Today I was talking to a mum at the playgroup whose son has ADD. We were talking about our sons difficulties and things they are struggling with. The other mum said her son's ADD is quite mild although he has quite severe sensory issues to deal with. And she asked me if we are doing any therapy or excercises about DS's sensory needs. I said as far as I am aware 'DS does not have any sensory issues (all the professional reports which did not mention any sensory problems). She said ' are you sure as it is very unusual to have ASD and not have sensory problem'? This got me thinking as although I am aware that there can be ASD without sensory issues, but am I am missing something with DS? Being on MN for the last year and half, I think I have an idea about a lot of sensory issues people have to deal with. I have not so far seen anything DS does to ring a bell. If I describe DS's behaviour when out and about, I thought you might spot something that I have missed or did not pick up.
-noisy or crowdy place has never been a problem for DS whether it's shopping, park or play area. He will play around other kids or other people, if he needs to wait for his turn to go on the slide for example he will wait in line(although sometimes tries to sneak in). If he is asked by other kids to join in their activities, he completely ignores them, but carries on doing what he is interested in doing. He seems very withdrawn at these places as he likes to play on his own doing his own things as if he has blocked everybody else out. But he is aware of what's going on around him or who is around him as he will react to anything unusual.
-he is quite happy to go to new places, unknown places, no problem with change of routine, talking unfamiliar route, it seems more that he is looking forward to seeing what's waiting there at the end. It's not a problem if it's a new bed, a hotel room, a new house or new clothes. We don't need to give him prior warning about doing new things, although DD (NT) asks millions questions about things normally and we notice that he pays attention to our conversation with DD and therefore obviously aware of what's going on.
-yesterday he had his first dentist appointment, we did role play about what he is expected to do as he had no idea about what a dentist was. it went like a dream, a new place, a new person and all those machines did not bother him at all, he did what the dentist asked him to do and asked for a ballon when finished.
-he used to have very limited diet, but now it's all improved, he eats ok and shows interest in trying on new food although definitely has preference for spicy food.
-he used to have very high pain threshold, but now seem to react to even little scratch.
-he never has meltdowns, last one was when he was about 21 months (he is 5.11 now). He may have a little moan about things he does not want to do, but does it anyway within couple of times of being asked.
-he had very severe separation anxiety as a toddler, he now separates from us without any problem, if we are going out, we can kiss him good bye.
Sorry this post turing out to be too long, I am just trying to list things I know other people have had problem with. He regressed severely when we started him in a mainstream school. His teacher refused to implement any of the steps suggested by our psychiatrist, they let him stim sitting in a corner, play with light switch etc, so it's understandable why he regressed, but wondering if there was any sensory issues that played part in his regression.
Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.
SN children
Would appreciate your thoughts on DS
someoneoutthere · 10/06/2011 07:26
Utah has got there before me! My DS with ASD is hypo-sensitive as well, to most sensory stuff, so likes lots of movement, loud noise, used to have a high pain threshold, but has become a cry baby over small scratches etc. I think with the being hurt business it's more to do with not being able to control his emotional response rather than being hyper sensitive. He has no problem with light touch or itchy labels etc. He's only really over sensitive when it comes to hot food, but he'll try any new food (just doesn't usually like it.) The liking for spicy or flavoured food may show some hypo sensitivity to taste.
DS has never been that worried about routine either, at least not until he went to a very structured school, now he's unhappy on party days or unstructured days. Copes with big changes but can struggle unexpectedly, with small ones, especially if they are not planned in advance. Coped with 4 night year 6 residential really well!
Everyone kept banging on about how hypersensitive kids with ASD are and my DS didn't (and doesn't) fit that stereotype. It wasn't until I got the Hanen SALT book, 'More than Words' for DC with ASD that hypo-sensitivity was explained.
HTH 
These kids are so interesting!
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.