Top products from r/SPD

Occupational therapist here (with SPD myself).

Feeling extra sensitive (and wondering if you're imagining new sensitivities) when you first discover SPD is totally normal. You've just discovered a new lens to view yourself and your experiences in the world! In my personal experience, the intense sensitivity/over-analysis phase lasts a little while and then things settle back to normal. I still have moments fairly often where I notice new sensory issues, which is actually really great because it provides an opportunity to understand myself and my needs better. I'll also add that depression/anxiety and SPD can have a pretty close connection (and a kind of chicken-or-the-egg thing): I'm sensitive to x, which makes me feel anxious/contributes to my depression, which heightens my sensitivity to x, etc. So, you might find that, over time, addressing your sensory needs can help alleviate some of your other issues.

SPD is definitely real, and it's extremely frustrating that it has yet to be recognized by the larger medical community. I think it's actually starting to be taken more seriously now, as more and more research supporting it is published. It almost made it as a diagnosis in the DSM-V--so, here's hoping for the DSM-VI!

I would definitely seek an OT to help you identify your unique sensory profile and potential coping strategies. If that's not possible, I second the suggestion to find a mental health professional with experience working with people on the spectrum (who tend to experience SPD in very high numbers). I'm assuming you're a woman, so I'll add to that last suggestion: if possible, try to find a professional who has experience working with adult female aspies, who will likely have more similar experiences to yours as compared to children or adult men on the spectrum.

As you've discovered, most publicly available information about SPD is focused on kids. Unfortunately, this skewing also occurs in terms of treatment--so it might be difficult to find an OT who works with adults. You'll probably have better luck finding an independently operating OT, rather than an OT sensory clinic (which is usually 100% pediatrics). I know there's one pediatric clinic in Los Angeles that also works with adults, as well as the Star Institute in Denver. The Star Institute has a lot of good information about SPD, including adults.

For more in-depth reading, there are several books written specifically for adults with SPD, such as Living Sensationally and Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight: What to Do If You Are Sensory Defensive in an Overstimulating World.

Finally, if you feel comfortable sharing (here or in a private message), I'd be happy to give you some off-the-cuff tips that might help you in the short-term.

Definitely give OT a go, has worked wonders for us in a short time. There a few things that work regardless of diagnosis - eg: weighted blankets, compression vests, fidget toys, gym balls. You’ll get a lot of benefit and insights from conversations with them also. Good luck!!

Edit to add: get this book also The Highly Sensitive Child great insights into understanding and managing sensitivities like you’ve described. Of course post here - very familiar what you are describing!

I have one of these thingies for when I sleep:

https://www.amazon.com/Adaptive-Sound-Technologies-LectroFan-Non-Looping/dp/B00MY8V86Q/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1540179845&sr=8-5&keywords=fan+noise

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Best purchase I've ever made. It helps block out so many relatively quiet sounds, including breathing when I sleep in the same room as someone. Though more often, it helps to block out the sound of cars going by. If you can afford it, I recommend it. Or like others have said, you can try an actual fan or play fan noise on your laptop. Rainymood is also great, if rain/waves/etc works as white noise for you.

I haven’t tried them yet myself, but I have heard diabetic socks do not leave the indentation and still stay up. On Amazon you can find all different kinds (crew cut, knee high, etc.). I’m going to get some as I have fat calves and the indentation part is definitely an issue. Good luck!

Edit: something like this.

Yomandamor Women's 3 Pairs Bamboo Non-Binding Quarter Thick Warm Winter Socks with Seamless Toe and Full Cushion https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0761PLJG4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_9.bZDbCH19SPC

I love Bali's wirefree bras. They are awesome.

These two are my favorite: Bali Women's Comfort Revolution Wirefree Bra and Bali Women's Double Support Cotton Stretch Wire-Free Bra

Welcome to the highly confusing & frustrating world of spd parenting. I have 2 boys, 6.5 & 2.5 both spd in different ways.

