

Hairdressers have noticed me being extremely stiff and just staring, rarely speaking. I used to do my own hair but cannot anymore due to disability.

I am 36 and it still makes me panic 😂

It's been 2+ yrs since I realized I have sensory issues, dyslexia and possibly AuDHD. I am un-diagnosed for all.

Dyslexia, I have no doubt about once I read what it actually is.

Sensory issues, everyone knows I have those but they just considered me a "complainer" until I defined that for them.

I also have attention issues and social delays which seems to fall to an Autism L1 (probably what was aspergers) w/ some random impulsivity issues (ADHD). Autism and ADHD share 80% of the same traits.

I have seen a neurologist that wrote up a script. It took over a year to get to him. Now it's close to a year since the script and a majority of shrinks didn't return my calls, online shrink groups mislead that they take my insurance and then as a force them to state that it's covered they admit it's not - this would be up to $4000 for something that is actually $30 under my insurance.

I have been told by multiple groups "if you were under 18 or over 65 we could get you right in." Not sure how that is legal.

Anyway, I support 4 people. I've noticed my issues getting worse since work from home and going back to work plus trying to unmask.

I need methods. Tired of hearing "see a professional". They only care about me if I pay out of pocket or they are booked for 2+ yrs.

What can I do?

I don’t have a SPD diagnosis but ive been speaking to my psychiatrist about sensory issues but she brushes it off as “normal/common”, it’s been affecting me my entire life but due to some other diagnosis’s she shoves it aside, I feel that it’s completely different though but since I’m doing better in other aspects (with other diagnosis) she thinks everything is fine but it’s been burdening me for so long, it’s to the point where I feel like I’m trapped in the middle of traffic—with everything driving around me while I stand in the middle unable to move or focus on anything around me, it numbs me to the point where it feels like I’m watching everyone through a lens—or in third person, how did anyone else manage to be heard with their sensory problems?

I do. It can just off every tall surface of this planet, actually… anything else anybody would like to add?

For a while, I think around third grade it started I wanted to be touched evenly, if at all. In case you don’t understand, here’s an example: let’s say I used my right hand to give someone a high five, then I high five them with my left hand. It seems very weird to people when they accidentally step on my foot (that doesn’t happen often) and I ask them to step on my other foot at the same force. I’m more sensitive with the even thing if I’m touched by something or someone that is any temperature besides room temperature. I go through phases in my life where the ‘even thing’ is more severe, other times it only applies if I was touched by a higher force or more extreme temperature. No, I don’t feel the urge to make my injuries even.

My long time gf have sensory integration disorder that causes her a lot of things but mostly touch hypersensitivity. Lately, we’ve been talking about having children and she is terrified about giving birth and what is going to happen next. Due to her disorder, she is worried that after birth she’s gonna feel different down there, and that this feeling won’t go away. Similar to feeling of labels in clothes that always irritate you, but in her situation you can’t really remove irritating part of your flesh. Did anyone have similar situation and can tell me how bad was postpartum.

-magic erasers -the sound of people coughing -sneezing (specifically in the car) -the feeling of my own teeth -microfiber -repetitive sounds -bright lights

Pretty sure mine has always been so weird. All the fluorescent lights in classrooms and public places, and I get easily worn out from just being there.

I went to the Mall of America (just a really big mall), and there were so many people, music playing so loud and indoor rides running, shops selling so much different stuff—that it felt like my brain completely stalled and I was dissociated from my surroundings. Fully overloaded in like under 5 minutes being there. Couldn’t think straight.

But even at my college, it’s like everything is too vivid and pressing in on me. I have trouble focusing and doing work while I’m there. I’ve always had trouble talking to people, and I think a big part is that my brain can’t organize properly in these environments. But I can’t afford testing, so I’m still not sure if it’s like autism or sensory processing/anxiety/selective mutism together.

Particularly if you’re young and your friends want to go to places that might be sensory overload like carnivals, fun fairs, concerts or even the cinema?

