It’s a scenario that every parent dreads: receiving that phone call from the school principal about your child’s behavior. My stomach sank as I prepared for yet another uncomfortable meeting. Why are those kiddie chairs always so tiny? It felt like I was back in school, being reprimanded by the principal.
During the meeting, we heard a familiar tale about our 5-year-old son, Jake, struggling in the classroom and acting out towards peers and teachers. Unlike previous experiences, the director surprised me by asking if we were familiar with sensory processing disorder. She handed me a flyer about a group called LifeSkills.
Later that day, I found myself on the phone with the director of LifeSkills, and within minutes, I felt like we had uncovered a crucial piece of the puzzle regarding Jake.
Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory processing pertains to how a child’s nervous system interprets stimuli such as sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. For children with sensory issues, their brains struggle to organize the signals from their environment, leading to inappropriate reactions. This can manifest in various ways, including sensory over-responsivity, under-responsivity, and sensory-seeking behaviors.
Jake is particularly sensitive to touch from unfamiliar people. If someone invades his personal space or snatches a toy, he reacts defensively. He detests wearing socks, still relies on pull-ups at night, and finds noisy environments overwhelming—classrooms being a prime example. Once, he shouted for silence in a chaotic doctor’s waiting room. He also struggles with the smell of our meals and the sounds of chewing, preferring to eat alone. Yet, he makes a mess with ice cream, getting it everywhere during indulgence. He’s slow to start his day and becomes anxious at the slightest alterations to his routine. We previously dismissed these behaviors as simple mischief, unaware they were signs of sensory processing disorder.
A Community of Support
That evening, while at the park, a neighbor inquired about our school situation. I reluctantly shared that Jake had been removed from a previous school and was now attending Montessori. Her response shocked me: “Oh, that happened to us all the time. My son has sensory processing disorder.” It was eye-opening to discover I wasn’t alone.
Within the same day, I had three conversations about a topic I had never previously encountered. Shortly after, my neighbor knocked on my door with a book titled Sensational Kids by Lucy Jane Miller. She promised to return soon to discuss her family’s journey with their son, who is now thriving at 12 years old.
Diagnosis and Understanding
After Jake’s evaluation, he was diagnosed with classic sensory processing disorder. Since public schools and insurance often don’t recognize this condition, he was labeled with dyspraxia (a motor-planning issue), hypotonia (low muscle tone), and coordination disorder. Simple tasks like walking heel-to-toe for eight steps or maintaining a cannonball position for more than two seconds are challenging for him. He struggles with eye contact and can’t draw shapes as well as his peers. This isn’t due to a lack of intelligence or effort; he simply isn’t receiving the appropriate signals needed for his body to function correctly.
Realizing I had misunderstood him brought tears to my eyes (#momfail). However, with each revelation, we move closer to helping him thrive (#ahamoment).
Finding Solutions
We discovered that mouth muscles develop before hand muscles, which explained Jake’s ongoing speech therapy since toddlerhood. He constantly chews on his collar, creating holes in his shirts. He craves hot chocolate, gum, and salt-and-vinegar chips (which, much to my husband’s chagrin, are a family favorite) because these items provide the sensory stimulation he seeks.
Jake enjoys riding his bike and kayaking; these predictable movements give him confidence and comfort. There remains hope that he can excel in sports (for my husband’s sake!).
The solution for Jake has been occupational therapy. He now has weekly sessions with an occupational therapist who visits his school—thankfully! She switched careers from engineering to OT to assist her own son with sensory processing disorder.
Looking Ahead
As fall approaches, I can’t help but worry whether Jake will be ready for kindergarten. Every parent desires their child to fit in and succeed. Yet, weeks after that parent-teacher meeting, I found renewed hope and gratitude. Our school is supportive and willing to work with us.
I also have a network of family and friends who recognize Jake’s incredible potential. That night, a friend left a reassuring note on my porch alongside a bottle of wine named Dark Horse. Hearing that I’m doing a good job from another mom is a priceless gift, as is having a friend who understands my son.
The greatest gift for Jake is that we, his parents and teachers, are beginning to comprehend what he has been experiencing. With this newfound understanding, we can provide him with the time, patience, and empathy he needs to navigate this chaotic world.
Resources for Further Reading
For more insights on parenting and sensory processing disorder, you might find this related article helpful. And if you’re exploring options for at-home insemination, check out this reputable retailer for quality kits. You can also find outstanding information on reproductive health and home insemination at the CDC’s website.
Summary
The journey of understanding and supporting a child with sensory processing disorder can be daunting, but it also brings hope and community. Through evaluations, therapy, and open conversations, parents can uncover the needs of their children, fostering environments where they can thrive.
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