Update on Abbie!

Hi Everyone: I thought you would like an update on our active little Abbie. Things are all starting to make sense now that we have learned through the Occupational Therapist that Abbie has something called Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD.) Some of you have laughed with me when I have told you that she can run into a wall, fling her body off of high places, laugh as cold water is showering down on her head, and not cry a drop when she falls and whacks her head. Of course, as a mom, I thought these things were pretty odd, but just attributed them to her life in an institution setting, her new surroundings and new stimulus. Fortunately, I never thought it was ADD/ADHD, because she can fall asleep easily and stay asleep all night. Plus, she can focus on one stimulating toy for a long time, because she wants to see everything it does and how it works. Now we know the truth and there are actually things we can do!

First off, Abbie is a highly intelligent girl who does not process senses through her brain the way other people do. As a matter of fact, she actually needs and craves “over-sensory” experiences. Truthfully, she would make a great stunt woman - it would appeal to her need for extreme activities! Ha ha!

As a parent of a child with SPD, we will work with the therapist to give Abbie sensory experiences at home and in the clinical setting, to help her learn how to be safe and meet her needs for experiences. Some of the things we will do are actually pretty cool. Fun balls with strange textures, thera-putty, bounce houses, being tossed into the air, sit and spin toys, musical toys, lots of light and sound, sports and more! The more, the better for her!

Most importantly, we have to teach her to be able to recognize hot from cold, wet from dry and how to feel pain, etc. Interestingly, she cannot distinguish these things. Can you imagine burning your finger on the stove and not even feeling it?? If anyone runs across any great and stimulating toys or books, let me know! Otherwise, she is doing great and is so much fun!!