AIBU to ask if Sensory Processing Disorder is really a thing?

[Vegematarian]

My 11 year old DD has always been really fussy about clothes and prefers to wear the same thing until it disintegrates. She wore her school skirt and shoes at weekends when she was tiny and won't let me wash things as it makes them 'itchy and smaller'. I have just managed to wash her bed clothes today as her bed was a pit and I knew it would lead to a massive meltdown when she went to bed. She shouted at me when she realised everything was clean! There are American websites and help groups but it doesn't seem to be a thing in the UK. She has worn the same vest for weeks now and also hates nail-cutting and haircuts. Not sure how much to force the matter as obviously don't want her to be bullied or get scrofulous skin disease!

Yes it is. See your GP if you think your DD has it.

Oh gosh, yes, it is a thing. I’ve found huge support in uk through nhs. Try Gp.

Of course it’s a ‘thing’ - a little bit offensive of you to suggest that it’s not

Yes. It is most definitely a thing.

What do you mean “really a thing”? Do you think the children who have been diagnosed with it are faking it?

Yes, it is.

Absolutely a thing and often occurs with social communication issues, and something else, can’t remember. The Triad of Impairment is the thing but for the life of me I can’t remember the third thing.

My son has it, it is most definitely a thing, and our local hospital does courses for parents of kids with sensory processing disorder run by the OTs.

Often goes with other SN such as ASD. My DS is sensory seeking, hyposensitive rather than hypersensitive. His special had an occupational therapist who was an SPD specialist. TBH, it’s a lot more involved than sensitivity to clothes, though that can be one symptom.

Yes. Do you think there's something else going on with your dd that makes you doubt sensory processing disorder?

I have spoken to a GP and CAMHS school visitor when DD was younger and they both treated me like I was nuts and seemed unable to comprehend the problem. I have looked it up and it says it is not a recognised disorder, MidnightCereal. Not sure how it's offensive if I think my child may have it but thank you for responding.

*special school

Yes it is a 'thing' but I'm not sure whether it is currently diagnosed on its own in the UK at the moment.

Read the websites and get some ideas of how to work with her.

My son was diagnosed with it in the UK by the paediatrician who diagnosed his autism.

It’s absolutely “a thing” and can be much more extreme and totally debilitating. I work with many children with SPDs. I’m horrified that there are medical professionals who don’t realise it exists.

Yes it's definitely a thing. M&S now do a sensory friendly range of school uniform clothing, as do sensorysmart.co.uk, it's well known enough for that.

If you want to pursue it, it may be worth making a list of what your child is hyper and hypo sensitive to, because some children are hypersensitive to everything (light, touch, smell, sound, taste, texture, interoception, proprioception etc), some hyposensitive to all of it, and some a mixture. My DD can't tolerate loud noise or bright light, but needs constant sensory input from touch and movement.

Thanks for the info, everyone. I will go back to GP and ask again as it's been going on for years with no sign of growing out of it. I have wondered if it is a control issue about her environment and she also has anxiety and anger management issues. Very reassuring to hear other kids are receiving treatment. 😓

Have you considered autism?

My brother was like this and me as well to a lesser extent.

Dd2 as well,

Is there a website or something? Never heard of this.

Like recently found out about aphantasia, I had no idea that was unusual!

OP some kids have always been that way is good if it's recognised now I think!?

Also anxiety and anger management issues would make me think ASD too. Girls are frequently overlooked. Might not be but at the same time it is worth checking out. Have a look at Action for Aspergers, who can do a non-clinical preliminary assessment.

www.actionforaspergers.org

childmind.org/article/autistic-girls-overlooked-undiagnosed-autism/

the-art-of-autism.com/females-and-aspergers-a-checklist/

www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/autism-females/

I dont the Op was trying to suggest it isn't a 'thing' or that children are faking it. She has a child with sensory issues but it struggling to get it recognised.
My son has sensory issues, I have not been able to get a diagnosis, despite a sensory assessment with an OT, who listed all sorts of issues but when pressed about a diagnosis said we don't recognise that.

I imagine like many people who battle to get conditions recognised and are met with resistance from the 'professionals' started to ask themselves if they are imagining things.
Yes its a 'thing' but I think the States are ahead of us on this one

Great post Samoture

Thanks for the help and advice and also the website links, Samoture! Reading through the list for Asperger's, I'm wondering if maybe I have it now! I know we're all on the spectrum somewhere. It's a relief to know my daughter is not alone in these behaviours.

Dc2 doesnt like hair brushing. Plasters. Wont have hair tied back. Wouldnt wear hats/gloves till 2+. Takes coat off when it's actually still cold. Now 4yo. Neither of mine like suntan lotion, the screaming.

My dd has SPD diagnosed by her NHS paediatric consultant as part of her autism diagnosis.