Hi, I am just wondering what people have tried in my position.
We have a 6 year old son who has been diagnosed by an occupational therapist with proprioception sensory seeking needs (which tends to overlay with ADHD/ASD though we have no formal diagnosis yet). The diagnosis definitely makes sense however the occupational therapy is unclear how much difference it makes. We have really done our homework on both how to help him and gentle parenting. We do our best to avoid 'triggers,' we give him lots of physical activity and we talk about the various zones of activation. Our life is very much structured around his neurodivergence.
At school he is successful enough at masking and often capable of hyper focus so long as he isn't asked to sit on the floor while learning for example which is very difficult for him.
At home however it is a different story. Beyond managing his chronic sleep issues (which at least are improving), his impulse control and resulting violent and verbal outbursts and relentless throughout the day. He also seems to be getting kind of mean which I think is a sign of how frustrated he is. And also maybe a reaction to how he feels he is treated (we do our best not to shout/ get too angry but I have to admit particularly due to the way he treats his sister I am not capable of that). I even receive my own therapy to cope with being his mum.
All in all I guess we're at the point of wondering about either medication of a more intensive out of school program because family life has got so bleak I worry not just about the long term impact on my son but also on his sister. However as things are fine enough at school it would need to be a) self funded and b) I question if it is just something I am getting wrong at home.
Any advice is really appreciated