Sensory Processing Disorder: Every family has a story

Griff, 6

Emily is a mom of three and a runner. Which is handy, she says, because she also likes to eat.

Our son Griff has ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and ‘experiences’ everything. If there is mud or sand or water, he will be in it. Sometimes immersing himself completely.

When we go to the beach, he will go in the water — no matter how cold it is — and then roll around in the sand. If there is a puddle, he’ll touch it, and then he’ll lie in it. If it’s muddy, it can take him less than five minutes to be completely covered, literally, from head to toe in it. His sensory seeking behavior means that he has to be supervised constantly, and we always pack a spare change of clothes and a towel.