Kids with sensory issues

[JeDeeLenae]

My niece isn't diagnosed with a sensory disorder or anything, but I think she may have one.

She really has a problem with putting things in her mouth. She's bitten sponges, chews on rubber toys, licks the couch, etc. My sister just smacks her hand and tells her to stop putting stuff in her mouth. I know there is a better solution, so what do you do? She's 5 years old and developmentally about 3.

[paper_girl_76]

When ds was really bad about this, we bought him stuff that he could chew on. Teething toys were really good and when he got older, gum was good. He has mostly outgrown this issues, but sometimes will still do weird things...

[daddyn4wisechix]

Hmmmm, I may try & find SAFE stuff for her to put into her mouth if she is like a 3 YO because THAT is what 3 YO do... eeeks, even my MDD would chew on stuff here & there when she was 5 because she liked the textures . I'd try & tell her that she could choke & that licking the couch doesn't taste very good (I'd gag just from the fuzzies touching my tongue! LOL) and if she is hungry or thirsty to tell mama. I would NOT smack her hand... that will just add to the sensory overload & teach her to hit, IMHO.

[Mac & Cheeses mom]

I am glad you asked this question. I have one too what do you look for when looking for sensory disorders? I have been lurking, and so many of what you all mention I have notices in DD2 but DH says he doesn't think she has and issue.

What do you look for so you can tell the dr or have them evaluated?

[daddyn4wisechix]

Originally Posted by Mac & Cheeses mom I am glad you asked this question. I have one too what do you look for when looking for sensory disorders? I have been lurking, and so many of what you all mention I have notices in DD2 but DH says he doesn't think she has and issue. What do you look for so you can tell the dr or have them evaluated?

Personally, I wouldn't have them evaluated and/or talk to a doctor unless they are life altering simply because then your child may be labeled unnecessarily & could carry that label for life these days the way they want to label & drug EVERY "disorder"... also, w/the net these days, who knows how that info could be unnecessarily be used against them in the future for insurance, a job, etc... never know... again, it is one thing IF a child has major issues & you can't work through them in time, but if they have some quirks here & there, you should be able to work through them & help the child adapt and/or change their response to things.

EX. my MDD used to FREAK out & get butt naked when she had 1 DROP of water anywhere on her body... I started telling her it would DRY & she would be okay... as she matured she started to realize mama was right & now no longer strips down to her bday suit if she gets wet ... she still has times she doesn't want to get wet, but so do I.

I did extensive research into it... it is said that we all have "sensory issues" & things that tweak us out, but it is those of us & our kids that have so many they are just overloaded... they MAY need some assistance, but you can also find some great activities online that help w/which issues they may have (tactile, etc.)... DD also used to gag & vomit on certain textures, but now, unless she is trying to get out of eating something she is usually fine... I found most things will work out in time w/them maturing, working w/them, etc.

We also have WAY too many things in our environment (stores, at home, & everywhere we go) w/things that are way overstimulating & add to the chaos in their little brains... I find very little TV, video games, etc. are also a great thing... I DO reserve them for sickness or long car travel ... then they can watch & play at leisure... but at home, those things are used sparingly & it really helps.... oh and food dyes/food sensitivities will wreak havoc w/out you even knowing they exist... we are now gluten free & ever since, there were some MAJOR behavior changes w/out doing anything else aside from GF.

Here are a couple of links that may help...

http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/

http://www.sensory-processing-disord...checklist.html

[gemgirlred]

I would def find things she can can put in her mouth. With my son a vibrating toothbrush helped.

Originally Posted by Mac & Cheeses mom I am glad you asked this question. I have one too what do you look for when looking for sensory disorders? I have been lurking, and so many of what you all mention I have notices in DD2 but DH says he doesn't think she has and issue. What do you look for so you can tell the dr or have them evaluated?

I would tell the Dr anything you see that you think could be unusual.

With my son the first things I noticed was that he would scream if he had even a drop of water on his hands or clothing. He hated being dirty to the point he would cry. He also had trouble gripping things with his fingers. He would grab my face and put his nose to mine to talk to me.

[Mac & Cheeses mom]

Thank you daddyn4wisechix. This will help greaty.

[gemgirlred]

Originally Posted by daddyn4wisechix Personally, I wouldn't have them evaluated and/or talk to a doctor unless they are life altering simply because then your child may be labeled unnecessarily & could carry that label for life these days the way they want to label & drug EVERY "disorder"... also, w/the net these days, who knows how that info could be unnecessarily be used against them in the future for insurance, a job, etc... never know... again, it is one thing IF a child has major issues & you can't work through them in time, but if they have some quirks here & there, you should be able to work through them & help the child adapt and/or change their response to things. EX. my MDD used to FREAK out & get butt naked when she had 1 DROP of water anywhere on her body... I started telling her it would DRY & she would be okay... as she matured she started to realize mama was right & now no longer strips down to her bday suit if she gets wet ... she still has times she doesn't want to get wet, but so do I. I did extensive research into it... it is said that we all have "sensory issues" & things that tweak us out, but it is those of us & our kids that have so many they are just overloaded... they MAY need some assistance, but you can also find some great activities online that help w/which issues they may have (tactile, etc.)... DD also used to gag & vomit on certain textures, but now, unless she is trying to get out of eating something she is usually fine... I found most things will work out in time w/them maturing, working w/them, etc. We also have WAY too many things in our environment (stores, at home, & everywhere we go) w/things that are way overstimulating & add to the chaos in their little brains... I find very little TV, video games, etc. are also a great thing... I DO reserve them for sickness or long car travel ... then they can watch & play at leisure... but at home, those things are used sparingly & it really helps.... oh and food dyes/food sensitivities will wreak havoc w/out you even knowing they exist... we are now gluten free & ever since, there were some MAJOR behavior changes w/out doing anything else aside from GF. Here are a couple of links that may help... http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/ http://www.sensory-processing-disord...checklist.html

I agree my son had almost the same issues. I did talk to my doctor and he agreed with the whole labeling issue. He pointed me in the direction of sensory processing disorder information. I was told that if he was still having issues that affected his school work when he reached that age he would refer me to someone then. He is now 9 and does not mind being wet and does not hold my face when he talks to me. He does sometimes still shove a lot of food in his mouth at once. Most of these things they will work through with patience and time.

[Mac & Cheeses mom]

See the more everyone talks the more I think DD might have this problem. She "chipmunk cheeks" her food, she skipped purée food as a baby, she hates water over her head ie in the shower, or splash pads and such. Puts everything in her mouth. I always would say its the age and to a point I think it is but as I watch her I am noticing it has gotten worse the older she gets. I have seen a motorcycle job the street scare her because of how loud it is. If you start talking in a normal voice and then get loud it scares her.

I look forward to reading the linked info. Thank you so much.

[mibarra]

My DD has mild sensory issues, which are diagnosed. They do not have a major effect on her daily life but are worth being aware of to help me deal with things appropriately when issues come up, and help me better understand how she perceives the world.