Faves
Check out these posts – our readers’ favorites!
Is it Sensory or Behavior? – Hartley Steiner
“During one of my book signings last year, I was asked by a mom how you can tell the difference between sensory problems and behavior problems. It made me smile. Why? Because in my experience, this is hands down the number one parenting concern for those raising a child with Sensory Processing Disorder. It always has been and I suspect it always will be.”
An Alternative SPD Lexicon – Spectrummy Mummy
“I thought it would be nice to post a cheat sheet so that we all understand each other, my definitions aren’t exactly standard, but they do describe our life with SPD. So what does SPD stand for? Read on…SPD- Sometimes Pretty Demanding. IEP – Incredibly Enervating Process…”
On Father’s Day… – Erik Linthorst
“Today, on Father’s Day, I want to address the elephant in the room: I want to acknowledge the dad’s struggle. First, let’s face it, we’re guys. We don’t have our emotions on standby. It’s ingrained in us to be strong, stoic, and unflappable. Often, it’s our role in the family to be a calming influence. So we treat it like part of the job that when you worry, we don’t.”
Marriage Advice Special Needs Moms Don’t Want to Hear – Hartley Steiner
“But what often happens during the never-to-be-quenched-thirst-for-knowledge-mission is a polarization between husband and wife. You cop an “I know the answers” attitude that quickly leaves your husband to play the role of “guy who doesn’t know the answers”. And about a year or so down the road, you turn around and realize that YOU have done ALL of the work. And you get angry. Frustrated. Annoyed. Pissed off that your husband doesn’t understand your child or appreciate all that you do. Sound familiar?”
The Magic of a Water Bottle – Brooke Shumaker
“My husband loves to fish. Loves it. It has been a joy to see him take our oldest son fishing. They always seem to truly connect and have fun. The whole day usually provides the right sensory input my son craves. He is 5 and has mild SPD. What this means to me is that we try to give him the heavy lifting he loves and we try to predict what will cause a meltdown. We try. And a lot of time, he is very centered. And then lately there have been some huge meltdowns.”
Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover - Carmen McCoy-Williams
“Other Mother let loose a deluge of derogatory remarks that will forever be seared into my memory and I am so glad my little man will probably never remember this incident. Here is a brief list: “you’re probably a welfare mom” (what?), “you’re kid needs a good ass kicking” (wow, I usually hear spanking, ass kicking is a bit harsh…), “worst mom ever”…”ghetto white trash…”
Our Favorite Sensory Diet Activities - Kathy
“People ask me what type of things we do for our sensory diet. Of course, that’s after explaining that no, it doesn’t mean we cut out gluten, no it doesn’t mean we follow Nurturing Traditions, etc. Most sensory work our Peanut (6) needs preceeds our school time…”
Sample Sensory Diet for School - Hartley Steiner
“Many people ask me what a good sensory diet for school is, and unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer. But, in light of how many people are interested, I am going to breakdown what we do/have done for my son in an effort to give you a starting point in determining the best fit for your own child…”
Why is this Night Different from all Other Nights? – Alysia Butler
“Passover is one of the most important Jewish holidays and one that can cause the most stress for families living with sensory processing disorder. It can be a totally overwhelming experience for a child with sensory sensitivities. I know. We’ve been through several Seders where my son has spent the whole time in another room. Gagging on matzoh crackers…”
9 Ways to Boost Your Child’s Social Skills - Hartley Steiner
“Knowing our children have these complex challenges with social skills makes teaching social skills just a part of a much larger problem. And, often our children’s social skill deficits are compounded by other challenges – such as attention issues, sensory issues, or a simple lack of interest…”
It Isn’t Regression - Hartley Steiner
“…the regression question is at the forefront of everyone’s minds these days. Isn’t it? Teachers, parents, therapists, are all watching as our kids, who normally can perform a certain task, or have acceptable behavior in a given situation, are now magically unable to. And it scares us…”
Mother’s Intuition - Alysia Butler
“I’m so glad you’re here. I understand that you’ve been struggling. Please, sit down. It’s a lot to ask, I know, when things are out of control around you, but you’ll feel better if you sit for a moment. Take a deep breath. Again, I’m happy you’re here…”
My Favorite Things – Autism Style - AutismArmyMom
“…I’ve composed a little ode to all of my daughter’s “favorite things” to the melody of the famous song from The Sound of Music. I assume that everyone knows the tune so feel free to sing out loud…uh one and uh two and uh… ”
Sound of a Sunset - BigDaddyAutism
“…For about 45 seconds I heard nothing. He had not left the kitchen. He wasn’t giggling. I got no questions. Silence. I went to the kitchen to investigate and there stood Griffin, staring out the window at a magnificent sunset…”
Dischord and Harmony - Spectrummy Mummy
“…“I want Mummy to draw a beanbag.” 
