ASD sensory issues, do they vary in intensity at different times?

[penny100]

Just wondered if anyone has a view on whether the degree to which their DC with ASD is affected by their sensory, social or other issues varies a lot over time, i.e is much more pronounced at times, and then less so at others?

My DS was diagnosed with AS around 7 months ago and to state the bleedin obvious it has been a difficult time for my DP and me. During this time we started to talk to DS about his diagnosis as we didn?t want it to be a ?big, bad secret?. But at age 8, even though we have tried to be super positive about it, I guess it?s a lot to take in. Anyway, all his sensory issues seem to be so much more dramatic recently, it's starting to really affect his life much more so. Yesterday I took him for a very special day out, something he has wanted to do for years. To cut a long story short it was a disaster, his sensory issues took over, his distress was extreme, and we abandoned it. Hugely upsetting. The thing is, he would have been fine a year ago, I?m convinced of it. So, does this mean his sensory issues are on a trajectory and things are going to look very difficult indeed in a couple of years, or is it that he has had a lot to take in, he?s stressed by it, and if we worked hard to lower his stress levels his sensory issues might abate a little?

Just wondered what people thought and what their experiences were?

[sugaraddict]

Very interesting question as we seem to be in exactly same situation. 11yr old Dd was diagnosed with Aspergers 5 months ago and a couple of months ago started having extreme sensory issues. She can only wear very soft Tshirts and leggings and is finding the school environment very difficult with classroom and playground noise.
Am hoping it's only temporary especially as secondary in September is very strict on uniform.
Hopefully someone more experienced might know something about this.

[penny100]

Thanks both. I'm pleased to hear that this is variable, because we can then work on this, although sad to think that it must indicate really high stress levels in DS .
What kind of sensory activities do you recommend Polter?

[bochead]

Ds's deffo get worse during big growth spurts. I wish I'd sussed this 5 years ago, as I'd have learnt that "this time will eventually pass" much sooner. I'm dreading that sudden spurt teen lads get tbh.

[boy1]

This is very interesting to me. My ds is now 6. He was given a full statement of need which started at the beginning of year 1 this September. He has never actually been diagnosed with a "condition" for want of a better term. He is basically classed as SEN with behaviourhal difficutlties. He is highly sensitive to certain noises. Helicopters, planes, alarms just to name a few. If he can see whats making the noise he calms down. Also I have noticed that when his behaviour at school takes a turn for the worse he starts wetting himself quite frequently. Poltergoose could you explain to me what sensory processing disorder is. I feel it sounds very similar. The school he attends has been fantastic throughout and from reading various threads on here sounds like our family has been extremely lucky. They have even turned a small unused area into a sensory room. He loves it in there. His SNA often takes him there if hes having a particularly bad time. It calms him down no end. I understand penny100 that your ds is a few years older but would this sort of thing be an option.

[penny100]

Boy1 there's good info on SPD on www.spdfoundation.net. That sensory room sounds wonderful but I don't think our school would even contemplate it sadly! They're much too focused on getting him to wear regulation black shoes for school even though they make him incredibly uncomfortable.

[penny100]

Thanks Polter. Yes he has a referral for a sensory OT but of course it takes ages. Will order the Out of Sync Child today, I hear it mentioned a lot. Btw, your suggestion on another thread of a type of toothbrush had been miraculous - thank you!

[penny100]

Sorry meant to say that the toothbrush arrived and has been miraculous!

[penny100]

Aw that's a pity. Hopefully he'll have a change of heart. It's a v cool shape, like wave curling over on itself.

[bochead]

wots this about a toothbrush? Please can you direct me, as I'd missed that tip?

[penny100]

It's really good, very clever design. DS absolutely hates having his teeth brushed, you'd think we were torturing him, he says it really hurts him. But he's actually okay with this, which is unbelievable!

[boy1]

Thanks penny100. Ill deffo have a look at that site. Shame about school. Why can't they focus on the things that make the kids different rather than wanting them to conform to an ideal? So maddening.