Tag / sensory integration

by Erin Nowicki

SPD vs. A Pandemic World

I thought it would be fun to write a post from the perspective of living in this pandemic world as someone who has SPD. If you have some of your own perspective on how the pandemic has affected you or someone you know with SPD, I’d love to chat about it! Either drop a comment on this post or feel free to email me.

**First, let me establish that I DO NOT have the coronavirus.**

**Second, I wanted to personally thank all of the first responders, healthcare workers and other essential workers (yes, I’m also talking to YOU teachers, nannies, grocery store employees, ETC…). You all are ROCKSTARS and our world wouldn’t function without you. **

Wash Wash Wash Your Hands

For me personally, washing my hands (and showers whenever I actually take one hahaha) is one of my least favorite daily activities haha. I choose to do it only when its absolutely necessary. So, the moment my hubby told me about what was happening with Covid-19 and that we are going to have to be extra careful, I was like, “NOOOOOOO that means I have to wash my hands more!” I know it doesn’t sound trivial, but seriously…washing my hands sucks.

⤅When I get to work, I wash my hands.

⤅When I come back inside from playing with my nanny kids, I wash my hands.

⤅When I go to the restroom, I wash my hands (obviously).

⤅When I get in my car after being in the store or gas station, I wash my hands (with sanitizer).

⤅When I get home from work, I wash my hands.

That’s a TON of washing hands! Eekers! :p

Soap and hand sanitizer feel so slimy and soft…yuck to the yuck! Not only does the soap hurt, but the entire process hurts as well. The water, the towel to dry off and the feeling afterwards all cause different feelings of pain. I can’t stand the way my hands feel after being washed, mainly because I don’t like the soft feeling that is left over. Even a few minutes after, I can still feel the pain from the water and the towel.

🙊 Speak No Evil 🙊

The one thing I knew when it came to my mask of choice is that I wanted to make sure unicorns were on it. Before I had this sweet, handmade mask (second pic), I decided to use my unicorn scarf. Might as well try to bring a little magic into people’s days right?

Thanks Stasia for my unicorn mask!

Yes, the pictures are full of squinty smiles, but to be honest, wearing a mask is irritating and painful. I totally feel for the healthcare workers out there (especially those who have SPD) who have to wear masks all day…you guys really are having go through the ringer. I’m so lucky to not have to wear a mask at my job. (I’m a nanny for an amazing family.) When I go to the store, I try to get in and get out asap so I can take off the mask.

To describe the pain a little more- since the mask isn’t giving me any deep pressure (good thing cause I wouldn’t be able to breathe hahaha), I can feel the fabric rubbing across every inch of my skin like a burn or sting. After I take it off I have to rub my face to try to reset the nerves…it doesn’t fully help but it takes some of the pain away. My ears don’t really hurt except when I put the mask on and take it off because the straps don’t move once on.

**If you have any questions for me about other things that might be bothering me during this pandemic, please leave a comment and I’d be happy to respond! :D**

Some food for thought: I urge you to not jump to conclusions if you hear someone (at any age) complain about things bothering them or causing pain. Yes, a mask and washing your hands seem harmless, but to someone with SPD, they are causes for more pain. Let’s change our habits of saying, “Oh, that doesn’t hurt” or “How can that hurt” into encouragements, “I’m sorry it hurts” or “Is there anything I can do to help ease your pain?”

by Erin Nowicki

Testing Testing

So, I found this “Sensory Processing Disorder Symptoms Test for Adults” created by The ADHD EDITORIAL BOARD and I thought it would be fun (and funny) to take it and then share my answers and what I scored . 😀

