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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Poet on November 23, 2006, at 19:50:12
Dr. Clueless and I actually did the *yes, you are, no I'm not* bit over my being sensory defensive. Awhile back I tried having my T talk to Dr. Clueless and all that resulted in was now my T thinks Dr. Clueless is right.
I'm starting to question if certain things always bothered me or if because they both keep telling me that I am *different* that I am just more aware of my *sensitivity* than I used to be.
I always thought that not liking crowded places, and preferring to be alone were social anxiety. I find myself retreating to my car to be alone more and more at work and I don't remember doing that five years ago. Then again I had more privacy at work five years ago.
The latest round of Poet is Sensory Defensive started when I said that a co-worker bothers me with humming, singing and finger snapping. The others in the office seem to tune her out, I can't do that. That's when Dr. Clueless said it's because I'm sensory defensive, I don't have Asperger's (well, I knew that one, took her long enough...) but I am *different.*
Dr. Clueless asked if I was sensitive to smells, yes, I don't deny that. Sensitive to labels in clothing? Yes, but it depends on the material the label is made out of, I only cut out the ones that scratch. Doesn't everyone? I mean, who wants a label scratching his/her neck?
Noises bother me, smells bother me, scratchy clothing labels and materials bother me, and here's the biggee I don't like to be touched. My T says she's never met anyone as adverse to touch as I am. I didn't grow up in a family that hugged, I think that's why, but what do I know I'm defensive! I am confused.
Dr. Clueless recommended the book "Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight" I'm not sure if it won't confuse me more, though I don't have issues with things being too bright, though I like to sit in dark rooms. I am confused.
Poet
Posted by Daisym on November 23, 2006, at 22:42:48
In reply to Sensory Defensive(ness), posted by Poet on November 23, 2006, at 19:50:12
It sounds from your post like you think you are being criticized for being sensory defensive. If you are sensitive to things, it is kind of like having brown hair or blue eyes...you can't control these things.
I like "The Out of Sync Child" because it describes many of the sensory integration difficulties that children/adults have and some strategies for managing them.
So much of this isn't good or bad, it just is. Helping yourself by creating an environment that you can function better in is a good thing.
Posted by Fallsfall on November 24, 2006, at 9:01:41
In reply to Sensory Defensive(ness), posted by Poet on November 23, 2006, at 19:50:12
Daisy's comment reminds me of a really good young adult novel: "A mango-shaped space" by Wendy Mass. It describes a kid who has synesthesia (she sees sounds as colors). It is really interesting how she processes the world differently than other people do, and how she learns to cope with this difference. And it is a good read.
Posted by Poet on November 24, 2006, at 22:41:01
In reply to Re: Sensory Defensive(ness) » Poet, posted by Daisym on November 23, 2006, at 22:42:48
Hi Daisy,
You've got it, I do feel critisized for being sensory defensive. It seems like something that I should have a handle on because other people seem to not be bothered by what gets to me. I guess I'm fighting against having, yet, another things that makes me *different* and I should be accepting it. Stomp foot, quietly, of course.
I will check out the book you recommended, I should read more about it before I keep denying I have it. Nahh, that wouldn't be me, sigh.
Poet
Posted by Poet on November 24, 2006, at 22:48:09
In reply to Re: Sensory Defensive(ness) » Poet, posted by Fallsfall on November 24, 2006, at 9:01:41
Hi Falls,
I'll add the book to my reading list. Looks like I need to read up on myself, so to speak. Not that I am sensory defensive. Though did I ever thank you for noticing in Toronto that I need to sit on the end of the table?
Thanks for helping, I appreciate your suggestions.
Poet
Posted by Jost on November 25, 2006, at 11:10:56
In reply to Re: Sensory Defensive(ness) » Fallsfall, posted by Poet on November 24, 2006, at 22:48:09
That's a rather accusatory insensory-offensive name for it-- IMO.
plus pretty over=crunchy. my mouth gets full, and my head doesn't know why my mouth is saying those sounds.
Maybe you're sensitive. but 'sensory defensive'? no, that sounds like an oxymoron to me.
I think it's a good thing that we need to learn to enjoy-- so we can have the benefits of it--
but humming, gum-chewing, finger-tapping room-sharing co-workers? is there anyone that doesn't drive a bit nuts?
Jost
Posted by Poet on November 26, 2006, at 15:38:02
In reply to Re: Sensory Defensive(ness), posted by Jost on November 25, 2006, at 11:10:56
Hi Jost,
Oddly enough as I write this there is a thread or something in the seam of my shirt scratching my arm. Should I cut the sleeve off?
My T thinks that I should see if I qualify as disabled under the Americans With a Disability Act due to my sensitivity. What special accomodation can I ask for in the workplace: a sound and smell proof booth? Yes, my former co-worker annoyed me and not others, but maybe they have sensory ignoress. It's horrible enough that I'm back job hunting without me telling them I have an invisable disability, too. T means well, but...
Poet
Posted by Jost on November 29, 2006, at 19:46:21
In reply to Re: Sensory Defensive(ness) » Jost, posted by Poet on November 26, 2006, at 15:38:02
Poet, I would cut off the sleeve immediately. of course you might have to sew it back on when you experience cold-air-on-arm syndrome.
Seriously, though, I think your T must think your sensitivity is really extreme, if s/he thinks you could get redress under the Ams with disability Act. Better to find a workplace that's more positive and relaxed, and where you feel more at east.
My feeling is that some people are just more reactive-- more sensitive, more intense-- what have you-- so they have more intense reactions to cope with. I'm that way.
I'm not a great instance of hope to cope with it-- but I still think I'm not "sensory defensive"-- which strike s me as an awkward circumlocution-- just a little hyper-sensitive, and maybe less than optimally good at self-soothing.
You'll find another job, and I bet it'll be a much better one. Just keep at it. :)
Jost
Posted by Poet on December 2, 2006, at 13:40:34
In reply to Re: Sensory Defensive(ness), posted by Jost on November 29, 2006, at 19:46:21
Hi Jost,
Sorry it's taken awhile to respond to your post, I was busy cutting tags out of my clothes, she said dripping with sarcasm.
T wants to combine my sensory issues with my poor nonverbal learning skills for a Poet needs special accomodation in the workplace combo.
T said she was going to check it out with someone she knows who does job placements for those who are defective, excuse me different. T said I'd probably have to do psych tests to prove my disability. I'm picturing putting the pegs in the holes while wearing clothes with scratchy tags, loud beeping sounds piped in and perfume being sprayed. I'll keep everyone posted.
Poet
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