19 yr. old newly diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. Where do I get help?

My D1, who just finished her freshman year at an east coast university, was diagnosed this spring with (among other things) sensory processing disorder. This was no surprise to me, as she’s always had issues with being touched. When she was young we lived in a small town where mentioning this to her pediatrician got no reaction and, to be honest, I thought it was something she’d outgrow. Fast forward to her teen-aged years, where things went downhill and hugs or even accidental touches brought on disproportionate reactions. I talked with her a few times about seeing someone, but she was extremely resistant. Our last conversation centered on the changes college would bring, and that she might be forced to address the issue.

She did end up seeking help and was sent by the school to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist who made the diagnosis referred her to a neurologist in a nearby city. She was unable to get in to see him before the semester ended, and he might not even be taking new patients.

I’ve been doing research on SPD treatment, and it seems that all of the neurologists/therapists are pediatric professionals. Internet searches don’t show anyone who works with adults south of Chicago. (We’re located in central Illinois.) I talked with the only group of neurologists in town, and they don’t work with SPD at all.

Has anyone else had experience with a newly-diagnosed adult SPD? Any suggestions for moving forward? She’s really open to treatment right now, so I’d like to run with it while I can. Thanks!

I’m not really familiar with SPD in adults, but I have an autistic child who had treatment with an Occupational Therapist when she was younger for sensory and other issues. You might try looking into OT’s in your area and see if any of them work with adults. If you haven’t run across it yet, here’s the website for the SPD foundation where you might be able to find some useful resources:

http://www.spdfoundation.net/about-sensory-processing-disorder/spdadults/

Thanks, @Mom2jl! I had found the SPD foundation; that’s where I located the people in the Chicago area. However, I had not thought about trying to find an occupational therapist, as D1 had been referred to a neurologist and I was assuming he/she would be providing any treatment. That gives me a new avenue to try…

I agree; my sister and a colleague work with autistic teens who have to wear certain fabrics to regulate their sensory via a number of OT techniques.

I would suggest you see an occupational therapist with experiences in sensory processing.

Also, if it were me, I’d be seeing a neuropsychologist.

@thumper1 That’s a great suggestion, although I fear a neuropsychologist may be an even rarer bird around here. Anyone up for a unicorn hunt? (I realize I’m mixing species; I just don’t care.)

Some places still treat 19 year olds as pediatric or, at least, teen. I don’t know what area you live in but a facility like McLean’s in Boston MA sometimes includes 19 year olds in services for teens.

She indicated she lives in Central Illinois. Have you considered Indianapolis, St Louis, Louisville, Milwaukee? Obviously less convenient than Chicago.

I have considered some of those areas. Now that I have the lead to try to find an OT, I’m going to look in Peoria, where we have a children’s hospital and St. Jude Clinic. Crossing my fingers!