This is a re-post on someone emailing me and asking me, "how do I eliminate distractions in the classroom" and "everyone needs me at the same time".  This is a fun and simple way I have did it in the past. It has worked and saved my sanity.

My kids love these wooden kids craft sticks. We had a lot of fun decorating them. Are you wondering how these cute wooden kiddos can help limit distractions in your homeschool?

That is where the cups come in. When I am working with one of the kids and the other one has a question, they take one of the sticks and puts it into the empty cup. They don't interrupt me and will wait patiently by the table until I am finished with the other child. Sometimes, they will go in the play area until I am done. This way they know that I noticed they need me, and also that I won't forget that they need help. ( I need lots of help remembering what I need to do next).

I had to do something with Bug. She didn't understand that mom is explaining something to the other kids and would just interrupt when I was teaching. It would make the others lose their attention and I would forget my train of thought. Usually it was stuff, like her wanting to tell me about something that happened a week ago or something that was not an immediate concern.

Now, all the kids are more conscious of what they need. They know if it is something that can wait until after school not to put the stick in the jar. At first it started out like that and I would politely tell them, "these cups are for things that can't wait until after we are done with school." It took them a few weeks to get it. Now, it has been such a big help. 

I started using these several months ago. I love it when something so simple can be such a blessing. I hope this can help you in someway or give you some kind of idea how it can help your family with distractions during school. I know someone is going to ask, "where I got the craft sticks?" I picked them up at Hobby Lobby for a few dollars. The cups I picked them up at Target on clearance. As soon as I seen the bugs on the cup I knew that it was perfect for what I needed. Better yet, my Bug is crazy for bugs. May the Lord bless you and keep you this day.

It's been awhile since I have talked about Sensory Processing Disorder and how it affects Bug. It is still an ongoing daily issue. This last two weeks have been complete overload. I don't know if our quick trip to Colorado overwhelmed her or if she is just having a bad time overall. Her sleeping has been horrible with her waking up all the time.

Trying to get socks, shoes, and clothes on her has been an uphill battle. Shoes and socks have been the worst. We have been having a lot of snow, and cold weather. Every time we get in the car they come off and then we are standing in temperatures in the teens trying to get them on with her melting down. Or we are trying to leave the house and she keeps taking them off. This goes back and forth a few times before mom gets her to keep them on.

 I even went out and bought her some new shoes and socks yesterday that was a size bigger. Then she couldn't handle the shoes being so stiff.

Bug has been loving going roller skating every month without any issues. Last night she couldn't handle the skates, the noise, or the lights.

Some weeks I just feel overwhelmed and this has been me for the last two weeks. My heart goes out to her. It just seems like she has nails going into her skin. I can't imagine what she feels like but, when I look in her sweet face I know that it's painful, overwhelming, and she just doesn't know how to express herself.

I am trying to increase her sensory diet but, even that has been more difficult than normal with her.

I just need prayer and a good night sleep or two.

For most parents having braids in your little girls hair is not a big deal. Even a pony tail is nothing. Maybe you are trying to keep the hair manageable or maybe they just look so darn adorable with the hair up someway.

For a mom with a child with that has Sensory Processing Disorder this is huge. Bug has been asking me to put her hair up in pony tails and even braids. The funny thing is that you can tell by her facial expression that she is wanting to overload. Putting her hair up is challenging and I can feel her muscle tighten up and her eyes are shut like she is hurting. She tells me, "Mommy I want my hair up more than anything so don't stop."Brushing her hair in the morning can be interesting also.

 She is pretty proud of her braids.

She wanted 4 braids and she even slept in them. I had to loosen them a few times. I watched her all day deal with the sensation of the braids. Actually, I think it is more the rubber bands in her hair that create the issues. She has never been able to stand barrettes or her hair up since she was an infant.

She has actually been wearing jewelry a lot these last few months. When she puts it on she actually keeps it on most of the day not just for an hour if she even makes it that long. 

This is huge - I needed to celebrate this victory. Hey, its only been 10 years since I have dreamed of putting her hair up in braids. I even wrote about it in a book called, "Sensational Journeys: 48 Personal Stories of Sensory Processing Disorder" by Hartley Steiner's book. I even labeled it, "Ponytails."  You will see link of the book on my sidebar.

Maybe all the sensory related activities are paying off. Maybe this is just a short lived phase. Who knows but, it sure was fun seeing her so happy about braids. 

 My nemesis are dandelions! Not because they are weeds. They are actually quite pretty. My Bug is obsessed with them. Not just a little obsessed~ the whole world must stop and and acknowledge them. Maybe not the whole world but everyone in her world.

My daughter has some autistic tendency and dandelions are right up on the top of the list. Ever since she could first walk and discovered them.

I remember the day clearly because, I just  happen to take a picture that day. At that time it was precious that she discovered the dandelions.

 Now I have to plan where I park, which direction I need to walk to get to point A to point B as quickly as possible without too many dandelions. I now expect melt downs to the fullest if we don't acknowledge to stop and smell the dandelions. I'd prefer to smell the roses. Add bugs and cracks in the ground and we are in full season. I can't forget the stump in my front yard. Full stress season on my end when I need to get somewhere quickly and I am running behind. I laugh at it all when I am not on the go.

The second picture is the side of our neighbors house. Which every year I plan on sneaking over there with weed killer to spray them. Then I am afraid she will run farther as soon as the front door or van door opens. I prefer not to go over a couple of houses. The house next door is now empty so why is it so hard for me to spray them?

Now, I feel guilty spraying them because I have been learning about bees and plan on starting a beehive for Bug in the next year or two. Bees are crazy about my nemesis and they help feed them early in the spring before the other flowers start to blossom. Dandelions are full of nectar. Guilt trip-I have a new found respect for bees after pouring myself into books and even a few hives lately-which we are visiting one today!

Those dandelions sure do make her happy and they do bring smiles to my little girls face. We even have a chair on the front porch that she puts them all in to make a bouquet. At times they bring a smile to my face when I stop to smell the dandelions and I am not rushing from here to there. I still prefer to smell the roses!

Why couldn't she like carnations or tulips? They don't bloom just about everywhere. She likes just about every flower and likes to stop to inspect everyone. DANDELIONS are just her favorite and she gets more excited about them. Maybe I can plant a rose brush next to my front door so I can stop to smell the roses! That is something I will add on my, "to do list".

If anyone is wondering about the Wichita tornadoes it was way too close to my liking when you can count how close it was in blocks. My kids were scared when they got waken in the night and told to go downstairs in the shelter! No lives lost in this area-just lots of property damage.

Have a blessed day and stop to smell the roses today!!!!

My Son is a Genesis. Well, maybe not a genesis. He has gotten lots of thanks from his mom.

