Kid from Missouri travels

Living with SPD has been challenging; however, my nana and I have had so much fun over the years.

Growing up with SPD is not fun and can be emotional most of the time. I love to be with other people and kids, but I am the one who always gets hurt. I get into trouble and don’t always know why. I would fall, run into people, and hide. All these things get me in trouble. I started OT, and that helps. We did OT in the mornings before school, and I was better for most of the day. During COVID, I was homeschooled. That was great. I went back to school in the last part of 8th grade, with part of it virtual, and that worked for me. 9th grade was fun, and I was in JROTC, but it ended badly for me as I was bullied and had to change schools. This year is horrible. I don’t like it, and I am not doing well in most of my classes. The sensory part is not bothering me as much now, I am older, but the memory and keeping up with the classes are the bad parts. Last year, I was in co-teaching classes and did great. At this school, I am in regular classes and can’t keep up. Sensory issues are more than just walking and falling; it has to do with memory and my shakes that all act up when I get stressed. The sensory issues are better because my Nana has taught me what to do during school and when I need to exercise or get energy out. I think the teachers still do not understand me, and my dad wants me to be ‘normal’. I think I am normal for me. Keep working on your OT and be yourself; that is all you can do.