Sensory Processing Disorder

[Cyclingwidow15]

Just wondered if anyone has a child with sensory processing disorder who could give me some advice.

My son was born extremely preterm and suffered grade 3 and 4 IVH. Despite this he has done extremely well and has just started mainstream school, he is a very bright boy and his speech and communication skills are good and he often uses quite advanced language for his age.

He is under community paediatric care for ongoing issues with physical development and behaviour issues. Physio and OT also have an input and we are currently in the process of trying to get a dyspraxia diagnosis. He’s also hypermobile.

He has a lot of sensory issues and I’ve always queried ASD and ADHD and to me he seems to have mild symptoms in both of these areas but I’ve recently come across sensory processing disorder and realised that this seems more fitting for his issues. How do I go about getting someone to look into this am I best going down the ed psych route through school or should I contact OT?
He’s got no awareness of personal space often touching other children’s faces, licking their faces and invading personal space with no awareness. He has meltdowns in over stimulating spaces, such as airport when going on holiday or busy, crowded places. He also hates loud sudden noises such as shop tannoys causing him to dart and become frightened. He often becomes hyperactive and can be very forceful and boisterous, craves very rough touch and hugs to the point where he’s almost strangling you. These are just some of the things amongst many others that he does.

Any advice would be appreciated, thank you.

[BlankTimes]

Paediatric OT who specialises on sensory issues if there are any in your area, via GP or self-referral would be your best bet. They can do a Sensory Profile which can pinpoint and then rope you in to target a lot of behavioural issues.

I've heard this service is not available in all areas, so maybe ring your GP surgery to ask first?

[livpotter]

I agree with Blank, you need to find an Ot that specialises in sensory integration.

Also there are some good books you can read to help you. 'the out of Synch Child' is really good and gives checklists to help you understand your child's sensory profile better. I quite liked 'raising a sensory smart child' too. People on here often recommend 'too loud, too tight, too fast, too bright, but I haven't got around to reading that one yet.

[Cyclingwidow15]

Thanks for the replies I will have a look for the reading material that would be helpful. I’m not necessarily looking for a label I just want him to get the help he needs and not be misunderstood or labelled as ‘naughty’ which is what I think the school are currently implying. I’ve contacted community paeds and tried to get in touch with OT. I will get in touch with ANCO at school and she how I get on but maybe a GP appointment would be useful.
Thanks