One mother's journey
​raising a child
​with SPD
​(avoider/
​sensory defensive)

Welcome thrice.

Hein-Chris and I are honoured that you would choose to visit our blog. We don't know the challenges you face and we certainly don't know how long you'll be visiting us, but if you've only popped in for a brief look-see, we humbly offer the following: The biggest gift you can possibly bestow on your child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is correct posture, a healthy self-esteem, plenty of sound sleep, and adequate daily water intake. Hope to see you again soon. For those who decide to linger a while longer, please see our latest blog post, and Tip of the Week, below. And, of course, for those who wish to read more and be kept updated, follow us on Facebook.

In Memoriam

​It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Prof Lorna Jacklin (neurodevelopmental paediatrician), my dear friend and mentor for the last four years since diagnosing Hein-Chris. Prof Lorna Barbara Jacklin Paterson passed away after a long battle with cancer on April 11th, 2019. She was a loving wife to Tony, beloved mother of Jackie and Craig, greatly loved granny to Jesse, and Hein-Chris’ saviour. Had she not diagnosed him as early as she did, he would be far worse off today. We owe her a great debt of gratitude. Henceforth “Raising Hein-Chris” will be dedicated to her memory as such a colossal portion thereof is wisdom she imparted. Rest in peace, dearest Prof Jacklin. And thank you.  

This week's Blog

A Tale of Three Steps
// 17 April 

Drop-off at school this morning was unequivocally disastrous. I came home, crawled into bed, and bawled my eyes out. Why does everything, literally everything, have to be a major issue with Hein-Chris? Can’t he relent for one single day? Just one day where I might be spared the emotional torment of dealing with SPD. Just one.
​
After six gruelling years, is that too much to ask?

Last week's blog

The million joys of kiddies' parties
// 12 April

It is safe to say that Hein-Chris is not a natural party-goer by any stretch of the imagination. The sensory overload that is typical of kiddies’ birthday parties is way too much for my darling boy, and I can spot the tell-tale signs of a subsequent total sensory malfunction a mile away, barreling down on me like the steam train to Tsitsikamma.

​Needless to say I am not a fan of kiddies’ parties. In fact, scenes from parties past will haunt me until my dying day.  

2nd Tip of the Week
Hein-Chris was introduced to a “first aid foil thermal blanket” (space blanket) during a Toptots class. When the instructor laid it down - unfurled - on the floor, I had no hope that Hein-Chris would go near it, leave alone touch it. Surprisingly he took to it straight away. My guess was that while it made tonnes of noise, Hein-Chris figured he was in control of the racket. From that day on, space blankets became a big part of his daily sensory diet. I was in shock and awe that my darling boy - who could not stand sound - was making noise. It was music to my ears. Please give it a try. You never know. It is available at Dischem and other leading pharmacies in the first aid section.​   

About Mommy

Mommy lives in Ballito, South Africa with her three boys (Ruben Charles, Ben-Louie and I) and loving husband (and Daddy), Christoph. Before becoming a stay-at-home mommy, she worked in the corporate environment, but resigned when she realised I needed special attention. Mommy studied actuarial science and econometrics, and really, really loved her job.

Contact

If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch.

LH Matticks
Email: info@raisingheinchris.com
Cell: +27 (0)66 319 7642
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raisingheinchris/
Photo banner courtesy of Karen Mackridge Photography