Socks are no longer my dreaded nemesis. Anyone who has been following my blog for awhile knows that Bug has sensory issues. Socks are very difficult to get on her without lots of screaming and crying from her. It usually takes a couple of tries getting them just right. She takes them off and I put them back on. So we repeat this a couple of times every time we need to go somewhere.

I practically pounce on her in morning while she is in bed to get her socks on so she doesn't have a chance to wake up and  process that socks are on her feet. Yes, socks hurt her feet. The seams are like nails to her. Then the strings and balls of fuzz drive her crazy and she informs me that they hurt her. 

I dream of being able to afford seamless socks. Then when I go to the website to order them. I stop dreaming and the cost of $7.00 for a pair of socks makes me cringe and I may then just shed a few tears. So I deal with the drama of the socks and pants and other sensory issues.

 Then the other day ago I notice that Little Man had his socks inside out. When I pointed it out he told me, "he knows they are on the wrong way"and "that the strings keep catching on his toe nails and it was bugging him." It was a new pair of socks with lots of stuff hanging from them. He told me, "that I should turn Bug's socks the wrong way" then he informed me, "then she won't feel the seams and the strings."

Why didn't I think of something so simple! I no longer have to pounce on her to get socks on her feet. She can't feel the seams or the strings, and the balls of fuzz. I don't dream of buying seamless socks anymore.

Through the eyes of a child. We complicate things and forget to look outside of the box for a solution. Now both Bug and mom are happy. Too bad I couldn't turn all of her clothes inside out! I'll just dream of seamless pants now. Yes, they make seamless pants and shirts!

Hartley Steiner is coming out with a new book, "Sensational Journeys" it is scheduled to be released on September 1st,  but can be preordered on Amazon at a discounted rate right now!

Written by a mom of a young man with SPD, this much needed book tells the stories of over 20 families as they go through the trials and triumphs of sensory issues. It will cover all different aspects and what families should expect as they enter, and what hope lies ahead.

I got an opportunity to share my story in the book about Bug. I am thrilled to have been featured in her new book. You can read my story and other's amazing journey in the book also.

When I first started blogging, I wanted to encourage others who have children with special needs. Mostly, in the area of homeschooling. I found that I was encouraged by others who came across my blog and left comments and E mailed me. I have enjoyed meeting so many new people with my blogging. I had no idea what to expect when I first started blogging. I didn't think others would be to interested in my life. I have been blessed.

 I was contacted by Hartley quite awhile back when I was doing reviews on several different items that I found are helpful for children with special needs. She encouraged me to look at her SPD blog network and to keep blogging about SPD. I have been so encouraged reading about all different lives affected by SPD on her blog network. Thank you Hartley for letting me share my story in your new book.

It is a day to day challenge having a child who suffers with medical issues. Then add sensory issues to the mix! The day to day chaos of a child with Sensory Processing Disorder. I don't think I would know what life would be like without a couple of daily meltdowns.

I often hear others saying, "why read so much about others with medical issues? Doesn't it bring you down?" My answer is NO! It makes me feel like I am not alone. I can relate to the stories they make me laugh and cry at times. Your attitude changes when you see a parent struggling in the store with a child that is screaming, hitting, and having a total meltdown. I use to think, "that parent needs to control that kid and give them a swift paddle on the butt." I am now that parent who others give me that look that I need to control my child! I am the one who gets nasty comments because Bug is having a meltdown! Talk about an egg in the face! Once in awhile, I get a few who smile and talk to Bug to draw her attention away from her meltdown and tell me that it is okay. Remember compassion and not to be so judgemental. SPD effects alot of kids who look like they don't have any issues.

Sensory Processing Disorder is a real issue and it could be your next door neighbor's child.You know the one you think is a horrible misbehaved kid. Yea, that one! You know the parent who needs some parenting skills and needs to control that kid. That mom might just need a friendly reassuring smile. Don't forget to read Hartley Steiner's new book, Sensational Journeys.

This is a sensory loving kids delight. We love Thinking Putty. It is somewhat like silly putty, but not sticky! Thinking Putty stretches like rubber, bounces like a ball(shh don't tell my kids that! I tried it and it bounces), tears easily, sculpt it, and can shatter like ceramic. My kids favorite thing to do with it is to pop it! No hand washing after playing with it to get that eeky residue off! It's also non-toxic and safe. No latex or wheat compounds either.

I hate it when my kids leave the lids open on the play dough and other items. It has to go straight to the trash. We have already had a lid left off our Thinking Putty. This was even before I knew that it wasn't going to be ruined. Thinking Putty is silicone based, not clay or earth based like other modeling compounds. Thinking Putty will never dry out or crumble. Ya Ho! I love it.

Bug can't stay still she is always bouncing on her ball chair. I haven't found anything to do with those hands when I need her to listen. I seen Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty in my Timberdoodle catalog and knew that I had to try it.

I got the heat sensitive hypercolor called “Chameleon.” Heat sensitive means that the putty changes colors from the warmth and cold from your hands. I also got the Electric Color-Lilac. Lilac mixes bright purple with silvery tendrils. They have a magnatic one! It acts as a magnet. How fun is that. That is the next one I want to get.

I now carry it in my purse for those days that we wait for all the therapy or yet another appointment. It will be a blessing next year when school starts and the brains are needed to pay attention.

The hands aren't sticky!

It doesn't stick to the tables either.

Bug is passing time for speech therapy to start!

Look at that tongue-such concentration.

Little Man was twisting it, ripping it, stretching it, and kept himself entertained for the hour wait for sissy to finish therapy.

Little Man told me, "Mom this is so much fun."

Some weeks are just harder than other. Yes, I know it's only Tuesday! I think that the last two weeks have made this feel like one extremely long week.

My daily prayer that my beloved husband reminded me of last night: Is that God will give me the endurance to see how special and unique she is in all of her oddities. I often pray that I can understand that she sees things, feels and smells things and her world around her in a way that I can't understand. I forget in all the struggles and drama of daily tasks that I take for granted.

Days always start bright and early starting with getting my little Bug dressed for the day.(yes, she can dress herself. It  just takes an hour or sometimes longer. When we need to get going early, I do it.) I dread socks and all the drama they cause. I keep telling myself that I am going to invest in some seamless socks. Then I look at them online and just can't seem to justify the cost of them with having only one income coming in. Usually the socks come off a couple of times while I am trying my hardest to get her to wear them. She tells me they are sharp. So, I take the socks off and check to make sure there isn't anything poky inside them. The seams must feel like she is being stabbed with nails!

