Just after some thoughts on this. SPD?

[feynman]

Hi all, just wondered if anyone had any theories regarding this. Bascially my son 4.10 has a sensory processing disorder. This affects him in many ways, but a particular 'issue' is that he seems unable to 'switch off' at bedtime. I should say he is also suspected of possibly having adhd which would obviously play a role. However, he cannot and I mean cannot keep still and be quiet. He can't do this ever tbh honest. Even when trying to play 'dead fishes etc' he can literally only do it for about 2 seconds before he has to move or talk.

Anyway at bedtime it's like he has verbal diarehha (sp) and he can't stop moving his legs. He has actually told me his legs 'hurt' if he stops moving them. From a sensory point of view I've kind of assumed its a 'trying to get sensory input' thing.

We have recently started playing a talking story in his room when we leave him, and so far it's been fab. He is literally out in 10 minutes when previously he would be thrashing about for a hour or two.

The problem is, he doesn't like it. He says he doesn't want it on, as it 'bothers him'. So I just wondered if anyone had any thoughts as to whats going on? Why is he able to go to sleep when the story is on? Is it that they provides so much auditory stimulation that he doesnt need to talk/move so much and this allows him to sleep?

Also why would he not like it? and more to the point should I keep trying with it. He doesnt get really distressed, he just says he doesnt want it.

Thanks

Have you thought about a weighted blanket? Possibly his legs and body are seeking feedback from the environment?

My mum can't bear noises like the radio and TV noise and I have just realised this this is her sensory 'thing'. I have just realised recently I have sensory issues (seeking touch, hate smells etc) and DS avoids touch and is overly sensitive to noise too.

Is it the voices that bother him, rather than the sound? Perhaps some nice calming music without words might work better?? Don't know really....!

Have you ever given any thought to McTimoney Chiropractic Therapy? My DS3 has always had hideous sleep, poor balance, fidgets, has massive sensory problems etc. I read an article about Quentin Willson and his son Max who had every label going for his behaviour. They saw a chiropractor who found that Max had several vertebrae out of alignment which explained a lot of his problems were actually pain related. Chiropractor helped all of that. I was so taken with this article and I am seeing the same lady for DS3. His sleep has improved enormously and I feel that his balance and posture are better too. www.abacushealth.co.uk/

read the Out of sync child - amazing book

Thanks folks, any ideas where to get a weighted blanket which doesn't cost a fortune? I think this it definiatly worth a try. I'll try and talk to him before hand and let him choose a story. He doesn't really protest as soon as it's started, he just say he doesnt want it before it strats. (That said he did say he didn't want it on tonight, and kicked off). I've read parts of 'the out of sync child'. It is fab, it's like reading about my son. Ill look at the link you gave sally bear.

Thanks

How to make your own weighted blankets.
craftnectar.com/2009/09/03/calming-the-senses-with-weighted-blankets/