M.A.
Hi Michelle,
It is a scary thing, but education (and support) are key. I have 2 children, both with SPD to varying degrees; my son was diagnosed at about 14 months, and my daughter at just about 4 1/2 yo. They are very different in their symptoms and the ways they found to cope with it, which is why it took so long for us to realize my daughter had sensory issues (She's 19 mos older than my son....)
Besides the Out of Sync books, I would also recommend "Sensational Kids" by Lucy Jane Miller, The Sensory-Sensitive Child by Smith & Gouze, and Raising a Sensory Smart Child by Biel and Peske. The following are some online resources and support groups:
http://www.kidfoundation.org/spdchecklist/
http://www.kidfoundation.org/
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/index.html
http://www.sensorysensitivechild.com/index2.html
http://www.out-of-sync-child.com/
http://www.childrensdisabilities.info/sensory_integration...
The local group is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SPDIllinoisSHARE/
The other group is: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/sensoryintegrationgr...
I've been through EI, private therapists, and the public school special ed system (not to mention several years of stress and exhaustion....) I know other parents of sensory kids have found that OT has helped immensely, as it did with my son,and he now seems mostly like a normal kid. (He's in kindergarten now) I am more than happy to answer any questions you have, and share experiences...it's a hard road, and an "invisible" disability, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Feel free to contact me if I can help in any way.
M.