I Can Be

I have been having some trouble with time out lately so I have been trying to do more calming activities with my children. A new favorite we learned from our OT is making a tent out of a sheet in one of their rooms. We hang the sheet over a long scarf and put some clips on the top. The boys really like placing the clips on the scarf (good for fine motor skills). When I notice one of the boys getting frustrated, I encourage them to go to the tent for some quiet time. I also give them a flashlight and a book to read. Building the tent is also a nice distraction from whatever was bothering them in the first place.

I think the fact that Sensory Processing Disorder isn’t recognized and understood by many professionals, people, friends, DSM-IV TR, etc..makes it a very difficult experience for mothers/caregivers of children with this disorder. It is almost like alcoholism in a way where people can deny its existence and ignore the pink elephant in the room and become numb to the chaos. This denial weighs heavily on the mother/caregiver experiencing life with his or her child and can make one second-guess her thoughts, experiences, and feelings. Sometimes you could almost slip into this denial when people tell you that they don’t see the things you do or “she will grow out of it.” Not to mention the effects on children with this disorder…leaving them in a nowhereland where services and support can be hard to come by.

Mothers, contine to listen to your inner voice and remain awake and aware! Believe in yourself and your child and know that you have this innate sense to provide exactly what your child needs. I’m saying this to all mothers, including myself, because sometimes I too easily forget how truly connected we are to our children and everything and everyone around us.

I met a friend online who has a great blog http://www.thesimplecajunlife.blogspot.com If you are the mother of a child with sensory processing disorder you will be moved by this blog.  I am especially touched by her recent post, A Little Bit of the Grumblies.  I too have experienced these same feelings. It is posts like this that fuel my fire to keep educating others about SPD and find new ways to support mothers of children with SPD.  Many blessing to this Mom for her courage and light!!!!