Why.

was diagnosed as autistic in 2017, at age 17. had a weird time with the term as while I was diagnosed it was used as an excuse for me wanting to transition, but that's neither here nor there. at the time I would wake up every morning before school, lay out the same style of pants, same fit of shirt, compression shirt underneath, the same hoodie, and same shoes and socks. I had to readjust my socks and shoes to be as tight as possible due to sensory issues with the toe seam specifically. I couldn't have a variation to my outfits, and trying to do my hair was an absolute nightmare, I would have several meltdowns in the morning before school due to sensory issues. being in public was a nightmare and it was very hard to stomach sitting in the car with my family even if I was pressed into the door to have the most space possible. now, however many years later, I found some solutions that have helped tremendously, I shave my head now, for various reasons but mainly sensory as hair touching the tops of my ears was a horrible sensory issue for me, I wear loose clothing and only wear slides or slip on shoes so I don't have to deal with socks, and I actually got my septum and upper lip pierced and it's helped so much with skin picking / unhealthy stimming one of the biggest changes is related to transitioning, I know that dysphoria and sensory issues is a beast in and of itself, but surprisingly hair growth and skin texture changes from testosterone has helped so much with sensory issues regarding fabric or anything brushing against me. I work from home now and wear a uniform (by that I mean a robe and sensory friendly lounge clothes) and don't have to worry about the sensory nightmare that is working in public! I'm the happiest I've ever been and am so thankful that Ive been able to try these new things and figure out what works for.me

Hello! I have a 3 (almost 4) y/o boy who has SPD. He was evaluated for autism at about 2 y/o because he had a significant speech delay but they said "he's too social to be autistic" bc he is very much a social butterfly once the initial apprehension of meeting someone wears off. Ever since he was a baby, he's hated baths-anything to do with water really. Now it's gotten to the point where I'm lucky if I can get him in the tub at least once a week. I do a lot of "wipe downs" which are essentially sponge baths outside of the tub and wash his hair with soapy wash cloths. It seems like his head is extra sensitive to water bc that's always been the hardest thing to wash on him. I've bought so many bath toys, made different soap slimes, I've even gotten in completely clothed with him to help him feel safer. I just don't know what else to do. We did OT and they said we just have to expose him to water. I've tried exposing but he refuses. I've tried kiddie pools, splash pads, water guns, sensory bins. We did try a dry brush but he absolutely hated it. He actually tried throwing it away a few times. Tonight we did a wipe down and he lost it immediately so I knew doing his hair was going to be awful and it was. He screamed and cried but his hair was obviously dirty so I needed to wash it. It just seems like it's getting worse. Does anyone have any advice? I feel like I'm failing him and idk what to do.

im in my grandparents house, i forgot to ask them for a fan because i hate silence because silence isnt silence its a constant overwhelming echoing in my ears and idk what to do im also overheating im extremely uncomfortable and i want to cry

Hey! Can anyone give me some tips? All shoes seem to rub one spot on my ankle and it is so annoying. All my shoes do this. Brooks, dansko sneaker, vionic sneakers. There’s nothing on my foot and maybe when you get past middle age and you’re stressed you get more sensitive?

The ankle pads from shoe petals don’t help so I almost think I should DIY something except there’d be a seam that might be irritating. But I can’t be the only one with this issue??

Thanks in advance, I’m trying to learn this stuff late in life.

I struggle with showering because the water hitting my skin irritates and makes me extremely itchy. I've scratched so much in the past that I've left marks and some marks appear to have left scars. Does anyone know how to lessen this irritation and/or deal with the itching?

Sensory background: I have ADHD, and I know I have sensitivities to certain sensory inputs, but I'm not currently diagnosed with SPD. Biggest trigger for me is my skin feeling dry--it's like nails on a chalkboard. I also get overwhelmed with too many/too-loud noises. I know certain lighting also negatively affects me, but I'm still working out how. I tend to respond to overstimulation with excessive fatigue, but noises can make me irritable and anxious too. If relevant, I also have mild agoraphobia and start feeling overwhelmed and panic when I feel trapped (somewhat better these days with therapy).

Concern: I'm planning a day out with my partner around a concert we have tickets to. We are dropping the kids off in the afternoon, have dinner reservations, then the concert is later in the evening. Since we have time to kill in between, we thought we might go to the mall before dinner. My biggest concern right now is that when I'm out and about, I get so tired from all the lights and sounds, and I don't want to be exhausted for the concert. I am also slightly concerned about the heightened anxiety of driving/parking in a very busy place for the concert. I do have earplugs I will be bringing.

TL;DR: Basically, I'm new to addressing my sensory sensitivities as I have had trouble pinpointing what the issue was in the past. I would love any tips on how to minimize sensory overwhelm while out around lots of people for half a day.

I've always been adverse to bright lights and loud noises but kept to myself and hid all problems related to learning to myself. I am a highly sensitive person and for as long as I can remember, school is nightmarish to me because I simply cannot concentrate on learning any time other people are talking and noises bother me to the point where I cannot learn anything at school and had to go home and learn in a quiet environment. I am almost 30 and I cannot hold down an office job long enough due to other people talking affecting my concentration immensely. Noises and other people talking bothers me and I like being in a quiet environment. Is aversion to other people talking and having a conversation while I am concentrating on data-heavy work a symptom that is indicative of SPD? At first I though I have ADD but I am not so sure now that I found SPD more in line with what I felt. Any advice on how to overcome this constant noise struggle welcome. Thanks!