  1. Hugs even from those I’m close to can make me feel uncomfortable. Likewise, being in a crowded elevator makes me want to break out and run. 
    • My Answer: Very Often
  2. I enjoy high-adrenaline activities.
    • My Answer: Very Often
  3. I avoid some foods because of the texture. I would rather go hungry than eat a mushy banana.
    • My Answer: Never
  4. The thought of having to walk through the sand to get to the ocean or a lake can ruin the fun of a swim.
    • My Answer: Never
  5. When everyone else is sweating or shivering, I’m usually somewhere in the middle.
    • My Answer: Often (I’m usually the opposite of everyone tho…)
  6. Flickering lights — or even worse, strobe lights — send me over the edge.
    • My Answer: Sometimes
  7. My handwriting is illegible. I’m told I have “difficult-to-read” penmanship.
    • My Answer: Never
  8. I avoid walking through the perfume department at all costs. Scented candles — even the most subtle ones — bother me.
    • My Answer: Very Often (except candles…I love those)
  9. When I’m in a car with other people, I’m always asking, “Can we turn down the radio volume?” My Answer: Very Often (Honestly, that’s what I want to do most of the time, but a lot of times I just grin and bear it)
  10. I find myself bumping into things a lot, knocking stuff over, and tripping over my own feet.
    • My Answer: Often
  11. The sound of a dripping faucet or a crack of sunlight coming in from around my shades wakes me out of the deepest sleep.
    • My Answer: Never (I have a hard time sleeping in general but not because of those things…plus I sleep with a blanket over my eyes)
  12. Daily activities can be hard to do if I’m not able to see what I’m doing.
    • My Answer: Never
  13. I wear anything that’s loose and flowy, like caftans.
    • My Answer: I don’t wear caftans but I do like to wear loose shirts…but then I have to wear tighter pants for deep pressure…interesting!)
  14. I avoid public speaking.
    • My Answer: Very Often (I know this sounds so silly since I am a performer, but it’s 100% true…I am TERRIFIED of public speaking. But I’ll sing in front of however many people will listen haha)
  15. I prefer to wear tag-less shirts and seamless socks. I cut the tags out of my sweaters and would rather go naked than wear wool.
    • My Answer: Very Often

My Score: 35 out of 60!

How funny is that!? I think the test could’ve touched on a few other things but that’s ok…I still had fun doing it and seeing my score! Even if you don’t have SPD, I want everyone who reads this to do a homework assignment; it will be super fun to see what you get! And hey, maybe you will learn something new about yourself!

Homework Assignment For YOU:

  1. Take the test.
  2. Share your score by leaving a comment!

**If you like what you’re reading, hit that subscribe button so you can be the first to read my next post! And don’t forget to share my blog with anyone you think would benefit from this. I’m always looking to partner with others who want to collaborate with me on this endeavor to spread the word about SPD.**

by Erin Nowicki

The Princess Chronicle vol. 5

Happy New Year (22 days late)! I hope all of my Unicorns had a magical holiday season and I hope you are ready for a great new year we have ahead of us.

I know I haven’t been on here in AGES, so I wanted to share with you why!

Sometimes the “Pea” wins…

Ever since I started this blog, I felt like I had the momentum, brainpower and excitement to write and share a glimpse into my SPD life. In November, after my last post, I ended up just dropping off the blogging map…but why?!

At first, I couldn’t figure out why I didn’t want to write about my SPD and why I was dreading to even think about my blog. After talking to one of my blog subscribers, I realized what the issue was.

Every week I was writing a new blog post, which meant throughout each week I was thinking of what I wanted to write about.

This in turn was causing my Sensory to actually flare up ALL THE TIME. Once I figured out that this blog was the “Pea” that was causing me to be in pain (remember, SPD revolves around the brain and the disconnect with the nervous system), I decided to take a break for a little. So, yes, I let the “Pea” win but I’m ok with it..because I’m baaaaaaack. 😀

–Game Plan–

Instead of focusing on writing one blog a week, I’m going to write multiple blogs at one time so then I can post them once a week. Less thinking time overall…so let’s see if that will help this Sensory Princess. Wish me luck! ☘

What You Missed Last Time

Do you want to know what it feels like for a person with Sensory Processing Disorder to take a shower three days in a row?

On my last blog post, I did an experiment for yall and I hope it gives some insight. Go check it out!

Imagine a sound technician working a soundboard like the one above, but he clearly has zero training.

Excerpt from The Body Is Not An Apology

If you have time, click on the link to go check out the full article where I got that excerpt. I had never heard that analogy about SPD before and it totally resounded with me because I am a musician. Let me know in the comments below what things stood out to you in the article!

Next Week’s Blog

I found a “Sensory Processing Disorder Symptoms Test for Adults” and I wanted to share my answers with you. Do you think it will tell me I have Sensory Processing Disorder? HA!