Sensory Processing Disorder

[JubileeTrifle]

To keep this brief. DD is suffering from anxiety which presented itself after being somewhere very loud/upsetting.
Her CAHMS therapist mentioned SPD and I brushed it away as it was never an issue before. From childhood we have always gone to the cinema/theatre/concerts and we can’t now. She’s very frightened of videos in school, especially loud ones and the noise of other students.
Ive now read it’s linked to anxiety and previously assumed it was just linked to autism which I don’t think she has, pre lockdown we had no issues. Lockdown hit her hard.

Has anyone had experience of being diagnosed SPD as a stand alone thing?

Bumping for traffic.

Anxiety makes everything harder. Noisy and busy environments are scary places to be in if you are struggling with anxiety. It's a bit like being on high alert, like watching a horror film all the time so a loud noise is really scary.

It is not the same as SPD although some things designed to help SPD might help, like ear defenders. I have struggled with anxiety and my son is having problems with it now. If we go anywhere busy, I make sure there is somewhere quiet we can go if he needs to and that he can squeeze my hand if we need to leave and he doesn't feel he can tell me.

The thing is 12 months ago she wasn’t like this. I was always under the impression it was something you always had.

If she has been fine with noises before then I would guess the new issues are linked to the anxiety but theoretically the professionals should know better. SPD is diagnosed by occupational therapists but often NHS ones won't diagnose it because in some regions there isn't a process to support kids with an SPD diagnosis so they just won't engage with it.

I agree with you @JubileeTrifle

It’s tough as we’re trying to find an explanation and appropriate help at school.

How old is she and have you spoken to the senco yet?

My son has SPD as a standalone so it is a thing. He is a sensory seeker though so always moving, crashing, attention issues. He has always shown this though, it first got picked up at 18months by the SENCO and his nursery.

I don't think I've heard of it just coming on. I am in the Facebook group Sensory Processing Differences UK (SPDUK). It's a friendly group and I think a few OTs are in it so might be worth asking the question there.

Oh I’ll look that up.

no not dealt with the senco yet, assume as no diagnosis and we are currently seeing CAHMS for the anxiety.

You don't need a diagnosis for senco involvement.

From your original post it sounds like there was a specific traumatic event that triggered the anxiety? Whatever is going on, the class teacher and senco, or form tutor and senco need to know if your daughter is struggling with anything which could have an impact on her while she is in school, especially if it is so bad that CAMHS are involved. Once they are aware there is a problem they can help. They might have loads of experience at dealing with whatever she is going through and even if not they should want to support your daughter and help her to do her best at school.

There are different levels of support available but at the very least I would hope that if CAMHS are involved then she should be on the Sen register which would give you access to termly reviews with the senco and class teacher so you can chat through what is and isn't working and put suitable support in place.

We are dealing with this very thing in the US.
SPD was identified in kindergarten, but the anxiety came after he returned to school in person this year.
We went to Disney World, a Christmas concert, a Polar Express train ride, festivities with family in December. He was unbothered by noise.
I feel like he goes to OT and coaches to deal with other children in his class who are undiagnosed.
The events were due to repeated incidents at school by his classmates without any consequence for actions. His teacher was inconsistent with discipline/expectations causing him to feel unsafe. One kid had repeated outbursts where he screamed throughout the day. The room had constant chatter where he was withdrawn and entered virtual homeschool in February.
Healing has required a lot of encouragement and love. I just went with it and applied no judgment. I bought noise canceling headphones, sensory toys, etc. He went to his therapist and talked it through where he received validation. We hug much more.
Last month, we went to an outdoor event with music and reading. He loved it. He said that he wasn’t worried because there were parents around and he knew everyone. He had a great time.
He is doing OT camp right now with minimal issues, but the supervision is stellar.

@Geneticsbunny school have been amazing. They ask her what she wants but she doesn’t know so it’s hard to make allowances.
Obviously school just want her in (as do I). She’s had good days but it doesn’t impact her wanting to go in again which is frustrating.
They are getting a mental health worker but not till September and they’ve said she’s their priority student for that. She was previously doing very well and she’s a lovely quiet girl.
CAHMS are pushing for her to keep going in to get used to being in and get over the anxiety but it’s turning out to be counter productive now.

Is there a place in school which could be made to be her safe space? A quiet room, or a corner of the library. Somewhere she could go if she is feeling overwhelmed? Again not sure how old she is but the next thing is to help her develop strategies to self calm when she feels panicked. Things like breathing exercises, maybe a box with things that help her when she is anxious. Try to cover all of the senses as it is grounding it could be things like colouring, a favourite book/ music, favourite smells, sensory toys or a special cuddly toy. I would hope that CAMHS could help with developing strategies to help her in school?

She’s a teenager. There is a quiet room but she’s not a fan, I think sitting and working on her own was making her depressed.