Then comes the jeans. ( I love sweats they are a mom's best friend if you have a child with SPD) You know that feeling when you put on a clean pair of jeans and they are a little snug until you move around in them. It doesn't help that you have a diaper underneath these jeans. Trying to convince her of that with jeans and any other pair of pants is quite an undertaking. It would save me a lot of sanity if I just brought sweats or dresses for every day of the week. Did you know that they also make seamless pants for the kiddo's with SPD? Yes, I have also looked at them. Sigh!!!!

I forgot the first part. The diaper! I have to make sure the tags are in a certain place. I have gotten pretty good at diapering a wiggling 8 year old. Then you have to make sure that you pull them down when they are secured and adjust them to just the right place. (don't think they make seamless diapers :o) or do they

Finding pants for an 8 year old is interesting. They really get trending when you hit the 7-8 girls sizes. Usually they are quite tight. I have reverted to boys with the straight legs. Just don't tell her that!

Shirts are usually not a big deal as long as they are not tight fitting or too lacy. Tags are sometimes an issue.

I think last night I had a break down which truly for me is a rare thing. It was over something so stupid. First let me explain something so you can understand the rest of the story. After a week of drama and this is only the tip of the iceberg. I will write about more in another post.

Bug loves flowers. The kids get to pick out a treat every Sunday when we go to the grocery store. Little Man usually will get a hostess cupcake or something along that line. Bug gets a flower usually a rose or a carnation. Sometimes daddy lets her get a bouquet of flowers. I have to look at tiny parts of the flower some 40+ times a day. She noticed all the differences in them. She can tell you that one petal on the daisy or any type of a flower is slightly lighter, darker, its longer or even a different shape. I can tell you details about flowers that I didn't know possible. ( I threaten my husband to no longer buy me flowers as a gift) If you don't stop to look it is full of drama. Everyone has to endure this in the household. This is when I have to remind myself that this is important to her and that it is her world to see things that most people take for granted that our Creator has created.

I know better than to throw the flowers away in the day unless I bag it up and get the trash outside ASAP. Usually they disappear in the night when she goes to bed. Last night I was so sick of the flowers and hearing all the details about them. She pulled them out of the trash with the biggest smile on her face running around the house singing and dancing. All the while the petals are falling off. They are upstairs downstairs. All the while the dogs are following her around and tasting each petal and spitting it out on my newly mopped floor. I know I feel pretty selfish when I see her smile and how happy she was with that dead bouquet of flowers. I tried to take them away which much drama. Daddy seen the greater joy that I missed and talked me into letting her have them the rest of the night out of the vase. Last night I felt like such a heel with my attitude. Some days just feel overwhelming. I am sleep deprived and still have not caught up on my rest from Bug being in the hospital.

Does it really matter that I have petals all over the house on my clean floor that both dogs had chewed and spit out a couple of times? No, I have a vacuum to clean it up. It can mop the floors again. I indeed didn't see her joy and the happiness that those flowers out of the vase brought to her little heart. ( I just hope she doesn't want them out of the vase every time) or does it really matter that I hope it doesn't become a regular occurrence! No, what mattered was her heart that I tried to break because my own heart was being selfish and foolish.

As a mom who homeschool's teaching time management is very important to me. Bug has a hard time focusing and I found that I needed to set time limits on her to complete task. This has also been my attempt to teach her some independence. She doesn't seem to have or even understand the passage of time. She can tell you the time but the concept of time just doesn't quite click with her. Last year my timer journey began.

Never in my life would I think that a timer or the type of a timer would matter. I found out the hard way. Last year I had a kitchen timer. The one that makes that wind-up toy sound. Well much to my dismay, it drove Bug crazy 90% of the time. I didn't realize that noises are one of her sensory issues that she faces. Then I found a digital timer that I had laying around. Well, I got a time up date to the second-so that one was out the window.

She is more focus on telling me of the time changing. Well after that timer she loves to tell me when the microwave changes and every other clock in the house. AAHHHHH! That is an off and on thing even now.

My goal last summer was to look for a timer that was quite. At first I thought I would pick up one of those with the lights that stand up straight thinking it would be a good fit for her. NOT a good idea after all- we got a refurbished computer in the classroom and the screen saver distracted her to no end. The lights and movement on the screen got her not being able to take her eyes off the monitor.That idea went out the window with the lighted timer. Then a friend of mine told me about the cool one that she picked up. I loved it and it fit the bill for my Bug to the tee.

The Time Timer-I found it in listed in several places recommended for children, and adults with special needs. It cost $29.99. I can't believe I spent that much on a timer. It is well worth the money.

Pros:

 It is quite and the elapse of time is a tangible concept for Bug. It is easy to work. There is a clear knob that you just slide down to however minutes you need for your task. My timer is 8" and it has both the visual and audible component. They have other sizes available. Its  light weight and not bulky. Overall I would say it is durable product. I love it and it has been well used already.

Cons:

The buzzer is a little to quite. It does have a switch to adjust the sound-it's either really low or low. I wish it had an option to go louder. You do have to be in the immediate area of the timer in order to hear the alarm go off. I would recommend that an adult adjust the time if your kids are rough with things. I could see the red plastic timer part being yanked out. I would like some kind of plastic glass cover over the face of the timer.

I also found a new school resource place to shop. I was very impressed with how fasted it shipped out. I ordered it Wednesday night and got it Friday afternoon. I didn't pay extra for shipping. I thought it would be a week out. I was able to start my school year with the new timer. As a homeschool mom it is important to get what I need quickly. They have reasonable prices that can go head to head with other stores. They also have a great selection of special  needs products, manipulative's, furniture, allergen free products and curriculum. Lots of toys for all ages. I had no problem with their website. Checkout was quick and easy. Check out this store I think you will be impressed. Discount School Supplies. I found a great timer and a new place to shop. Blessings<><

I am going to link up for the first time with Hartley’s Life with 3 Boys in the Sensory Processing Disorder Blog Carnival. The topic is siblings.

What can I say about Little Man to make others understand how amazing brother he is. Little Man is very compassionate towards his older sister. He acts more like the older brother.

Here are a few stories of his life with Bug:

Little Man asked me several months back when he will start therapy. He was sad when he was informed that he doesn’t need it. I never really thought that his entire life he has been going and spending three hours a week at the hospital for Bug’s therapy. In the last month we just added another two more hours for Vision Therapy. That is a total of five hours for a four year old to endure weekly! Then you add on the crazy schedule of endless Dr. visits.

Bug hums all the time. She hums even louder when she is coloring or writing. I recall when Little Man started to like to color- he started to hum with his sister. Not a good choice on his part as Bug let him have it. How was he to know that humming is not a required part of coloring.

