SOPHIE WALSTER / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
Lyons says. “The most important thing to
understand is that children with SPD are not
‘bad’ children. They are simply trying to survive
in their own skin, in a world with heightened
or lowered sensations. Typical punishment
for ‘bad’ behavior is not optimal and can cause
regression rather than progression.”
Stephanie Beaudry, a mom of two children
with SPD, says, “When trying to explain my
son’s hyperactivity or clumsiness is due to
SPD, we get told, ‘Oh it’s just his age.’ But
it’s actually because his nervous system
doesn’t respond as it should in certain
situations.” Sensory seekers may fall a lot
or crash into things because they need that
physical contact, or proprioceptive input.

SPD can create challenges for families,
but there is treatment available for kids
who struggle with it. “We had a fabulous
occupational therapist who helped my son.

She gave us tools and gave him permission
to figure out what worked for him and what
didn’t,” says Joy Alsup, a mom of four. “He
has a high need for tight, long hugs and we
understand that this is what helps him. It’s a
huge priority for us.”
With the help of an occupational therapist,
kids with SPD can find ways to balance their
sensory input, such as swinging, wearing a
weighted vest, pushing or pulling heavy objects
across the room or jumping on a trampoline.

Many of these activities are fun for the child
and can be integrated into playtime at home.

“The therapy helps more than just their
physical strengths but also their emotional
strengths,” says Beaudry. “When my daughter
first started therapy, she was extremely shy.

She wouldn’t even talk to children her own age
when they approached her. Now, four months
later, she is a social butterfly.”
An occupational therapist’s main goal
is to educate parents about SPD and give
families tools they can use to help the
child progress at home. Although families
dealing with SPD may have struggles
with things other people see as “normal”
activities, many parents find hope in their
child’s progress and support from other
parents dealing with these issues.

“One thing I have learned after experiencing
our journey is that I am not alone. There are so
many others that understand what I am going
through and we are there to support each
other in many ways,” says Beaudry.

As a mother of a child with SPD, I would
encourage others to educate themselves
about sensory processing and begin to
approach the situation from the child’s
perspective. Parents can then begin to use
the tools needed to adjust their environment
and celebrate as their child meets their goals
and overcome challenges.

“When my son was diagnosed, I felt like he
would be limited in his future. He has worked
through many of his issues and I see his SPD
as part of what makes him unique. I wouldn’t
have him any other way,” Alsup says.

It takes a lot of patience, persistence, and
love to parent a child with SPD, but when
that child feels acceptance and supported,
they can work through their struggles, and
thrive in school and at home. n
WashingtonFAMILY.com 29