First yes look for OT services. I found that a lot of our behavioral issues got way better/disappeared when the spd stuff was being well controlled. Think of it like this, how friendly/compliant/happy are you when you're hungover & at a high stress job. It's like that. They feel bad & overwhelmed & cant escape it, so they act out. You have the dual job of normal parenting while also supporting them & helping them to figure out how to cope & behave in a socially acceptable way.

Second reading: the 'out of sync child' is a great books. It explains a lot & generally gives a good look into what's happening with the different senses. Warning, the first 1/4 or so is all doom & gloom. All 'of this goes untreated here's the horrible life they will have'. Skim it.

Also this book is a more practical on the ground reference for specific behaviors. It's good at categorizing things into 'you should work on this' or 'you should let it just go'

Finding a good OT will help a lot. We're about 2 years from our initial diagnosis & start of therapy & he's almost a different kid. Actually no, he's finally the kid I knew was in there all along. It's been a hard road, but well worth it.

We paired weekly therapy with home exercises & strategies. Things like daily brushing & lots of sensory play. Lots of heavy work games, etc...

Pm me if you want.

This one has great reviews and is on a lightning deal at Amazon today. My kids love mine and I'm thinking of grabbing a few of thees for holiday gifts.

I found a good price on Amazon for one. There are now 3 floating around my house. Mil has a 15lb one for anxiety/depression and has noticed a marked difference in her sleep. We bought a lighter one for my 7 year old son who is autistic and has Spd. He loves his and will steal ours (the 15lbs ones) regularly. I also have a 15lb one that I've noticed helps a lot with spd and anxiety.

I definitely say go for it! You can get minky duvet covers too.

Amy Garden Weighted Blanket for Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Insomnia or Stress - Premium Various Weighted Blankets for Great Sleep (48"x72",15 lbs for 140-150 lbs individual, Grey) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074SHCL41/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HfldBb1WGX987

This one also has a coupon to take another 11 bucks off of it, so making it in the 70s.

Most duvets seem to run about 40 to 50. You can find them on Amazon too. May find some cooler ones on Etsy.

This book has been a huge help and an eye opener for me for sure. A MUST have for anyone.

I got this one on Amazon six months ago and I really like it.

I have a similar problem. Everyday sounds, especially talking, have been bothering me a lot too.

I'm considering noise-filtering earplugs. The ones I've found are supposed to lower the volume of the sound you hear while still allowing you to hear well enough to have conversations or listen to music, and also be mostly invisible. There are several companies that make them, but the one that seems the most reliable to me so far is called Eargasm.

Here are links to the Eargasm earplugs, from amazon and Eargasm's website:
https://eargasmearplugs.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Eargasm-Musicians-Motorcycles-Sensitivity-Conditions/dp/B019M576XW/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1540950575&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=eargasm%2Bhigh%2Bfidelity%2Bear%2Bplugs&th=1

I think I'm going to order them soon, but I'm worried they won't actually work as well as they claim. I can't recommend them since I haven't tried them, but I thought I'd share in case they sound like what you need.

I don't know if that's what you're looking for, or if you'd rather just completely block out sound and not hear their conversations at all.
If you would like to completely block out sound, maybe consider regular foam earplugs like some use for sleeping? They would be less visible than headphones.

My son used ones like these. Make sure you measure your child’s chest size. They seem like they’re too small when you first put them on but they should be very tight.
SmartKnitKIDS Compresso-T Deep Pressure Sensory Compression Undershirt (White, Medium) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5SHHDD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Qo8SCbRE5BD71

Edit: a word

I bought myself a plastic wobble stool to use at my desk, but it was targeted towards kids and came in several heights. Several of the reviewers got it for SPD kids. Maybe some sort of chair replacement like that, for when she has to sit not-on-the-floor? It’s not especially exciting, so the other kids are unlikely to be jealous, especially if you pick a color that matches the chairs in the room or get the boring grey one like I did. (Here’s mine https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DR10V9Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xiKvCbACESVWE)