Bug requires a lot of attention, and Little Man is my second set of eyes with her. She likes to wander and try and find dandelions, bugs and cracks in the ground. She is lightning fast and I need him to be another set of eyes. He worries about his sister. I hope I haven’t created it in him. I remember going on a nature walk at one of the local nature centers at the beginning of spring. We had a backpack filled with books to identify bugs, birds and other creatures at the park. We had several magnifying glass. It was my Bug’s dream adventure. She had to stop and inspect every thing that moved. She was amazed at all the tall grasses, wild flowers and trees surrounding the trails. After a half hour into the trail Little Man was a total mess. He wouldn’t let me walk in front of her. I had to stop when she stopped. He wanted me to hold her hands. He just started crying and wanted to leave right away. No amount of talking would calm him down. So we left the park. After we got into the van Little Man informed me that he was so afraid that Bug would get lost in the grass, fall in the pond or some stranger would grab her from inside the trees. He was terrified that a snake or bug would bite her. Wow, what a load for a four year old to carry. He has gotten better in that area with lots of reassurance.

They love each other and hate each other. They fight, hit like any other siblings. They get irritated with each other. They love to wrestle and do it often. Bug doesn’t know when to stop and gets carried away at times. She hits thinking she is playing and gets rougher not realizing that she is now hurting him. Little Man puts up with a lot and loves her unconditionally. They are the best of friends and the worst enemies at times.

Bug requires a lot of my attention. He is patient and so helpful to me. When he gets in trouble his punishment is sometime different because the reality is that Bug doesn’t understand. He prays for her mind and body every night for God to protect her and to help her mind to understand things. It was not something he had heard from us during prayer. It was the desire of his own heart in his prayers.. I am truly blessed to have two kids who love each other unconditionally.

I can never forget the first time I seen my little Bug. I knew it was a day that would change my life forever. I also knew in my heart that we would adopt her and I would only be her foster mom/ Great Aunt for a short time.

I can still remember searching for my sister-in-law and wondering why she didn’t meet me at the location. I was walking down the busy LasVegas Airport corridor filled with way too many people, slot machines and so many excited people glad to be on vacation. Then I saw my nieces. I seen her sitting on the floor holding Bug up and she was leaning her whole body on the chair like a floppy rag doll. My older niece had a hold of her legs and back. Just seeing her for the first time I felt so much love for my great niece and I thanked God for this little girl. I also knew that she wasn’t healthy as my sister-in-law indicated or the social workers had said she was a happy healthy 9 months old. I picked up this smiling little baby and hugged her and I knew in my heart that something was wrong. I knew that minute that she had the blood clotting disorder that had taken my father’s and brother’s life at 37 and 38. The same disorder that affected so many in my family that was just diagnosed only a year ago. Too late for my father and brother . It was like my Savior was telling me get her tested immediately. It was just one of those odd moments that you know that you know.

After spending a few days to meet with the social worker and to have Bug get to know me before I had to fly back to Denver. I observed her and couldn’t understand how in the world could they say she was sitting and crawling. I didn’t see it and they assured me she was on track that it must be the stress of a new person in her life. Then I had a concern that she was regressing. Bug had taken to me the first day that I seen her and let me do everything for her. I couldn’t wait to get back home with her so she could meet my beloved.

One of the requirements was to establish her with a pediatrician immediately. I had explained my concerns and he had agreed that she needed to be tested and that her muscle tone was extremely poor and that we would have to watch to see if she regresses any. We got the test results back and it confirmed that she had the disorder. We then were referred to the children’s hospital hematology clinic for further evaluations.

Bug was diagnosed with having had a stroke at around 10 ½ weeks is when they figured it happened. That was the time she was removed from my nephews and his girlfriends care That explained the lack of crawling, and other milestones an infant her age should be doing. I was told that she would be developmentally delayed and she will catch up in time.

At the time I accepted it but, something still nagged in the back of my mind. Why does she cry in the car seat? I didn’t matter if it was a 5 minute drive or a 30 minute drive. I don’t know how many times I checked the seat. I adjusted the belts, made sure nothing was pinching her, and even tried a different car seat. She sounded like she was in pain. Why does she jerk up and down grabbing the straps of the car seat during those screams grunting? She no longer cry’s in the car seat but she still grunts and pulls the bottom belt up and down to this day! Don’t even ask about when we moved from Denver to Kansas when she was 16 months old. It was the longest most nerve racking drive I have ever endured and we had to stop every hour to just relieve her. I felt so horrible for her. Why does she hum all the time and has been since the first day I seen her? I can remember teaching her to say mom because she was constantly going mmmmmmmmmmm. I remember going mmmmmmmom over and over. It was her first sweet word however drawn out that m sound was. Why does she gag on so many baby foods flavors, and meats she would scream in protest? Why does she seem so uncomfortable with certain clothes, socks and shoes? She would let me pick her up and hug her but it was not to be cuddling for long than a minute. She seemed to dislike being confined. That was just a few things of her bizarre behavior.

This was the very day she fell in love with dandelions.

 she was exploring the back yard for the first time.

I can remember her walking on her tip toes since the day she learned how to walk. I can still see her exploring our backyard at the new house. It was filled with dandelions and she was 16 months old. That was the day she fell in love with those weeds. She was obsessive with certain objects, things being in order and everything having to be in two‘s and 10‘s. Yet, she didn‘t know how to count. How did she know one was missing?. Constant problems with going to the bathroom. The meltdowns where becoming worst. I was wondering what I was doing wrong. Every time I inquired about things I was told it was the result of her stroke. I wasn’t buying it anymore. I knew something was wrong with her. After the adoption was complete at 3 years of age my journey began  from many visits to specialist, hours of reading books and searching the web.

Moms be persistent, if you feel something is wrong. Trust you instincts you are your child’s only voice. The specialist only see your child for a short appointment. It never fails you go to an appointment and they are acting somewhat normal!!!

I kept getting the same answers but, I didn’t let it deter me from having answers. Finally, after seeing a neurologist, behavior specialist for diagnose and many other specialist they didn’t know where else to send me. I think they got sick of hearing and seeing me and sent me to a geneticist. She was tested positive for the Sensory Processing Disorder by an occupational therapist a few months before. Much to my surprise many specialist in the medical field frowned on SPD as a diagnosis in children unless they had autism or other syndromes.

