dyspraxia and fish oils

[blubberguts]

Hi, both of my ds's have recently been diagnosed with dyspraxia (they are 10 and 7). The 7yr old is having lots of tantrums at school. I want to know if anyone has tried fish oil tablets with their children and did they notice an improvement. Also, deep pressure and craniosacral therapy - worthwhile?

My Son (nearly 8) has fine motor dyspraxia. Takes an Omega supplement along with a multi-vit and vit b supplement. He won't take a fish oil because of the after taste. This is just part of what we do. he also goes weekly to a specialist Ot to help modulate his sensory issues - actually he is v well modulated now, and we will look at wether he still needs that over the easter hold. But he has a lot of sensory - which in his case is deep pressure, bulit into his day. Weighted blanket, weighted vest for homework, jumps on trampoline.
The deep pressure will be effective if that is what your DS needs - it would depend on his sensory profile.
Tried Osteo - it didn't seem to help.
Ds used to have lots of tantrums at school - it was basically overwhelming frustration at not being able to do things as well and as quickly as his peers, coupled with sensory overload.Sorry got to fly - HTH

Thanks mrslaughan, can I ask you how did you deal with the tantrums at school? Quite concerned about them at the moment - not sure how best to deal with them. Was wondering if educational psychologist might help in terms of how to manage/avoid them whilst we are getting going with OT

To start with the school weren't that supportive, but once we got the diagnosis (though to be honest I think they still question it , in terms of they thought it was ASD, but that is just their lack of understanding) they became more supportive and understanding.
The sensory modulation was definately the key, plus an environment where they celebrated DS's success, against his own bench marks rather than everyone else's. He felt he was a success. Don't underestimate the effect of self esteem or lack of it. DS's was it tatters, but it slowly,

Both of my ds's have very low self-esteem. Ds1 was diagnosed 6 months ago but OT didn't think ongoing OT would be of benefit!?! Ds 2 has just been assessed (different OT) and we are going to get his formal report on Friday. I think she will offer ongoing therapy and I have asked her to review ds1's file too. Any advice re what to ask at this meeting?

Sorry I was typing my last answer to you on my iphone on my way somewhere which is why it kind of cut off abruptly.
What I was going to say is that his self esteem has slowly re-built, but I have to say is still fragile.

In terms of OT - well I would want to know why they wouldn't recommend it.....but then DS still struggles to tie shoelaces. Infact can only do it in session, but that is a work in progress....
Is the OT specialist trained in Sensory issues? OT's may have an idea about sensory, but many are not fully trained. If you want to investigate Sensory integration with relation to your child you want someone who is qualified the SIPT test...not all OT's are.
Infact we are with the 4th OT practise - the first 3 did not make a meaningful or lasting difference to DS, but the one he attends now - it is amazing the difference - its like the magic pill - though we still aren't there yet.
Have you read any Sensory books?

A dyspraxia book that I found amazing is Making inclusion work for children with dyspraxia - it explains why , a dyspraxic finds things difficult. why they struggle socially. Its is by Lois Addy and Gill Dixon. and Gill Dixon has a very good website.

Have you investigated typing? Ds is going on a typing course in the march/april holidays and we are hoping that he will start using a laptop next year for any peices of work that require alot of writing.

Oh and brain gym exercises...that really helped....we went to a kinesthesiologist and she gave us exercises to do everyday - that started us on the road to working more effectively.

what are your DS particular challenges? My ds is fine motor - so writing is painfully hard and atrocious....I was encouraging him today to write smaller and try and keep in on the line, and he said to me "I AM trying".....I felt terrible.

Or gross motor?

So although DS Gross motor is above average his sequencing and planning is difficult, the sensory intergration is helping him to "organise" himself better, so this easier. It has been effective with this, however it is still a huge challenging for him when it comes to planning and producing written work.

Yes, thanks for that. The OT who assessed ds2 feels sensory integration is a big issue for both ds's and recommended regular deep pressure sessions i.e. Half an hour every day. Seems clued up on sid. Am worried about self esteem problems. Am trying craniosacral therapy, we have a trampoline. Not really sure how to build up self esteem except by giving lots of love. Will try that book - have read a couple still finding it all a little baffling.

Writing a big problem for ds2 especially ( unable to copy from board,spelling tests can be hard due to poor writing, can't draw) but gross motor also poor eg can't catch, finds it hard to dress self, organisation skills poor. Ds 2 v bad temper ds 1 no temper tantrums but can be v down on self

with self esteem find something that they can feel successful at - for DS it is horse riding - he has private lessons mostly, so is not comparing himself against other children. It is very draining for him as to ride there is alot of organisation of his body, but getting a horse to do want you want it too is very empowering. It also helps that he loves animals - so really enjoys that contact.
Another person I know who has a son with dyspraxia it is fishing and fly fishing.
My Nephew it is skiing and mountian biking (Unbelievable I know, and it has taken a lot of effort and money on his parents part - because for skiing it had to be private lessons). He is also incredibly intelligent and has found his niche at school.

Oh DS also mountian bikes - took him ages to learn to ride but now he is away.