Category : Blogs

Sub Category : Miscellaneous

http://lemonlimeadventures.com/10-things-to-never-say-to-parents-of-a-child-with-sensory-processing-disorder/

This is so spot on. Every.single.word. This should be required reading! All 10 ring true, but # 1-3 are especially destructive. I have experienced every one, way too often. This article is a true insight into how DEMORALIZING, patronizing, & careless people can be with their words. 

SPD IS REAL - it's not an imagined condition procured to excuse certain behaviors. We are not out to label our kids, we a DESPERATE to help them. So, please PLEASE do not impose or project an opinion concerning a child's behavioral/emotional condition that you know nothing about. I guarantee you that parent already feels crazy enough. LISTEN & then do a little research. But, be aware that unless your in the trenches with your own child struggling with SPD, you will never know the depth of it...it is too big. There are some things you just can't "know" unless you KNOW.
But, compassion & validation do not require 1st hand experience. Kindness & empathy are not dependant on knowledge.

If I could impress anything upon anyone who might read this, I would BEG you to research SPD...and, if you still have doubts, look deeper. Look up auditory processing disorder, vestibular system, proprioceptive system, sensory seeking, sensory avoiding.
*And, parents, always listen to your instincts! ALWAYS! Don't let anyone ever try to tell you what is or isn't true about YOUR child. Not even doctors. Fight for what you know & don't stop until your satisfied with the answers!*

Bottom line, SPD parents are exhausted, raw, confused, desperate...and, often wrought with guilt. But, most of all, we are heart-broken - the torture any parent feels when they are unable to "fix" it. The process of learning to cope with SPD is a looong & tedious journey of trial & error...and, there are 2 different battlegrounds - home & not home. 
So, go easy on us. Be gentle. Handle with care. Be willing to validate what WE (as the parents) KNOW to be true. You might just learn something.