The test came back abnormal; a 299 kb deletion within the chromosome band 20p12.1. This area around the gene has been proposed as a candidate gene for Kabuki syndrome. They told me that this deletion suggested that it could be responsible for her challenges and physical characteristics. They didn’t want to label her Kabuki because of it being a rare syndrome. Even though it is considered a spectrum syndrome she was all over the place in syptoms and some physical features. Bug didn’t have some of the more complex issues. Even though other children had similar facial features, or health issues that didn’t resemble the standard Kabuki child. They were diagnosed as having it. They told me that if could just be a variation of Kabuki or a new syndrome in itself. Her deletion is in the same area of the proposed gene for Kabuki and not on the exact place but on the same band right on top of the proposed deletion. Thus a possible variation or a new syndrome. The geneticist after I pounded him with questions about other things I found on the Internet concerning other children admitted that another geneticist might say she has Kabuki. I didn’t want them to pacify me and tell me it was this syndrome. I wanted in details why they felt this was not 100% diagnosis. I drilled them until all my questions where answered to some satisfaction. I am sure some Dr‘s dread all the available information online.

I am surprised at all the negative feed back I have heard and I hear that other mom’s  that deal with the same issues from friends and relatives with getting a diagnosis. I know mom’s who don’t want their child labeled as special needs because it will be with them forever if they label them. I just don’t get it. Or I get asked, why does it matter if I know what she has? Just face it she is a little different and move on. The worst part is that you don’t see a profound handicap and they don’t think nothing is wrong because they may only see her once a week or less. They are not with her 24/7. Others comment that she will just grow out of it. I have also heard that they don’t want their child to be pitied or to have pity from others. Who’s asking for pity, I hope they didn’t think I was seeking it! I even had one mom ask me, “if I was trying to get disability for her so I can get money!” I was absolutely appalled that anyone could be so rude! I am not implying everyone I talk to is negative.

Why do I want to know what is wrong? I am not into medicating a child just to do it. I do believe that there are way to many over diagnosed people in our world and the diagnosed could even be wrong just because people in general want a name attached to every ache and symptom.

I want to be prepared for the future. What if this is some kind of a variation of Kabuki or some unknown syndrome that could affect her in unknown way. Maybe, it could help some other child if and when they find someone else with this deletion. That child may have something more profound in symptoms that could be life threatening.

I want to nurture my Bug with the best of my abilities. I don’t see her being able to care for herself when she is older at this point. As much as I try to teach her life skills she just doesn’t seem to have that ability at this time. Of course, I would love to be proven wrong with my thinking. As a homeschooling mom I want to teach her with knowing what I am facing. Is that so wrong. I know I may never have answers. This is my last round of specialist at this point in my journey. I want a second opinion now that she is older. This is the age that most children can be tested and from what I understand the specialist can diagnose her with more accuracy at this age level in general. At least I can say with peace in my mind that I have done my best.

We had Bug tested this week for cognitive, neurological and educational this week. The Dr. at the last minute wanted to have her retested in the Autism/Asperger spectrum now that she is older. She was tested two maybe three years ago for it. We go to a new neurologist next week and we also have updated information since or last visit to the previous one. Then next month we visit with a new geneticist to see if we need to do any different testing. Or they may have other ideals on whether to proceed in a different direction. This will occur in the next few weeks. Maybe, we can put all the puzzle pieces together and see if it gives us any new insights.

Don’t be so critical for those moms who want answers. I can respect your choice for not wanting answers. Just respect my choice and many others parents like myself who want answers. We don’t want pity, or attention or monetary gain. I will not accept a diagnosis just to satisfy my longing to know. Our bodies are wonderfully created by my Savior Yeshua(Jesus). We are much to complex for man to know all the answers. Many blessings and keep all of the new appointments we have coming up in your prayers.

 

 Ball "N" Chair is a great product for dealing with the kiddos with SPD. I have to say that it takes a little getting use to if you have a sensory seeking child. The getting use to is on mom’s end.

Sitting for Bug is an adventure all in itself. She would proudly tell you that she is sitting. It is more like legs over the top of the chairs, laying half way on the table or both feet are on the table while writing. Not to mention some other crazy position that I would never have thought of it being possible. It's enough to drive this mom and I am sure anyone else crazy. Add to the hypotonia and the poor motor skills you can only image what the handwriting looks like while the feet or sticking up in some odd position. No, you don't want to image what the handwriting looks like while she was in her sitting position.

Who would know that a silly chair would be such blessing to me to have in my classroom. I am very thankful to have a physical and occupational therapist that are knowledgeable, concerned and so helpful. It has been a great recommendation from our therapist.

The chair combines the benefits of sitting on a ball (sensory processing disorder, balance, and postural improvements) with the stability of a chair. The ball is held in place at the base. The chair has casters that lock and I don't have to worry about it rolling out from under her. Yes, I tried a regular ball while protesting the cost of this chair. As you can tell I am now sold on it regardless of the price. 

Exercise balls are great if you child has the balance and self control to not bounce away on you. It comes in different styles to fit any needs. The therapist recommended something to help Bug with trunk control for sitting. She has that rag doll sit and just flops all over when trying to sit up straight. They even have one that has arms and a back. This is the one that I want. I love it as much as she does. Her chair is very comfortable to sit in.

Bug is sitting in the Jr. Chair. The one cost around $70.00. The other sizes which include Adult and teen go up to $174.00. I know it is a lot of money and it made me cringe with the price. I have gotten every penny back and more. It is well worth it in terms of my sanity.

The getting use to is the bouncing while sitting. At first I thought I was going to go stir crazy watching her bounce while I was teaching her. My eyes and head hurt so bad and it took everything in me to not tell her to sit still. Now I can handle it because I have seen the difference in her school work and it satisfies her sensory seeking.

My Bug has a beautiful heart. On days that she knows Mom’s back is hurting real bad she insist on letting me sit in her chair and will go get her wedge. We take turns on the chair on those days. It relieves the pain in my back and is so nice to sit in.

At one point I thought of getting everybody one. Then I had this picture in my mind of three kids bouncing. The other two would probably bounce just because Bug does it. That thought lasted just for a moment. I think I will just save up to get and extra one for me. Enjoy and have a blessed day.

This last week Bug has decided that she is not liking one of the few foods that she eats. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches. Sigh! Bug has Sensory Processing Disorder and foods are a big issue with her. I am hoping that this will just be short lived like the granola bar change. Which now she is back to eating them all day-as long as it is Quaker Chocolate Chip Chewy brand she is a happy camper. Peanut Butter is the main protein that she gets. She will not eat any form of meat. She has gagged on meat since she was an infant. I didn't think to much of it when she was an infant because it is not uncommon for them to not take to the meat texture. Every once in awhile Dad can get her to eat a slice of deli meat turkey. Very small but I will take what I can get. This may happen once every few months.

She also likes to eat with her hands. It takes Dad and I always reminding her to use her silverware. I think touching her food is more reassuring. Yep, she would rather eat cereal with milk with her hands.

