When Nolan was two, I allowed myself to reconcile all of Nolan’s SPD behaviors. We worried about his speech, I was not allowing him to communicate I knew what he needed before he did. We worried about his energy, he is just an excited boy he can’t hold it in. His screams at the park were upsetting the other children, well those children have to buck up not be such wimps to a little noise. I knew in my heart something was off. I made excuses to hide the truth. I had to be pushed into the truth when Megan arrived.
It was hard, as for any mom, bringing a new baby into the house. Nolan really struggled with the lose of attention. His behaviors escalated and I struggled on a day to day basis keeping everything together. When Megan cried Nolan would cover his ears and scream, he was constantly touching her. He started having odd behaviors, like lining up his cars in rows. All his sensory issues came out in full force.
After Nolan started school things did start to change, only because I had the tools to control it. Megan doesn’t know her brother has SPD, but having a brother with SPD has helped her out in many ways, she is the toughest 18-month-old on the block.
Many children who have a disability learn life skills earlier then most children. In Nolan case it is a way to release energy and give him the deep pressure he needs. There aren’t many four year olds that vacuum, but it helps Nolan. As Megan gets older, I know that it is possible for her to do the same. She gains a learning curve in education too. Nolan has the extra help, if he struggles I have a team of teachers and therapist to help, and those skills will be passed on to her.
At this age Megan shows no sign of SPD, not just because of her age. The Occupational Therapist says I have the tools now to work with a child with SPD, so I can give more to Megan. Although right now Megan has a louder, full of energy brother as she grows she will reap the benefits of Nolan’s journey.