I am autistic and have really bad sensory problems. I really struggle to regulate my body temperature and overheat when doing the smallest bit of exercise. For my job I am required to wear trousers and it is very physical. I don't know what I am supposed to do.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Hi all, I’m an adult male, and have had different iterations of sensory sensitivities over the years.

It appears I have, and have had, a sensitivity issue during sex. Either I don’t feel anything, or I become way overstimulated. No in between. I’m wondering if anyone else has dealt with this and attributed it to their SPD? Any things that helped you?

Does anyone get this thing where your hands are like fine and moisturizer but suddenly just feel dry? And u feel a constant need to wet and over hands and feet with water?

It just drives me crazy and makes me incapable of sleeping.

My son with SPD is 14. He has very long hair and hides behind it, people make comments about Cousin It and that he can't see where he's going. I haven't seen his full face in a LONG time. I've tried to gently tell him to pull his hair out of his face, to explain it isn't going to help acne (its very straight and gets oily fast), but he doesn't seem to care. The only time it's back is when he's playing video games in his room. I know this because he's immediately pulling it down when I open his door for anything. It doesn't help that he doesn't like to participate in much or talk. It isn't that he can't; his best friend lives an hour away and they talk up a storm over the video game chat. I can't ask teachers to help me because we homeschool. Any advice?

I (16) have been super sensory seeking in school these past few weeks. Like its unbearable. Its mainly vestibular and tactile. I can mask it for some classes but others I have big sensory freak outs and I get a little crazy. Ive tried fidgets and stuff but its not working. My friends also give me big hugs which helps sometimes but I just feel stuck. My biggest thing is spinning which is hard to do in school.

Showering is the only thing that helps me but I can’t keep wasting water. Does anyone have ideas?

Holi - A Multisensory Exploration, FREE recording.

Thank you to everyone who joined me for the Holi workshops. It was lovely to see so many familiar faces and to welcome new people too.

As promised, here's a link to the recording. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBBbQYh9CUA

I (19, primarily Auditory Processing Disorder and troubles with proprioceotion) used to talk to myself and play by myself/with imaginary friends when I was little, but obviously as an adult I can't do that kind of stuff anymore unless I want people to think I'm crazy.

I find that nowadays, because I can't fill this need, not even at home (Mom didn't like it growing up and eventually made me stop and now I live in a small one-room dorm with a roommate and I just don't want to bother her with my incessant talking), I find myself wanting to talk with people for hours, and inwardly (I have learned to suppress this as nobody likes to see it and I'm embarrassed of it) I feel upset that we can't usually hang out for that long (or if we do, we're not talking the whole time and I have to constantly remind myself, "hey, nerdcatpotato, we're not. talking right now! we're not!! don't talk. nope, she said she needed to focus. GIRL, SHE IS DOING HOMEWORK. let her focus, damn it. ok maybe you should focus too. get back to work." {my self-talk around this... uhm... isn't great... as you can see...})

I asked a (now former) friend about this and he said to just record myself talking or write it out, and while those do help, I really don't have the time to record myself talking all the time, or a private space to do that. It's hard enough trying to find a private space on campus for me to do my virtual therapy appointments twice a month, but those sessions are so important to me and I really need them, so I find ways to make it happen. Writing it out is just... not it. Recently I started voice-to-texting all my texts and sending voice memos to basically everyone I know at times, which does help a little bit, but not enough.

Do y'all have any suggestions? I know it's completely unreasonable as an adult to ask my adult friends if they can hang out and talk for multiple hours and I know I can't just go around talking to myself in public (although lately I've just been wearing headphones every time I talk to myself in public and pretending to be on the phone and nobody seems to notice but I feel silly doing that for too long, and also sometimes I need to vent about really personal stuff and I try to go somewhere where no one else is around but if anyone does hear me I just don't want them to think of me as a bad conversationalist or someone who just trauma dumps on people all the time).

Also I've noticed that when I get in this excessive talking stim, I find it so relaxing I can't come out of it until either someone interrupts me or I lose my voice. It's incredibly difficult to pull myself out of it. It's basically maladaptive at this point, but I don't know how to regulate it so it doesn't stay maladaptive. I'll often do it when I'm anxious or excited or just having another big feeling that I don't know what to do with/I have something really big that I need to figure out.