Sensory Processing Disorder

[heart of peace]

Does anyone have any experience with Sensory Processing Disorder? If you do, would you share a bit how you were led to believe that your child was/is dealing with this disorder and how you knew it wasn't something else like ADHD?

Thanks

 

[Jilly123]

Well, I don't have any experience with my own child, but I did au pair a child that had SPD when I was in the USA.

His parents first noticed that something was "wrong" when he was quite small. Firstly, he hated any sort of big change, like going from dry to wet, or hot to cold. He also struggled to walk through doorways, because he literally couldn't figure out if his body would be able to fit through the door. He would also only wear pure cotton, he hated the feel of anything else and wanted to rip it off.

I think they didn't confuse it with ADHD because they could see that the problem was definitely related to his senses, but I do know that he went for lots of tests etc. before he was diagnosed.

Don't know if that helps.

 

[JulySheMustFly]

Wow, so much of that is similar to adhd no wonder it's misdiagnosed.

 

[ShannonMcCatholic]

Um- I think there's a book entitled--uhh.. Out Of Sync Child??? I have several friends whose children need sensory integration therapy and , what's the other thing--Felder-something or other....

Sorry-Iam not at home or I could be more help. Will update if I can

 

[heart of peace]

Shannon, thanks, I did come across that book in my google searches. When I get around to it, I might read up on it.

Jilly, any personal experiences is what I was looking to hear about. Thanks

 

[Linnis]

I have also been pointed to this book with dealing with my son. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

 

[heart of peace]

So, I took it out from the library and began reading the book. The more I read it the more I realized that it does not jive what I deal with regarding my very intense son.

I have since continued researching for some answers. I have come across 2 books that I have found actually provide some very real answers for me. The first is The Explosive Child (what I am getting from this book is that there are children who are actually delayed in developing coping skills and flexibility in frustrating situations). It is a great read. He makes a great point, if a child is unable to see clearly, a parent wouldn't say, oh you just aren't trying hard enough. Rather, the parent would recognize this limitation and take steps in helping his child overcome this limitation. The author says the same should hold true for children who are delayed in developing coping skills and the key is to take action on the front end versus back end parenting (time outs, punishments, etc). His reasoning is because back end parenting requires faith that your child will be able to recall easily what occured prior to a meltdown but for many of these children they are unable to think clearly once they enter what he calls "vapor lock".

The other is The Highly Sensitive Child (I just got it from the library today) but I took the questionairre on her website and basically I was convinced that I had to read this book in further detail.