Bug's food preferences I can name on my hands or at least the stuff she eats for any of the 3 main meals.
1. Macaroni and Cheese- Aldi's brand and Kraft's, she prefers Aldi's and can taste the difference. I can't taste the difference but she insist that they are very distinct in flavors.
2. Ramon Noodles has to be chicken or beef only.
3. Cheese Sandwiches on wheat bread. Kraft cheese only and it has no mayonnaise or anything.
4. Kroger Marshmallow cereal and Lucky Charms. She prefers the Kroger brand better.
5. Quaker Chewy Chocolate Chip granola bars only.
6. Sometimes Eggo French Toast Waffles.
7. Sometimes Spaghetti's no meat at all.
8. Goldfish-name brand only
9. Animal crackers goes in fazes.
10. Tootsie rolls
11. Some Dumb dump suckers depending on flavor.
12. Hostess, cupcakes, ding dongs, and powder doughnuts, M&M's plain, Hersey milk chocolate bar.
13. Pretzels, Cheetos, corn chips, some potato chips, popcorn, Club crackers, Saltine crackers, some cake mixes with chocolate frosting only, brownies.
14. Cheerios, Cookie Crisp cereal with no milk.
15. Drinks only water. I won't complain with this one. Will take a pop when we go out to eat(which is not often) I always have a bag of food for her everywhere I go. It includes granola bars and goldfish or animal crackers.
16. No restaurants on her menu not even fast food. (That's why she get the treat of a pop)
17. Challah bread, homemade by either Becky or me only. It uses brown sugar. Very tasty.
18. Eggs hard boiled or scrambled in moderation.
19. Yoplait Whips chocolate mousse a new favorite
20. Sometimes grapes, apple slices.
21. Dole fruit cocktails in a cup and apple sauce.
22. Hot dog and Hamburger buns without the meat of course!
23. If she could she would probably eat the margarine out of the tub, not allowed but she tries. YUK!!!!!!


Wow, writing the foods down makes me feel like it is more than I thought!

It is not uncommon for a child with SPD to have a taste for sweets and salty foods. I know you may say that this is true for any kids. Who doesn't like the sweets. I have tried and am always trying to get her to try and eat new things. I always offer her everything we are eating.

Poor Little Man is stuck in the middle with his eating. I am not a picky eater and prefer fresh fruits and vegetables. I love to eat all kinds of varieties of food. Can only think of three things I don't like and I also eat a bibically clean diet by choice. While Daddy on the other hand is also picky and is a meat and potato eater. Does not like trying different cultures foods and has very few foods he likes. At least it is a balanced meal and has some variety. He will only eat foods that are considered bibically clean also. Little Man being a 4 year old would prefer Bug's diet all the time. He does like meat. I make him eat other things and he does like things for the most part. Dinner can be a challenge at times and much to my dismay can be pretty boring with my family. I try to make myself fresh veggies nightly and even cook somethings in advance.

I hope that Bug being sick is affecting her taste buds and that she will go back to eating her peanut butter. As a mother you always worry about your kids diet. It's a big deal when you have a kid with Sensory issues. Many blessings. May the Lord bless you and keep you this day.

My daughter has always been difficult brushing her teeth. It was always a big ordeal around my home. This has been from the day I started brushing her teeth and I mean very young. It was also before I even heard of Sensory Processing Disorder. Or if you prefer the older terms of Sensory Integration Disorder or Sensory Integration Dysfunction.

She would be in tears. Followed by choking, gagging on the toothpaste. I tried many different brands of toothpaste. Not a lot of choices in kid’s toothpaste either. It is always worst when I brushed the back teeth or just going behind. The longer I brushed the worst she got. As she got older and could flee it turned into a chasing and screaming game to her. When I finally got a hold of her she would protest in many forms all the while I carried her to the bathroom. I found that the faster I brushed and if I didn’t go behind the teeth with the tooth brush it would be a little less traumatic to both of us. I would do the front and back in the morning and before bed just the front. Now keep in mind this could be a 30 minute ordeal or more, so understand why I choose not to do as much at bedtime. She would bite down as hard as she could on the tooth brush and wouldn‘t let go. I keep my finger far away I learned the hard way. The thought of brushing her teeth would make me want to cry at times.

Going to the dentist was just as horrible for her. The hygienists ended up just counting her teeth. Getting them brush and having the dental floss touch one tooth was considered a success if they got a couple of teeth brushed. They thought that each time she came back it would get a little better. I knew it wouldn’t get better.

It was always in the back of my mind about the severity of cavities. As you can imagine that day came. They tired after many attempts. Then they referred me to a pediatric dentist who works with children with special needs and who could do it at the hospital under general anesthesia! Even the anesthesia experiences was horrible!

My daughter really liked the new dentist (I think it was because she was very pregnant) The whole staff was very friendly and patient. Bug actually let her count and poke all her teeth. Which took a very long time. She would count and poke a few. Then talk to her all the while she was watching a cartoon overhead.

The dentist needed to take X-rays something we have never succeeded in the past. We started out with two hygienist, ended up with four plus me and an office worker holding her down. I think every child who was there that day became afraid of the dentist after all the screaming. It took a lot of time and a few wounded fingers. I was embarrassed and felt horrible. The staff reassured me that they deal with many kids like this and not to worry. A few months before this appointment she was diagnosed with SPD.

They also gave me a different type of a tooth brush. It is called a Surround toothbrush. This toothbrush allows you to brush the front, top and back all at the same time.

This is the companies description from there web page.

The unique Surround® Toothbrush has 3 rows of bristles that surround the teeth to clean front, back and biting surfaces all at the same time. This means that more tooth surface can be cleaned in the time that a caregiver allotted, especially when the degree of cooperation is limited. The soft, end-rounded bristles and smooth, heart-shaped, compact head make brushing safe and comfortable. The improved Surround Toothbrush is easier to grip, and helps protect the oral environment if the person moves unexpectedly during brushing. The brush head and neck have been re-designed to make brushing safer, even for those who have a tendency to bite down on the toothbrush.

We now have less drama because, I can brush quickly. She still gags on the toothpaste. I no longer chase her and she can brush them herself. I always assumed the main problem was the toothpaste.

I am sold after almost 2 years of using it. The only bad part is the dentist only gives me one every visit. I clean this toothbrush to no end. A few months ago the toothbrush fell in the toilet. This happened the first week we had a brand new toothbrush. I was mortified. We went back to all the drama. Bug’s dentist or no other local place that had them would not sell me one. I was in tears, the dentist office’s must of thought I was a nut case. I found them online after dealing with it for a few months. I even had one dentist tell me that they sell toothbrushes like that for dogs at the pet store. I looked but the very thought of putting something in my child’s mouth made by a dog food company was not appealing to me. I just couldn’t image how different it would be in cleanliness standards.

