Our Daughter’s Anxiety Connected to Sensory Processing Disorder
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A few years ago we wondered if AJ had sensory processing disorder, SPD, and if it related to her anxiety.
Sensory Processing Disorder
At the time, her anxiety was so overwhelming, she had trouble leaving the house. She’d curl up in the fetal position and cry. A lot. (It sucked.)
Anxiety, if you ever have experienced it, doesn’t make sense.
After a miserable mountain vacation trapped in our condo, I realized that she needed more help than I could give. Professional help.
So, we went to a therapist. Well, two cognitive therapists. (In retrospect, I would recommend finding a good art or play therapist. That’s another blog post though.)
After seven months or so of weekly therapy sessions and little improvement, the last therapist suggested we get AJ evaluated at Children’s Hospital for SPD.
Fast forward to a diagnosis — SPD with tactile over-responsiveness. In other words, her tactile sensory system was over stimulated all the time. It explained everything – like why she hated to be held as a baby, why she flinched when we hugged her, or why the lining of her socks had to be smooth and thread free. Maybe, it explained the anxiety. We would soon find out.
Occupational Therapy at Children’s
We started occupational therapy at Children’s. Sabrina, the wonderfully kind OT, gave us weekly homework including a brushing technique and joint compressions.
Brushing and compressions worked miracles – which is bizarre because they seemed a bit like voodoo. But the proof was the result . . . after only a few months, she was a different kid.
The biggest immediate result? The anxiety disappeared. (And with it, the curled-up in a fetal position melt-downs.)
Another reward of the therapy? Hugs and the occasional cuddle. Soon, AJ wanted me to lay down with her while she fell asleep. We had some catching up to do! I got to make up for so many years where she didn’t want to be touched.
Update
We didn’t do the therapy forever – at home or at Children’s. For one, it was just too expensive. We stopped when we saw results after about 9 months.
Now, when we see that AJ’s over stimulated or seems “off,” we’ll start brushing again for a few days. Sometimes we give her a full-body, super tight-squeeze bear hug. It immediately calms her down. (I know, it seems weird for a touch-sensitive person but totally works!)
AJ is growing into herself every day, without the interference of her over-stimulated senses. She’s an amazing child with a lot to offer the world. If it weren’t for us discovering SPD, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
Which is why I’m telling you this. Only very recently are doctors considering SPD a legitimate diagnosis. But whether or not it’s in the DSMÂ or people think it’s a “fad,” it’s a very real condition. And something you get help for.
Further Reading
Sensory Processing Disorder involves one or more of the senses and can be either over-responsive or under-responsive. The opposite of AJ is tactile under-responsive, also called a sensory seeker. These are kids who always are touching you, in your lap, petting others, hugging, seeking to be touched. I know of kids whose affected senses are hearing and vision.
SPD Foundation’s website
“Is it Sensory Processing or ADHD?”, ADDitude Magazine
SPD Blogger Network
I hope this helps you – or someone you know.
Do you have any questions for me? Experiences with this?
UPDATE: How Developing the Brain Helped with Sensory Processing, Anxiety & Food Pickiness For Our Kids
My first post about SPD . . .
What a wonderful thing to see…the words SPD and Anxiety together in the same sentence! It’s been a bumpy road figuring out that the two are so tightly intertwined. Despite my background in Education and Psychology I couldn’t quite make the connection between the two until we had to make sense of our own daughter who was born too sensitive for this world.
We understand her so much better now and there are so many more ways we are able to help her to grow up in a world that (for the most part) doesn’t understand her.
I was so pleased to read that you would suggest other interventions rather than relying on cognitive therapy. There are so many things we can do to help our sensory children by first getting to understand them from the inside out. I share bits of our ever evolving journey on my blog.
I’m so glad that I found your site today and look forward to following what you have to share.
thank you!
Below is a link to a beautifully
narrated story that speaks so clearly about how it’s not just love that
children need, but also a mother towards whom they can be furious. Written by a mum of a sensory child. http://truegrowthparenting.wordpress.com/2013/07/26/you-are-the-meanest-mother-everrrrrr/
thanks, Lisa. 🙂
Oh goodness, thank you so much for this post…It’s like you are describing my life but my girl is just two. I have known since she was 4 months old she had SPD but everyone ignored my pleas. Finally have an appointment for an evaluation in two weeks, but the woman who did the intake questionnaire said she has no doubt what is going on. It’s been terrible trying to take her places, her anxiety is thru the roof. So sad to see such distress. I found you by googling “Sensory processing disorder” anxiety improvement, so I am so happy to see that OT worked for you and it has made a big difference. Nobody understands how upsetting it is as a Mom to not be able to hold and comfort your child. Thank you.
you’re welcome! I know how hard this is – especially when you don’t know what’s going on. HUGS to you.
My 22 year old son had sensory integration issues as a child. He now suffers with anxiety and panic attacks. Doctors and meds. have not made much difference. This is the first time I have heard of sensory and anxiety linked… I’m not sure what to do or think, but it gives me pause for reflection. Thanks for sharing.
this information is still not well-known. I hope it gives you some answers and help.
so sorry – he must be suffering so much, poor guy. I hope you find answers soon.
Thanks so much for sharing! I’d love for you to read my daughter’s story (and share your thoughtss) about SPD, anxiety, and motor delay that finally led to a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome. Anxiety is a terrible thing to deal with on a daily basis and is hard for others to understand what children can go through. Here’s her story:
http://babyminding.com/2010/10/25/the-special-needs-child-jacquelyns-story/
Don’t know if you’ve joined the SPD Blogger Network, but it’s a place for parents to come together and share stories. I’ve written there as well. You can read it here and add posts if you want to join:
http://www.spdbloggernetwork.com/2012/02/11/happiness-with-a-side-of-autism/
thanks for stopping by, Jennifer. I look forward to reading your daughter’s story . . . I love how supportive you are, thanks!
yes I love that there’s a network! Thanks!!