How to Explain SPD to Your Family

Trying to explain SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) to family and friends can be a big challenge. One comment I heard over and over in the clinic from parents was that they were struggling to get family members and friends to understand their child’s sensory needs.

One mom in particular stands out. She dove headfirst into learning about her child’s sensory needs. She scheduled regular sensory breaks, and they did a sensory diet nearly daily. She noticed positive changes in her child. Improved regulation, better focus, increased ease.

But when she left her child with another family member for a short time, her child regressed. Even though she had tried to explain SPD and her child’s sensory needs to them, they didn’t quite get it. She came to pick up an overstimulated and disregulated child. She felt frustrated that they didn’t get it. And felt that she needed to limit her child’s time with this family member, but she didn’t want to!

Understanding sensory processing and sensory challenges is key to helping set a child up for success. As a parent, you’re in the driver’s seat. You see your child’s ups and downs. You see, how they get overstimulated when you turn the vacuum on. You see how deep pressure helps regulate them. You know them.

It can be challenging to explain your sensory kid to your family or friends. Helping them to understand the ins and outs of what sensory processing is, what sensory processing challenges are, and how they might affect your child.

Having the right tools

It’s hard enough raising a sensory kid; it shouldn’t be a challenge to explain it to others. Having the right tools can. make all the difference.

I wanted to make it easier. Below, you can download a free “Understanding Sensory Processing” guide to share with family and friends to help them better understand. If they want to dive deeper, they can read more about SPD here.

Download the free Guide