Sensory Processing Disorder?

[MrsAsh]

I'm beginning to think that my three year old may have Sensory Processing Disorder, or something very closely related. I was wondering if any one else could give me their experience with it and how you came to have it diagnosed and treated.

[blane,j,&morgansmom]

My 3yo lo has a Hypersensitivity Disorder. Everyday is a challenge. I dont know to what extent your lo suffers, but any degree is awful. My lo came about having it after a traumatic head injury a year ago. We are now seeing specialists out the wazoo.
We are still in the process of figuring it all out and figuring out how to make his life better. All I have are hugs for you right now, no answers. Im sorry. But I am here if you want to talk!

[blane,j,&morgansmom]

sorry. dp

[iris0110]

My oldest has SPD along with his PDD NOS and now he has been diagnosed with Anxiety NOS. Anyway he was diagnosed officially at 3 by a group working with the public school including an OT, PT, ST, and Psychologist and they used a series of tests including an IQ test (that was more because of the ASD diagnosis though). He was later moved to treatment at a private facility with an OT and ST for his feeding issues and went through testing there as well. Testing for something like SPD can be done by a developmental pediatrician or probably a therapy group. Talk to your pediatrician about referrals. Usually the doctor or therapist will observe your child, interact with him and ask you to fill out some question sheets. My youngest also has sensory issues but it isn't surprising considering I do as well.

[bluedaisyma]

1 of my son's has it pretty extensively and a few others have it to some extent. My 17 yr old is the main one...I knew something was wrong with him when he was under 1. The doctors blew me off (back then, it was called SID and there wasn't much info) and I went to a homeopath and she did a workup on him and suggested I get him eval'd by Parent Infant Education in my county and they dx'd him. Also, reading the "your out of sync child" book was a lightbulb to me. We did OT for a few months when he was 2, but they came to the house and everything they did, I could do myself. When they talked about putting him in special ed preschool at the age of 3, I stopped therapy. We homeschooled him until his dad put them in high school last yr. We caught it so early that only someone who knows him really well can now tell there is anything *different*

[philly78]

My oldest son has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD and has significant sensory issues. I always knew something was going on with him but I was blown off by his pediatrician. While my son does have issues, he is also extremely intelligent and that is one of the reasons we were dismissed at first I think.

When he was in first grade, his teacher at the time suggested he be evaluated. I was surprised actually because before that, everyone thought I was being paranoid and that nothing was wrong.

Anyway, we ended up with the diagnosis of autism and later on, ADHD. The OT that my son was seeing did the work with him on the sensory issues. That is his biggest problem imo. He is now 12 and in the sixth grade. Despite all the obstacles, he is doing okay in school and is even in the gifted program.

A book which I found to be very helpful was Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with SensoryProcessing Issues I did a lot of things with him at home and I'm still trying to find new ways to help him and that book really helped me.

[ssand23]

I have been strongly questioning this with my 2 year old son. He doesn't seem to feel things. He can't chew food & drinks a bottle only at 2 1/2. He head butts everything, is very physical & hurts himself & others often. But since he doesn't feel pain, he doesn't understand that we do. I have been strongly considering calling Early Intervention for an evaluation.
I wish I had some advice. I understand how hard it can be. My 9 year old is the opposite & even the sound of running water frightens her.

mom to 4, 3 big girls & 1 little boy ('94, '99, '02 & 12/30/09)

[nikkibreeze]

Contact an Early Intervention specialist in your area. If your pediatrician cannot refer you ask around at pre schools or even a social worker at a local hospital with a NICU. Looking back, my DS was exhibiting quirks early on and we just were not concerned until he started solids. He never liked to swing/sway, was picky about his clothes at just a couple of months old, and required to be held constantly. The more he grew the more little things we have found and he finally got a diagnosis of SPD with an anxiety disorder at 3 by a therapy team. He is very intelligent and sensitive but with therapy and some little adaptations he is thriving very well in regular Kindergarten.

At least for our family, things eased up sooooo much when we were able to identify his stresses and quirks and work around them as much as possible. Routines are a BIG thing for us and nothing gets done without prep work.