Neurodivergent persons with diagnosis other than Autism can also have Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD’s) like Proprioceptive Dysfunction and Tactile Dysfunction. These individuals can exhibit the associated seeking behaviors and/or avoidant behaviors as a way to communicate supports needed at that moment in time and/or for that type of environment.

The purpose of this presentation is to support persons without Proprioceptive Dysfunction and Tactile Dysfunction in better understanding these conditions, and the seeking behaviors and/or avoidant behaviors associated with these two types of SPD’s that can be used as a way to communicate supports needed at that moment and/or for that type of environment by sharing personal examples from our presenter's own struggles with Proprioceptive Dysfunction and Tactile Dysfunction, so that there is an increase in hearing what other Neurodivergent persons may be communicating as support needs.

About our presenter:

Jordan Smelley, MHPS, is a Mental Health Peer Support Specialist in Texas and a person in long-term recovery from Intellectual and Developmental Differences, including Sensory Processing Disorders with Co-occurring Mental Health challenges. Jordan defines his own recovery in relation to the opportunities available to present and educate the community on topics around supporting individuals with IDD. Jordan is the 2023 recipient of the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Texas Chapter Empowerment Award for Excellence in Promotion of Self-Advocacy.