I almost feel like I am doing a commercial but in no way am I receiving any payment or products from this company. I am just a mom who found a product that worked well with my situation. I have told many other moms about the Surround toothbrush and they have all been just a happy and relieved as I was. I hope and pray that this may help others who are dealing with this issue. I would of loved to have had someone tell me about it years ago. Many Blessings

When I first started blogging I was wanting a way for family and friends to keep up with our family. I had also wanted to share and maybe encourage others who homeschool children with special needs. I have been blessed with all the comments and Email’s that I have received during this time. Most of those have been through the homeschool blogger community. I have also met others on my blogger blog. I am glad that I kept both blogs going. I have met so many mom’s and not just those who have children with special needs. Needless to say I am not creative enough or have the time to have blogger and homeschool blogger be completely different. So, I copy and paste to one or the other. I love to be able to flip through homeschool blogger using the random blog or just open the main page and see all the new post. I have gleaned so many ideals from other bloggers.

I am surprised at how many questions about where I get something or what kind of products I use to do something. As a mom with a child who has some special needs, I have found some products that have made Bugs life and not to mention my life a lot easier through out the years. I love to share and even find that I get passionate about it at times and it is more so when I am at the hospital weekly. I have gotten to know many mom's who are dealing with various medical issues. A lot of the mom's I have know for several years now. I have gained a lot of wisdom and advice from them and have also been able to share some things with them that have helped them in return. We have passed on resources to help out with the cost of those items and where to find them. Our therapist have also been a wealth of information. Like most homeschoolers like to talk curriculum shop, many parents with children with special needs talk shop.

Last week a mom who I have known for a few weeks was so excited to tell me about the results of a tooth brush I recommended and she started to cry. Sitting next to use was an elderly lady who thought we had a few screws lose, asked the other lady, “ your that emotional over a tooth brush?”  She was a little perplexed over the whole thing.” It took everything in me not to laugh at loud. You just had to be there to see this elderly ladies expression. She was actually rude but, it was more funny than anything. I think you get use to rude comments from others who just don't understand, why your child is doing some bizzare thing that their child would never do.
Most of use do not think about a tooth brush and what a challenge it may be with some children to brush their teeth. Or what about diaper’s for a seven year old. Have you ever tried to find a bib ( other than a feeding ones that go down to the waist?) Just a simple bib for a droller that fit’s an older child. Some items are just common items that you can us. I get so frustrated at times that items that are used for special needs cost so much more. It doesn’t matter if it’s a curriculum or just an item to make everyday life easier.

I hope that it will be helpful to others. Some items I didn't think even existed and I thought it was something that I had just had to deal with. Nobody told me about it and I wish I would of known about it a long time ago. It might of saved me some tears of frusteration.. I have found some amazing things on other blogs and would love to hear what has been a blessing to you. Maybe, I could link your article from my blog. Stay tuned I think my first item I am going to review is going to be a tooth brush and how it has made me a much happier mom. Hope it makes you laugh a little because I look back on something’s and just laugh at the craziness of the most simplest stuff. Have a blessed day!

Awhile back a mother in our homeschool PE class came to me and wanted to talk about her daughter who also has special needs. This mom was concerned about  her daughter not having any other friendships with girls her age. The only friendships she has is with her siblings. Like Bug she just doesn't relate to kids her age. Her daughter is 6. I have often thought of this myself with Bug. I can understand the sadness this mom feels and often wonder if Bug will ever really develop a friendship with kids her own age. Little Man gets invited to go over to friends house by himself. I don’t think Bug really understands why her little brother goes away. She cries when he goes but, I don’t feel that she has grasped the concept that she doesn’t get invited anywhere. Sometimes when we are at church she will hear some of the girls asking each others moms if they can have a play date or stay the night at each others homes. Bug has asked me if she can go but, I then have to explain to her that she was not invited. She seems sad for a moment then all of a sudden its forgotten.


When I was a child at Bugs age part of my childhood was centered around friendships. I would go outside and to other friends homes. We would stay the night and have slumber parties. I was kind of a shy child but, I still had friends that I hung out with. At times I feel like she is missing so much. Then again-is she? She doesn’t know that she is missing anything. One concern is when she gets older will she know differently? I am sure I am making to much out of it. Some days it just makes me cry for her.

This week I watched some kids for a family who’s mother had to stay at the hospital with her mom. My son and the little girl I babysat had a blast playing with the 3 kids age 5,7 and 12. Bug would play here and there for a minute of two and the just go off on her own and do her humming a go into her own little world. I wanted to grab her a direct her play the whole time. I kept telling Bug to go play with the other kids. I wanted her to be normal. Then I realized how selfish I was for myself. God gave me this wonderful little girl and he created her in His image. She is the way she is-perfect in His sight. Who am I to change her. She has a heart of gold, difficult a lot of times, and often lives in her own world and walks to her own beat. The heart is what matters not the outward stuff.

I wonder if she will ever relate to other kids. She plays with her brother and Sierra in her own strange way. They also know that they need to engage her and constantly keep her on track during play. They do a wonderful job with her for only being 4. Its got to be hard for other kids to try and relate to her because she is so different. I don’t blame the other kids. I would of probably been the same way as a child. Honestly, I would of not wanted to play with her. Its hard at that age to understand people who are different. Maybe, I worry to much in this area. The most important thing to me as a mom is to have Bug and Little Man good friends. He watches over her like he is the big brother . As a little brother to a big sister he is amazing. I am ever so thankful to my Lord and Savior for intrusting these kids in my care. Have a blessed day!

I often wonder how Bug sees the world. I can not imagine being stuck on dandelions, bugs, birds, cracks in the ground all the time. This is just a few things. There are times when just thinking about it wears me out. Some weeks it seems like it's unbearable.

It's actually very funny when you think about it. Having a child with special needs I have decided is never dull. I never know what to expect at times or its the same thing over and over. Here are a few examples.

1. Parking in a parking lot. Every store I have a specific area that I try very hard to stay around. I know which areas have the grassy curbs to avoid the dandelions, bugs, etc.... I know which area in the parking lot has large cracks in the pavement. I try to avoid the area in front of the store that has the landscape. Or I just look like a crazy lady and run real fast pass the area :-o.

2. Hospital parking. When we go to the hospital every week- depending on where I park-if its in the parking garage which has an area reserved for therapy. I know that I will have to deal with the fenced area right in front which over looks a landscaped area- so I unlatch Little man and Sierra and get them out. I lock the door really quick and go around to the other side to grab the baby and Bug's hand before she sees the fenced area. If she does it can take 5 minutes or more to navigate away from it. Then inside the hospital is a window for the gift shop and even though it has been the same stuff for months she has to stop and look at it. Not just her but Little man, Princess and me have to look at it again or it will turn into a meltdown if we don't look at it again. No way around the window-I tried all kinds of things.

