Art Changed Her World with Sensory Processing Disorder

Have you ever wondered how art and sensory processing disorder can mix — helping someone cope with the struggles of having sensory issues?

“I recently gave a TED Talk about how I perceive the world with Sensory Processing Disorder. My childhood was riddled with misunderstanding, but fortunately I discovered art!

Art turned my world of chaos and pain into mesmerizing awe and wonder!! We’re all uniquely wired for a purpose. That purpose is meant to be shared and not drive us into isolation.” – Jennifer Allison

For artist Jennifer Allison, everyday sounds can be overwhelming, certain clothes feel like rubbing against a cactus, and the number four is always royal blue. Allison suffers from a neurological condition called Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), which causes her brain to react to stimuli in illogical and sometimes painful ways.

Through her wild, yet intimate life story, Allison shares her attempts to cope with SPD, and how rediscovering art saved her life and transformed her world “from pain and chaos to mesmerizing awe and wonder.”

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Recommended Reading

• Pin Art Board (Tactile Toys)
• 9 Things Every Parent with an Anxious Child Should Try
• DIY Lighted Sensory Bin
• Martial Arts and Sensory Processing Disorder(Opens in a new browser tab)

For further reading about Sensory Processing Disorder:

The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing DifferencesRaising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing IssuesUnderstanding Your Child’s Sensory Signals: A Practical Daily Use Handbook for Parents and TeachersHelping Your Child with Sensory Regulation: Skills to Manage the Emotional and Behavioral Components of Your Child’s Sensory Processing Challenges

 

About Jennifer: At UPS, Jennifer Allison designs applications that allow customers to complete complex tasks that feel simple. Inspired by her personal experiences, she leads her UX team with a rare philosophy: designing solutions for disabled users will ultimately improve the experience for all customers.

A user interface designer by day, by night, she is an artist. She is an avid painter, and has published several coloring books featuring her work. Jennifer graduated from the American College for the Applied Arts in Atlanta with a bachelor’s in commercial art. She is known by friends and fans online as “Rambunctious Kid.”