Realizing My Boys Have Conquered Their Sensory Issues

Yesterday Cameron and I cleaned out the "sensory section" in our pantry.  I purchased these items years ago when my boys had several sensory issues. I put everything on my kitchen counter.  To my shock, the entire counter was covered with various things:  feathers, pipe cleaners, clothes pins, felt cloth, yarn, beads, corks, wood, and many other things.  I probably could have opened a small craft store!

As I looked at each object, I remembered why I purchased it.  Most items had different textures.  Some items helped build dexterity and strength.  Others helped with fine motor coordination.  My memories were bittersweet, going back at least ten years...

Although my youngest three have autism, all four of my younger boys had sensory issues. Their issues varied:

Stuart couldn't stand the feel of grass under his feet.  When we went for a walk, he shrieked when sprinkler systems went on.  We'd have to cross the street to avoid the sprinklers.

Ryan hated to be hugged; he didn't like to be touched at all.  He refused to wear jeans because the material was too rough.  Sounds were painful.

Nicholas couldn't tolerate anything on his arms, legs, and feet.  When the weather was cold, getting him to wear appropriate long pants, long sleeve shirts, and shoes were next to impossible.  Light bothered him as well.

Cameron loved to bang his head against a concrete or tile floor.  Bang, bang, bang...

None of them liked dirt or shaving cream on their hands.  Sand was a no-go, making a trip to the park or beach futile.

I remembered the physical therapists and occupational therapists used these items in front of me to help my boys, quite often with no or minimal success.  We tried week after week.  Slowly my boys got used to some textures.  Others took years.  So I put them away.

Until yesterday.

Now my boys are too old for these things, and they have no interest.  They also don't need them.  THAT IS A HAPPY THOUGHT.  The sad thought is that I missed out so many other things; things that I hoped to make with them.  Oh well.

Although these items represented a small fortune, I didn't regret spending the money.  Everything contributed in a small way to their current status of today.  Today my boys can go anywhere with peers, and function quite well.

So Cameron and I gave all of these items to a nearby family.  It was good to see the smiles are the youngsters' faces.  They saw all the potential projects they could make.  Life is good!