Category Archives: sensory processing disorder

July 31, 2012 · 12:06 pm

Where I Am

I just finished my last (for now) life coaching session with Lauree.  It wasn’t the last one because I’m done.  Hardly!  It was the last one because next week we start paying out of pocket for Dylan’s food therapy because health insurance companies don’t buy into sensory processing disorder as a diagnosis.  Boo.

I’m grateful I had the opportunity to work with a life coach, and frankly, I think the world would be a better place if everyone spent a little bit more time working on themselves as human beings.  Lauree has helped me navigate my journey as a writer and blogger (and maybe someday a book writer?), but more than that, she’s helped me navigate my journey as a person.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned through the coaching process is to (try to) stop worrying about where I want to be, where I think I should be, where I don’t want to be, or where I’m afraid to be and just be where I am.

Here’s where I am:

I have writer’s block.  But I’m writing through it.

I’m disappointed.  My life coaching sessions have been a gift, and I’m sad to end them, even if just temporarily.

I’m tired.  Of jet lag.  Of bed wetting.  Of laundry.  Of trying to put Riley to sleep in his bed each night and failing miserably.  Speaking of which…

I’m drained.  I spent an hour and a half trying to get him to sleep last night only to give up and let him fall asleep in my bed.  Again.

I’m forgetful.  I walk into rooms and can’t remember why.  Yesterday, I forgot that Dylan had a swimming lesson after camp.

I’m afraid.  Dylan has met almost all of his sensory goals at OT (besides food), and his therapist wants to release him, but I’m not ready to let go.

I’m anxious.  In the next month, I need to make appointments with my dentist, gynecologist, gastroenterologist (colonoscopy!), and neurologist.

I’m nervous.  Change is coming.  In a few weeks, we’ll have a new schedule, a new therapist, a new school, new teachers, and new friends.

I’m searching.   For my sense of humor and the strength to know this too shall pass.

I’m breathing.

I’m leaping.  And looking for the net.

I’m taking a walk.  Right now.  Thanks for listening.

Where are you?

1 Comment

Filed under anxiety, bedtime, colonoscopy, food issues, gratitude, sensory processing disorder

July 11, 2012 · 3:42 pm

Good News Bad News

I have good news and bad news.  I say this a lot to the boys.

The good news is that we can go swimming when we get home.  The bad news is that we have to drive downtown to get Harry at doggie daycare first.

Sometimes they want the bad news first.

The bad news is that we have to go to the grocery store.  The good news is that Aunt Heather is coming over later with Jake (her new puppy).

Yesterday, Dylan said to me on the way to occupational therapy, “Mommy, I have good news and bad news.  The good news is that Aunt Heather is coming over later with “Jakie” and Brigett (Heather’s other dog).”  True!  “The bad news is that Daddy is working late tonight.”  Also true.  Boo.  (Sorry, Mike.)

Okay, my turn.  The good news is that Dylan had another challenging but successful picnic with his occupational therapist.  He begrudgingly ate one bite of macaroni & cheese (not the macaroni & cheese he usually eats) and three bites of a breakfast bar (not the breakfast bar he usually eats).  The bad news is that he won’t eat these foods for me.  Ever.

(Editor’s note:  New readers can catch up on Dylan’s sensory processing journey here and here and here and here.)  Or, click on “food issues” and “sensory processing disorder” in the “Looking for Something?” section to the right.  —–>

Bad news first this time. Dylan’s OT wants us to take him to a behaviorist to tackle his food issues and help him be successful with food in all environments – not just in her amazingly cool tree house.  She thinks that while Dylan may always have an underlying sensory sensitivity – smell, especially – he’s worked through his sensory problems and all that remains is bad habits and behaviors – habits and behaviors that are totally and completely linked to me.  Boo.  (Mommies always get it the worst.)  The good news is that a pediatric food behaviorist happened to be sitting in the waiting room at our OT’s office.  She told me the story of a patient who ate nothing but PediaSure – eight shakes a day, no solid food, not even water.  Now he eats normally.  I asked her how long it took?  She said, “Six weeks.”

Good news first this time.  We can call this food behaviorist any time and get started.  (My biggest fear is to be having this conversation when Dylan’s twelve.)  The bad news is that it’s totally and completely overwhelming (and expensive and time consuming).  We all want the best for our children and we all want them to lead happy, perfect lives.  We just have to remember that they’re human beings (just like we are) and human beings are all perfectly flawed.

Last one.   The good news is that I’ll do whatever it takes to help Dylan overcome this challenge.  The bad news is that sometimes it’s hard to see the forest from the trees.

1 Comment

Filed under food, food issues, sensory processing disorder