He was always a little quick to cry.
Not the type of baby that can be placed in a carrier and taken out. In fact, riding in a car just made him mad. The only thing that seemed to calm him the first year was the full-size swing.
Not the convenient travel-sized one. That didn’t seem to have the proper rhythm.
I don’t know.
The tantrums started at 9 months. Often it was unexplainable. Out of the blue. At the drop of a hat. Or if the wind blew.
At 14 months, a dear friend with twins the same age asked in concern, “why is he so angry?”
I don’t know.
As he grew, there were quirks. Clothes worn so tightly they rubbed red spots into his precious waist. An over-reaction to fireworks so extreme we had to leave a baseball game. An aversion to hugging, yet in rare situations hugging could calm.
I don’t know.
It was all painful to watch. As the issues unfolded, in one moment it would appear clear that he was overwhelmed followed by a moment when I couldn’t tell what was happening.
I was helpless to be helpful to the person I loved the most. The person that was relying on me the most to make sense of this world. A world that was attacking him from all sides.
Research was my only outlet. I read, Googled and asked.
My research lead me to Sensory Processing Disorder. It was an immediate recognition of his life. How his body felt everything with a twist. How his life was viewed through a different filter.
I knew.
We researched more and more. We took action. We created a way for his body to interpret things in a different pattern.
He has control. He has perspective. He lives beside his peers.
The challenge with sensory issues is that they manifest in many forms. The same “issue” that is seen in one kid as aggressive behavior might look like extreme introversion in another.
Trust your gut. If you know there is just something that doesn’t make sense. Do the research.
Sensory Processing 101
I am so excited about this book (affiliate link). It is a road map that will help so many kids like mine. It is a lifeline for so many parents like me.
Sensory Processing 101 covers all the basics in language that makes it simple to understand what is happening in your home. There is a plan of action that you can begin today.
This book has been a labor of love by our dear friend and teacher, Dayna Abraham from Lemon Lime Adventures along with the team of Claire Heffron, OT, Lauren Drobnjak, PT, and Pam Braley, OT from The Inspired Treehouse. This team has been in-the-trenches with what you are dealing with.
For just a few more days, you can get Sensory Processing 101 {the complete guide} with 3 Free Downloads (a $12.99 value):
- 22 page Guide to Teaching Children About Sensory Processing
- Sensory Processing Sharable Cards
- Sensory Processing Memory
I am really excited about this book because I know it is going to help parents like me. As a mom of three boys, our family has dealt with our share of sensory processing issues. Even though I am a Physical Therapist, I didn’t initially identify the cause of the problem which lead to frustration and tantrums. Once we knew what it was and what to do, everything changed for the better. –Holly Homer, MPT, Kids Activities Blog & co-author of 101 Kids Activities that are the Bestest, Funnest Ever! (me)
Good luck with your journey. And please know that things do get better. I promise.
I know.
