Sensory issues in real life

If you don't know, I have sensory processing disorder (along with learning issues) and textures are a difficult concept for me to grasp (literally). I have to keep my hands busy, am anxious half the time with the world around me, and struggle to really feel satisfied as I am in a sensory world. If it's soft, it has to be fabric softener soft. If it's shiny, I have to touch it. If it's wet, I am there. If it has a poky texture, don't even ask me to touch it.

When I was younger, I worked with an Occupational Therapist to help me identify when I had "sensory overload issues," fine motor issues, gross motor issues, and delayed skills. From cutting with scissors to button snapping to aiding in my handwriting. I found OT incredibly important to my life and how to learn what to do when I feel overwhelmed. OT was actually very soothing and helped me in my educational and social life.

To keep my hands busy, I use fidgits, thera-puddy, stress balls, manipulatives, and anything that will calm me down. It's just a sensory thing that helps me strive for excellence in the classroom and in life.

A few websites that I have found extememly helpful are for parents looking for sensory and OT related materials:

Fun and Function Thera-puddy, figits, manipulatives, special needs toys and sensory aids.

Autism shop Not just for autism: books, manipulatives, resources, and ideas for sensory and special education.

Southpaw Anything you need as far as OT related materials.

I don't consider myself weird, I just consider myself unique. There is nothing wrong with the way I learn or if I need figits to keep me calm.

It's just me!!

I see nothing wrong with that

** I may spell words wrong, use spell check religiously, and talk my thoughts out...but I see nothing wrong with that!

** I may have to fabric soften all my clothes to make them "soft," read up side down, and have my letters move around the page...but I see nothing wrong with that.

** I may only eat certain foods due to texture/taste, smell my fingers to calm down, or be unable to walk on the balance beam...but I see nothing wrong with that.

** I may loose track of time, have to study 3x as hard as the other college student, or sleep much less...but I see nothing wrong with that.

** I may become frustrated and vent, rant, or gripe, but I see nothing wrong with that.

** I may have Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Sensory Processing Disorder, Food Allergies, and other issues...but I see nothing wrong with that.

** I may have issues, but I see nothing wrong with that. Everyone has issues!

You may be wondering my point to this whole post and it is simple! I see nothing wrong the way HE made me. Sure I may struggle a little to learn or to understand concepts, but I see nothing wrong with that!

Psalm 139:13-16 states "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

I see nothing wrong with the way HE created me! HIS works are WONDERFUL and MIGHTY!

Put a little rhythm to it...

Songs are usually my best friends. When I am cleaning or needing to remember something, I put rhythm to it. So if I need to remember my 7's multiplication tables, I start singing to the tune of Happy Birthday-7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, and 70. It works for me and I learned this easy trick in 4th grade.

Another way I use music is to entertain a 16 month old while her mom is gone. Coming up with silly songs keeps her and I very happy. An example would be making clapping noises to a song beat. Everything right now makes her smile, so Old MacDonald and I am a C-h-r-i-s-t-i-a-n work wonders. Barney songs are pulled if nothing else works :)

How did I get on this topic today? I am in an Music for elementary teachers class this semester and we do lots of little kid songs and motions. This class is perfect since I love learning and putting a little tune to things. So I thought I would share.

Have a great day and put a little tune in somewhere!!

No day off on Labor day?

So yes, there were some people who DID NOT have Labor Day off. I know, I know, how could people do this? But it happened to ME this year! So what did I do this morning on my NOT day off.

Let's see: I woke up at 5:55am, got ready, made my heavenly coffee, went to let my house sitting job's dog out, chased the dog (who never runs away), went to class till 11 (8, 9, and 10 classes), had lunch, got my application filled out for the School of Education, and then came home. Yes it was a VERY busy morning, but it was worth it.

I did learn some things this morning that I thought I would share:
** Sunrises are BEAUTIFUL when no one is around
** Some street lights go off at 7:19am
** When no one is on the road, it is so peaceful
** My morning coffee was awesome since 5:55 came WAY too early
** I did not have trouble getting up this morning-what a shocker

So yes, today is another day and I have lots in my schedule, but it is so worth it. Abilene may be small, but it is just the right fit for me.

Hope everyone enjoyed today off!!!