SPD is different for everyone

While on this journey, I have realized that Sensory Processing Disorder changes all the time. There are so many factors that are involved. Something that may have not bothered you before, now suddenly does. Or the opposite can happen, something that did bother you isn’t now. It can be very challenging to live with and understand. I think it’s important to know that! I also have OCD. A symptom of OCD is wanting to have control. Unfortunatly with SPD we don’t have control, We have to learn how to adapt and respond.I often reflect on my day and feel as if “I survived the day” instead of “living the day”. For someone with SPD alot of “normal” experiences feel like they survived the situation after it was over. For most people it’s just normal living and they never give it a second thought. In fact in a lot of situations they don’t understand how someone with SPD feels that way. They say “it’s just (fill in blank here, almost anything works), how is that stressful or overwhelming?” Having SPD means that your brain responds much different to imput than someone without SPD.

I joke that I’m a superhero.

I can hear things that a lot of people can’t. I smell things much sooner than other people do. (Ironically, I can’t believe some people can’t smell or hear what I can.) I say do you hear (or smell) that? What is that?” And they respond “hear what (or smell what?) I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I feel surfaces differently. I feel some roughness where others feel the surface smooth. Textures can be different for someone with SPD. (Hence clothing feeling itchy or rough when others think it’s fine.) When something touches my skin with a moderate amout of pressure, it hurts. Most people just experience the feeling of something against their skin. For me it hurts, their is actual pain!

Oh my gosh, don’t get me started about taste. Kids meal please! To much texture or to much taste and it just won’t go down. Simple foods only is perfect for me.

I feel other peoples physical pain. When I see or hear someone in pain, I physically feel pain. My back locks up and I feel a stabbing pain that runs from the top of my neck all the way to my ankles. Hearing someone cry (it doesn’t matter who it is) causes me physical pain.

And even if the sun isn’t out, there are days I have to wear sunglasses and no one else is.

So to sum it up… I can hear, smell, feel, taste and see things other people can’t. I’m a SPD Superhero!