A beanbag. Right. I draw a small rectangle and look over to see if it meets with approval. Not so much. I put a few dots on it. I know, the beans are inside, not visible, but what would you do if your beanbag wasn’t right? Maybe she is looking to see the texture of the beans? I don’t know, okay, I’m trying. Still no good…”
Don’t Laugh At Me – Mama Apples
“That was when it happened. As the woman tried to grab the card from ‘Bot’s hands, while trying not to get hit by his wild fists, I heard it. Laughter. From adults gathered around. My son was in crisis–in the grips of a neurological short circuit–a danger to himself–unable to speak–unable to do anything but cry, scream, and fight for his life–and they thought it was the funniest thing they’d ever seen.”
no more than a hiccup – Diary of A Mom
“i don’t want her to know that getting her out of the room is the one thing that can ease her sister’s distress…but i’ve got to separate them…she hiccups again…and hell breaks loose”
One Year – Molly
“And I started walking the road, not sure where to go or what to do. And I lived, afraid. No, terrified. What a difference a year makes.”
Best Piece of SPD Advice – PattyP
“I know I have, and at times it gets more than a little annoying, especially when the advice is unsolicited or from someone who doesn’t understand SPD. Worse still is when the advice comes from a perfect stranger. Despite my sometimes defensive attitude towards advice, I have received some over the years that has proven quite valuable.”
One Thousand Cranes – The Empress
“At times, he is so into his paper zone, that he won’t hear us call him. I’ll send one of his brothers to go and check on him, see how he’s doing. They’ll invariably return, and tell me, “he’s fine, Mom, he’s just at the table, folding.””
So Then, What Should I Do? – Mama Apples
“I do not believe that the world is full of heartless people who routinely go around making fun of children with special needs. I believe that many people feel horrified and frightened and confused when they witness an autistic child’s meltdown.”
The Birthday Debacle – neurotypical mom
“Z was so excited that he could barely sit still and he insisted on writing most of them himself. I watched him with such love. That sweet little boy who can barely ever sit without vibrating, plunked his little bootie down in the chair, stuck his tongue out in concentration and finished every last one of the invites.”
Stuck In A Moment – Alysia
““And I told you that you should have brought your stuff up to your room so he didn’t see it! You have to just leave him alone now when he’s like this. Just sit and eat your lunch!” The minute the words came out, I regretted it. Helpless to stop the meltdown, I directed my anger at the wrong person.”
What I’d like the world to know about my son – Shimmerbutterfly
“Seeing as this is brand new to our families, friends and others in our circle, I thought it would be good to share what my husband and I want them (and the rest of the world) to know about our son.”
Dear Lady At Walmart – Schooling in the sun
“It was only today that we were able to get some schoolwork done without falling on the floor tantrums and inconsolable tears. So I knew it was a bad idea to drag my three into WalMart. But once in a while, these things can’t be avoided.”
A Walk In The Park – Butterfly Journeys
“When we arrive I carefully drive around the park to find the least populated playground. She easily tolerates a few kids but certainly not a crowd. So I find one with only 3-4 kids and mommies hanging out. Looks safe enough.”
How to feel when the school fails you – Kena Simmons
“I feel like I failed him. Somehow I could’ve said more or done more and made the school see that he NEEDS this. They even said he needs school, but he isn’t delayed enough for them.”
10 Things I Want Everyone To Know About My Boys – Ember
“As mothers it is extremely frustrating and we begin to carry the load on our own. Doing the research, listening to those that came before us who might have a better way, searching out doctors, therapists, OTs, PTs, and SLPs, anyone who can help us find a better way, a new idea, suggestion or understanding so that we don’t feel alone.”
Back to School? – Gina
“Miss Coordinator smirked and dismissively said, “Huh! What are you going to do?” It was a question, but it sounded like a statement. I was taken back by her condescending tone. Either she hadn’t taken me seriously, or she was skeptical of my ability to meet the therapy needs of my daughter.”
Visual Schedule, For The Win! – lucyshouse
“My son Drew is pretty textbook when it comes to this and we have found Visual Schedules to be a Godsend for him. There were times when he would whine and cry and fight every step I wanted him to take. Once we started the schedule he would look, see what was to come and walk through each step.”