The other parking area I have to pass all the grassy areas. I am thankful she knows what weed killer is. She thinks they have all been sprayed and will not grab them. We all still have to endure looking at dandelions. Along with every stick and then she has to put them in a crack in the dirt if its still there. The entrance area has a long planter wall that goes down the hallway for a good 20 or more feet. Sigh, do I need to say more. Weed killer does not work on silk plants as an excuse.

If the hospital is extremely busy-I have to park across the street in the overflow parking. I don't even want to talk about that!

3. Grocery stores. The majority of the time we all go together as a family. Thank goodness. While Daddy grabs the cart. I grab Bug's hand and walk very fast past the floral department to the last area of it and let her look in the glass case filled with flowers. Then as soon as Daddy catches up I grab her hand again and lead her away before she looks back. I dread the holidays that have flowers associated with them. The flowers are up front then. Sometimes she gets in the door before I can grab her!!! Next is the bakery-we have to look at every cake and cookie decorated. The bakers don't even ask anymore if we need help. On the aisle that has the sprinkles for decorated cakes. We try to avoid but she knows that they are down there and takes off running to them sometimes. The grocery store is full of all kinds of challenges.

4. Daddy and me can hear the story 2 or 3 times in a row. It doesn't matter if we are all in the same room listening to her. I can tell her," I heard you tell Daddy that remember I was sitting right next to daddy and I heard you tell daddy." Her comment is "I was telling daddy the story now, I want to tell you" it's the same story. If she suspects we where not paying attention she will start over again. My brain gets tired thinking about it.

5. Going from house to van at home or from van to house. I usually go out first and put everything I need inside. When coming home I go and unlock the house door and drop everything inside before I release the kids. As soon as I open the door Ann runs to either the side of the house in the neighbors yard. She goes to pick dandelions. We have ours sprayed. I keep thinking I should sneak over there and spray the neighbor's yard, it's not that the weeds are bad over there. It would save me some sanity. Then again she might run to another house further away.

We have a tree trunk stump in the front of the yard and for some odd reason she is crazy about it. She puts her collection of things on it. Sticks, dandelions, dead or live bugs, leaves and anything else that catches her fancy. Those of you who visit me-check out the stump next time.

My neighbor across the street from me gets a kick out of it and laughs and thinks it's cute! She finally asked me one day, "why I am always chasing her" and why she runs this way or that way." She is aware of Bug's disability. I really do like my neighbor and I can image it is quiet a scene to watch. We are now her entertainment.

This is just a few things I can think of at this time. Most days I can laugh things off, some days I want to just cry, and most days I ignore those who stare like you are in need of parenting skills. Next time you see a mother struggling with a kid don't be so quick to judge. Just because you can not see a physical handicap it doesn't mean that the child does not have one.

The beauty of Bug is her heart. She has a heart of gold. She always wants to pray for the police man and the driver when she sees them pulled over on the side of the rode, an accident. Every time she sees a fire truck or ambulance speed by, the lost dog walking down the street. Bug will either pray or ask me to pray. Always, in every prayer she prays for protection and for salvation if they don't know who Jesus is. To me the most important thing is the heart condition. She has a big one.

I know to some these stories just don't make sense or you may think that your child who is perfectly healthy does these things from time to time. Just for one minute imagine having your child do it 24/7 365 days!

I don't understand how she is wired. I don't even see what she is explaining to me at times with all the details. To her it is important. I know she is God's gift to my family and I am truly blessed to have her in our lives. I just need hugs, and encouragement some days. Even an ear to listen to me vent, cry and laugh.

Also known as Sensory Integration Disorder or Sensory Integration Dysfunction. It is never a dull moment around our house when you have a child with SPD. Some of you may be wondering what the heck is it. To our family it was a blessing in disguise because, now we had something solid to deal with. We knew that we finally had an explanation of one of Bug's many puzzles. Her behavior her developmental delays in some areas made sense. It was a big weight off of our shoulders. Her physical therapist was the first one to mention it to me. At first I was a little sceptical. I am not one for labels on a child. She recommended that I read a book, so I found 2 books, "The out-of-sync child" by Carol Stock and "Sensational kids" by Lucy Jane Miller. After reading both books and searching the Internet. I knew that I was on the right road and that I wasn't crazy or imagining things with Bug. Both her physical and occupational therapist started a sensory diet at the hospital and for me to do at home.

SPD is very complex in its symptoms. Your central nervous system is ineffective in processing sensory information and it effects how a person functions daily. I like to explain it like this- your 5 senses don't work together. As you know our senses are touch, sight, taste, hearing and smelling. When they don't talk to each other it makes you dysfunctional or out-of-sync in the way you do things or act.

For Bug it effects her in how she functions daily, behavioral challenges, she has a hard time regulating her emotions, how she learns and how she socialize with others.

Many children who have SPD have other physical and medical problems and they are now finding that a child my also just have SPD. That is one of the reasons it can be hard to pinpoint the dynamics of SPD.

Bug doesn't feel touch easily, so she touches others and things hard. She is still in diapers-the therapist and her Dr. don't think she can feel it-when she needs to go. She is clumsy. Most children learn early on how to extend their hands to catch themselves when they fall-not bug with lots of training she is started to catch herself) She is an extremely picky eater and will gag at just about anything. She will not eat meat at all. My now 6 1/2 year old looks like a 2 yr old eater. It's a complete mess-she has to touch everything with her hands. Tableware is foreign object to her the majority of the time.(think of cereal and you can put a mental picture of how it looks) We have to constanlty remind her to use the tableware. I could go on and on but I would bore you with all the details. I am sure I will touch on it from time to time.

Here is the start of her day.
1. I rub her back to get her up, she sleeps with a 5 pound weighted blanket over her head.
2. We rub her feet with all kinds of crazy stuff-brushes, rollers anything that has a texture. (I found stuff at the dollar store)
3. We exercise to fire up that nervous system. Jump on the trampoline, pull heavy things, scooter board, gym ball and several floor exercise. Granted I don't do these all daily-we mix it up.
4. During school we sit on a ball chair or a wedge on her chair.
5. Some days she puts her weighted wrap around her when needed.

Wonder what happens on the day we don't do the above? Its a very long day for me!

Homeschool is a big advantage for her. I make everything visual and kinesthetic for her. I can work at her pace and can customize it to fit just her. (if you need help in this area let me know and tell me what works for you homeschooling a child with SPD. I am always open for new ideals)

Everyday things we take for granted effect Bug in one way or another. The little things are a mountain for her.

If you are interested in learning more about it-here is a link: SPD information