Sensory issues/busy places. Desperate.

[Peppersandrice]

DD is turning three in a few weeks. She's always been a 'challenging' child. Grumpy baby, bad sleeper etc. When she was 18 months old she broke her arm and that seemed to start an issue which has suddenly became much much worse.
When she broke her arm dressing her became an issue. She didn't want us putting anything over her arm etc and as it was winter time we ended up cutting a few sleeves to make it easier. But now over the last few months it is full blown uncontrollable tantrum/screaming/kicking/running away when we get her dressed or put on PJs. Particularly putting anything over her head like vests t shirts. There's days where I've left her PJ top on. We've tried letting her pick her clothes, dressing herself, making it a game, bribes, but nothing has worked. And sometimes it takes two of us to get her dressed.
Bath time is another issue. Cannot stand water anywhere near her. If she gets the slightest drop of water on her skin or clothes it's meltdown mode.

The other thing is strangers/busy places. She hates people trying to talk to her. And completely shuts down. Eyes down and doesn't talk. It has gotten so bad just lately that she starts this meltdown when I say we need to go somewhere -shops/park/grannies house etc. Anywhere. She is fine to go somewhere quiet like the library as she quite likes the games and colouring in.

I'm at a loss. I'm going to call my health visitor tomorrow. But please, has anyone been through something similar? And how did you help the situation? I never cry but the last few weeks I feel so worn out by it and just feel like I can't cope.
I do have a primary school age daughter who never had any behaviour issues at all.

[Froggyonaplate]

So sorry you're going through this, it sounds really hard. I don't think I have any advice, sorry, just didn't want to read and run. I hope somebody domes along who has experienced this, have you tried the Sen board? People over there might know more about sensory issues. Good luck!

[CheapSausagesAndSpam]

How is her language OP? Does she speak well?

[Peppersandrice]

Thanks Froggy.
Cheap her language is actually quite good now. In the last 6 months it has came on a lot.
She’s just thrown a complete wobbler because we had to get shoes on to give my mum a lift to her work. Complete meltdown and nothing gets through. My mum was quite shocked because she has never seen her like it. I said it’s usually when she’s dressing or we are out and about.

[Peppersandrice]

It’s even the thought that she is meant to be starting school next year (Scotland P1) and she’s still so emotionally not there. She will probably be the youngest as our cut off is feb. I would consider holding back.