Sudden increase in SPD sensitivities?

[Starflower]

Quick background. DD is not diagnosed with SPD. I have always been a highly sensitive person and she seems the same. Sometimes things bug her, sometimes not. Same with me - it kind of depends upon several factors.

Now, all of a sudden, DD can't wear any of her shirts because they itch her armpits. I found one she could tolerate so we could go to a park for a playdate this weekend. This same kid was repeatedly rolling in sand after playing in the lake two hours after freaking out about the itchy armpit seams. Yesterday she wore clothes OK. Today, we missed her homeschool class because she freaked about seams again and wouldn't wear a shirt inside out because it would look weird.

Short of buying a whole new wardrobe (I did find a site that sells stuff for this) I'm kind of short on ideas. I am still trying to figure out how to get her to the dentist today. I guess she could just go shirtless if need be - she is almost 7. But it's chilly out today.

Edited to add: The shirts do fit her properly. Also, she didn't get much sleep the last couple days which does usually escalate her anxieties. She is seeing a therapist for anxiety and bedtime fears.

Help?

[Starflower]

We did make it to the dentist. DD wore an inside out shirt.

If your SPD kid is tired, do they have more sensitivities? Just curious.

[LynnS6]

Tiredness, illness, hunger, growing, development spurts and general stress all make the sensitivities worse for us.

It makes sense, if you think about it: For kids with SPD, it takes a lot of energy to deal with sensory stuff just to exist. If anything lowers their reserves, they have fewer resources to deal with the sensory stuff. So, something that might not freak them out if they're well rested, well fed and in a state of equilibrium 'suddenly' pushes them over the edge.

Glad to hear that you made it to the dentist!

[Starflower]

Thanks, Lynn. This is what I have been suspecting, especially since I am basically the same way as DD. I have to remind myself that DD is like that too and that she will change from day to day. Some days she or I can handle stuff, and then other days everything is just too, too much. It's hard sometimes, because often we are both sleep-deprived or hungry at the same time and I have trouble dealing with DD's issues because I just want to deal with my own.

I wish the sensitivities didn't make it so hard for them to get the rest and nourishment they need to stay in equilibrium, though.

As for the dentist, I'm glad I waited on the sealants they offered. It would've pushed her over the edge today. We'll go do those another day when DD isn't so hyped up over everything.

Thanks again for you reply.

[KimPM]

Originally Posted by LynnS6

Tiredness, illness, hunger, growing, development spurts and general stress all make the sensitivities worse for us.

Yes, yes, yes, and yes!! Same thing here with DS. Plus, add in food sensitivities too.