As a parent, few moments are more daunting than receiving a call from your child’s school principal regarding behavioral concerns. My anxiety spiked as I made my way to another early morning meeting, perched uncomfortably in small chairs designed for children. It felt reminiscent of my own school days, and not in a good way.
The principal shared a familiar narrative about my 5-year-old son, Ethan, struggling to adapt to the classroom environment and exhibiting disruptive behavior towards both peers and teachers. However, instead of the usual request for parental advice, she introduced a new concept: sensory processing disorder (SPD). She handed me an informative brochure from an organization called LifeSkills.
By mid-morning, I found myself on the phone with LifeSkills’ director. In just five minutes, I felt as if a crucial piece of the puzzle regarding Ethan’s challenges had finally clicked into place.
Sensory processing pertains to how a child’s nervous system interprets sensory information—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—and how they respond to it. For children with sensory issues, their brains struggle to organize sensory signals, leading to inappropriate reactions. SPD can manifest in various forms, including sensory over-responsivity, under-responsivity, and sensory seeking behaviors.
Ethan, for example, is uncomfortable with physical contact from unfamiliar individuals. A sudden invasion of his personal space or the snatching of a toy can trigger an outburst. He refuses to wear socks, still uses pull-ups at night, and finds bustling environments overwhelming—classrooms included. Once, in a chaotic doctor’s waiting room, he called out for silence, unable to cope with the noise. He can’t tolerate the smells of our meals and prefers to eat in isolation. Yet, he relishes the messiness of ice cream, smearing it across his face and hands. Mornings are often a struggle, as he takes his time to adjust. Any minor deviation from routine sends him into a tailspin of anxiety. We initially assumed these behaviors were merely annoying, but they were clear indicators of SPD.
Later that evening at the park, I confided in a neighbor about our school transition. To my surprise, she shared her own experience with sensory processing disorder concerning her son. This revelation opened a dialogue I had never anticipated. Just hours later, she knocked on my door, offering a book titled Sensational Kids by Lucy Jane Miller and assuring me she would return to discuss solutions that had helped her son, now 12, thrive.
Ethan underwent evaluation, resulting in a diagnosis of classic sensory processing disorder. Unfortunately, many public schools and insurance companies do not recognize SPD, so Ethan was labeled with dyspraxia, hypotonia, and coordination disorder instead. He struggles with tasks like walking heel-to-toe for eight steps, maintaining a cannonball position, or jumping vertically—activities we previously dismissed as clumsiness. His eye contact lasts only a few seconds, and he cannot draw shapes like his peers. This isn’t due to a lack of intelligence or effort; he simply lacks the sensory input needed to perform these tasks effectively.
The realization that I hadn’t fully understood Ethan’s challenges hit me hard. However, with each insight, we edge closer to supporting him effectively. We learned that oral muscle development precedes that of the hands. Ethan has been in speech therapy since toddlerhood. His habit of chewing on his collar, creating holes in his shirts, indicates a sensory craving for oral stimulation. He seeks out hot chocolate, chewing gum, and salt-and-vinegar chips for their sensory feedback—much to my husband’s chagrin, as our family enjoys the “stinky chips.”
Ethan also delights in biking and kayaking, engaging in repetitive, predictable movements that his body responds to instinctively. There is hope for his future athletic endeavors.
Occupational therapy has emerged as a vital component of Ethan’s development. His occupational therapist, who visits his school weekly, is passionate about her work—having transitioned from engineering to OT to assist her own son with SPD.
As we approach the new school year, I often worry that Ethan may not be ready for kindergarten. Every parent desires for their child to fit in and succeed. However, after that pivotal parent-teacher conference, I found renewed hope and gratitude. Our school is committed to collaborating with us.
Furthermore, I am grateful for the support from my family and friends, who recognize Ethan’s potential. After the conference, a friend left an encouraging note and a bottle of wine, reminding me that solidarity and understanding from other parents is invaluable.
The greatest gift for Ethan is that we, as his parents and educators, are beginning to comprehend the complexities of his experiences. This newfound understanding allows us to provide him with the time, patience, and empathy necessary for him to navigate and thrive in this challenging world.
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In summary, supporting a child with sensory processing disorder requires patience, understanding, and the right resources. Through collaboration with educators and professionals, we can help our children not only cope with their challenges but also thrive.
Keyphrase: sensory processing disorder support
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