sensory processing disorder and OT

[tuppence17]

So, there seems to be more and more of us with questions relating to spd. My ds will be five in a couple of weeks time and just finishing reception year. We suspect he may have spd in two areas: audiological and tactile. This was picked up by a very proactive special needs manager at his school and has since been observed by a developmental paediatrician. He is getting a further assessment for audiology next week but is on a massive waiting list for any kind of OT intervention. Having read a lot about the success of sensory diets, I just wondered if any mumsnetters had any experience of this and also if they think it's worth it enough to find a private OT to get the ball rolling.....and where is the best place to start looking. We live in North London. Thanks for any advice

I'm an OT, I don't have any personal recommendations as is not my specialism but if you search British association of Occupational therapists they have a directory of private practitioners.

will watch with interest as DS is about to enter yr 2 without a diagnosis, but am suspecting tactile especially. Will look into private referals (am in home counties to the west) and will update if positive info available.

Tuppence - absolute best place in North London is the Sound Learning Centre. They've worked mircales with my boy....

(But they're not cheap. £300 for an initial assesment. However if you can afford it, it truly is money well spent.)

Hi tuppence,

I am a Children's OT based in West London, my advice on choosing a private therapist for your son would be to make sure they have post graduate training in Sensory Processing. Its not covered in the general OT course and is something a therapist would specialise in after qualifying.
The sensory integration network has some useful information and a directory of therapists (www.sensoryintegration.org.uk).
There is also some more information on Sensory Integration on our website
www.westlondonchildrensot.com