SPD behaviours and ASD?

[Blossom4538]

Yesterday, as a treat, we took DD (almost 6) to our local ice cream place. She chose her treat and loves it there!

When we arrived, she really panicked about crossing the road (quite busy) and made H carry her. Then when we went in she was very intense over her ice cream choice. It's not a pleasant experience and she's very urgent I guess.

The place is quite a sensory overload I guess so we may avoid in future. It is quite noisy, sparkly walls, tv screens, busy road outside, lots of yummy, naughty food.

She couldn't sit still.
Had to take her hair accessories out of her hair, urgently
Screamed the place down when they switched the blender on to make a drink. (She doesn't like certain loud noises)
Pulled her dress up and knickers aside to show her bits as if about to touch, perhaps smell...sorry! She tends to do this at home.
Was very stroppy and demanding
Refused to wear shoes as we were about to leave (was barefoot under shoes) - managed to persuade her to wear them
She touched the sparkly walls on the way out and danced her way out!
Massive panic to cross the road again on way back to car and started chewing on a cloth she was holding
Removed clothes he moment we got through he door on returning home and had meltdown, screaming, throwing things around break things, making an awful repetitive noise.
It wasn't a happy experience really! She loves choosing to go there but may avoid in future!

Would you say this fits in with sensory struggles (spd)?
Dd is under assessment for ASD - inconclusive at mo from SALT.
SPD doesn't appear to be recognised in our borough and Paed said it is a large part of Autism, which I understand, but I believe SPD can exist without an ASD diagnosis also?

[Dannygirl]

Yes a few things in your post suggest sensory processing difficulties. Have you read The Out of Sync Child? It describes all the different types of SPD really well. Hope it's helpful x

[Blossom4538]

It makes me so sad she struggles with this. Tonight she couldn't bare the feel of her bedding and I had to change it at bedtime.

Been meaning to get a copy of the recommended book.

Today, she wore comfy clothes all day - we had a day at home. However, she changed 12 times!!! I'm wondering if this is sensory, OCD or an autism trait - or just a kid being a kid. It was all v loose, soft comfy clothing.

[Dannygirl]

Yes it's so hard seeing them upset especially about 'everyday' things. It could be related to any of the conditions you mention to be honest but even if you can get it diagnosed (which is prob tricky) there may not be support for it. I wonder whether it's worth putting some SPD strategies in place at home and school anyway. It's a bit trial and error but see if it makes a difference. There are some good threads on this board with ideas for SPD and some experienced posters, I will see if I can find links for you x

[Dannygirl]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/special_needs/2132906-Sensory-Processing-Disorder-support-thread

[Blossom4538]

Thank you.
My little girl does Sensory Circuits at school which she enjoys. School have written to her Paed to emphasise her sensory difficulties and hopefully obtain a sensory diet.
I've started reading the thread, v helpful. Thanks

[Dannygirl]

That sounds like a really good step Blossom4538, hope it helps and feel free to ask anything else

[Blossom4538]

Thank you. Have read a lot online and just ordered one or the recommended books. :-)