I have always been happy for others to make their own decisions, but it’s the effect of their decisions that can sometimes interfere with my Sensory Processing.

Because the sensory information is not processed properly or sent to the appropriate part of my brain, causing a neurological traffic jam, other people's decisions can leave me panicked and dealing with anxiety.

Certain parts of my brain do not receive the correct information it needs, which makes the information I receive difficult to process and act upon in the correct way. Oddly, I've participated in conversations others say I've had that I don't recall.

Smaller, less complicated conversations I can have clarity, but also everything must look and sound right for it to feel and sound normal.

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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4 comments on “A processing deficit”

  1. Your processing deficit must be difficult for both you and others, but it is for others to work with you at your level to minimise those difficulties; so you are comfortable in those situations where it is a problem.

    1. Thank you. Yes, although it's not how others see it. But you're right, sadly this is how it needs to be. It's not something I get to change.

      As you say, I must be comfortable in situations where there are potential problems, so others don't lie the blame at my door; but instead try to understand things from my point of view.

  2. I'm fascinated by the research you've done to bring your health issues to the mainstream, on this site in particular.

    Which makes it so cool to have your Sensory Processing improve our lives the way it has.

    1. Thanks Tim. It's taken me a long time, but I feel I'm getting there.

      I'm pleased that my Sensory Processing has finally been put to good use and that by sharing my experiences I help myself come to terms with what's happened to me, whilst helping others too.

      Thanks for being a part of that and to everyone else too.

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