SPD
About Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD):SPD is a REAL disorder that affects 1 in 20 children. That is one child in EVERY classroom! Leading researchers, like Dr Lucy Jane Miller, have been working and fighting tirelessly for years to get SPD in the DSM so that families can get their children the services they so rightly need and deserve. We, parents of children with SPD, want only what any parent wants for their child… to live a full, healthy and productive life. Having SPD in the DSM will help us get the services our children need to have that.
From SPD Foundation’s website:
“Sensory processing (sometimes called “sensory integration” or SI) is a term that refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. Whether you are biting into a hamburger, riding a bicycle, or reading a book, your successful completion of the activity requires processing sensation or “sensory integration.”
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD, formerly known as “sensory integration dysfunction”) is a condition that exists when sensory signals don’t get organized into appropriate responses. Pioneering occupational therapist and neuroscientist A. Jean Ayres, PhD, likened SPD to a neurological “traffic jam” that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information needed to interpret sensory information correctly. A person with SPD finds it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses, which creates challenges in performing countless everyday tasks. Motor clumsiness, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, school failure, and other impacts may result if the disorder is not treated effectively.
What Sensory Processing Disorder looks like:
Sensory Processing Disorder can affect people in only one sense–for example, just touch or just sight or just movement–or in multiple senses. One person with SPD may over-respond to sensation and find clothing, physical contact, light, sound, food, or other sensory input to be unbearable. Another might under-respond and show little or no reaction to stimulation, even pain or extreme hot and cold. In children whose sensory processing of messages from the muscles and joints is impaired, posture and motor skills can be affected. These are the “floppy babies” who worry new parents and the kids who get called “klutz” and “spaz” on the playground. Still other children exhibit an appetite for sensation that is in perpetual overdrive. These kids often are misdiagnosed – and inappropriately medicated – for ADHD.
Sensory Processing Disorder is most commonly diagnosed in children, but people who reach adulthood without treatment also experience symptoms and continue to be affected by their inability to accurately and appropriately interpret sensory messages.
These “sensational adults” may have difficulty performing routines and activities involved in work, close relationships, and recreation. Because adults with SPD have struggled for most of their lives, they may also experience depression, underachievement, social isolation, and/or other secondary effects.
Sadly, misdiagnosis is common because many health care professionals are not trained to recognize sensory issues. The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation is dedicated to researching these issues, educating the public and professionals about their symptoms and treatment, and advocating for those who live with Sensory Processing Disorder and sensory challenges associated with other conditions.”
Saturday, July 21st 2012 at 12:10 pm |
I was wondering how to join and get my sons picture/info on here. This is a great website!!
Monday, July 23rd 2012 at 3:10 am |
When did your son get his diagnosis? Where are you guys from?
Wednesday, September 19th 2012 at 10:09 pm |
I was wondering the same thing would love to get my sons picture and story for your project. He was diaganosed August of this year. He is almost 4 1/2.
Wednesday, September 19th 2012 at 10:39 pm |
Hey where do you live?
Thursday, September 20th 2012 at 6:20 am |
Washington state
Thursday, September 20th 2012 at 4:25 pm |
This has been an amazing journey so far for us. It amazes me how many people do not know that this even exists. How people look at you in public with disapproving eyes when your kid is having a sensory overload. Sometimes it make me feel like I want to wear a shirt or have my son wear a shirt that says he has SPD, but in the same note I feel like I shouldn’t have to explain my sons behavior. Even though he is only 4 1/2 he seems to already know that something is different about him and is finding he own ways to deal with this. That truely amazes me.
Thursday, September 20th 2012 at 4:41 pm |
I know what you mean!!!
Thursday, September 20th 2012 at 6:11 pm |
Any plans to come to Washington state to take some pictures of kiddos with SPD.
Thursday, September 20th 2012 at 6:23 pm |
Not at this point. I was out there 2 years ago shooting SPD kiddos. Portland is the closest I will be.
Thursday, September 20th 2012 at 11:13 pm |
When will you be in Portland. Not to far for me to drive. If you still need SPD kiddos to photograph.
Friday, September 21st 2012 at 7:34 am |
We have not figured out a date yet. Also have to do a smidge of fundraising. You can help by donating $35. Please read this. We are asking for those who want to participate to make a donation. This offsets travel expenses and cost for doing an exhibit when the shooting is complete.
http://facesofspd.com/31-in-31-raising-awareness-for-sensational-faces/
Friday, September 21st 2012 at 12:33 pm |
Would you be interested in photographing my son. If so let me know when you will be in Portland. I would be more than happy to donate to the cause for participating in this. Thanks.
Friday, September 21st 2012 at 2:55 pm |
yes absolutely! It all depends on the donations, honestly. We have to get them in first then once we can do the trip, we will schedule. May be looking at middle November.
Friday, September 21st 2012 at 3:14 pm |
Cool thanks.