Let’s explore shall we??

Spiderman wears a skin tight costume (compression garment) from head to toe. He flings himself off buildings, swinging back and forth through the air (vestibular stimulation).  He wears his costume under his clothes and rips them off at the first sign of danger or a human in need (tactile defensiveness – tags and seams probably drive him nuts).

Superman also wears the skin tight costume (compression) and flies (vestibular) through the air with the greatest of ease. Now think about it – who other than someone with SPD would be remotely comfortable with flying without a plane or helicopter?
WAIT – THERE’S MORE!

I think we can all agree that the majority of superheroes wear compression type costumes which give sensory input.

Batman also has a utility belt and based on the number of gadgets (fidgets anyone?) I’d say that would be a weighted belt (sensory input).

Daredevil is blind but uses all his other senses to fight crime (just more support to my special needs = super powers theory).

Flash, Wonder Woman, Punisher, Storm, Thor, all wear compression suits, use heavy objects, seek vestibular input and, in some cases, in their alter egos, have proprioceptive issues (hello clumsy Clark Kent!)

So the next time you see a child, teen or even adult wearing compression clothing, weighted garments or other “unusual” item, please don’t stare, don’t point fingers, don’t make faces. Please DO engage us and (if the parent seems receptive) or kids. Ask them what their super powers are! Chances are you’ll be able to figure it out on your own. Dylan’s smile and laugh, his ability to see good in everyone, his uncanny ability to make himself known in a very short period of time, those are his super powers. What are yours?

Be Sociable, Share!

•