change from under-sensitive to over-sensitive behaviour

[sphil]

I wondered whether anyone else has had experience of this. Up to now DS2(3) has been described by OT and BIBIC as under-responsive to most sensory input. He didn't startle to sound, didn't mind different textures, hair-washing/cutting, nail trimming etc. The problem has always been geeing him up rather than calming him down. However, in the last week he has suddenly started putting his hands over his ears a lot, mainly when we're outside, in response to screams, loud traffic or machine noises etc. He even went up to a group of girls who were screaming hysterically at the soft play centre and said 'ssshhh' to them - he hardly ever acknowledges the presence of other children, let alone speaks to them! Tonight he was very upset about hairwashing when he's always been absolutely fine about it - usually lets me pour a jug of water over his head with a flannel over his eyes! I tried lots of different ways tonight but he was crying (hardly ever cries, protesting verbally (again v unusual) and trying to get out of the bath - he hated it.

Has anyone else experienced their child changing like this? Part of me sees it as quite positive -his reactions aren't extreme and are all (so far) directed at things that a lot of NT children would find upsetting or at least startling. The other part is worried that it might escalate and he might become very over-sensitive to a lot of things.

PS This is probably a total coincidence but the changes have started since I have changed him from EyeQ to Eskimo oil!

Hi Sphil

Have you read the Out of Synch child? In that she suggests that some children with sensory problems can swing between the two states day to day depending on factors such as emotional state, hunger, tiredness etc. Ds2 is also quite under-stimulated in general and seeks out sensory input, but has phases of hating swings, used to hate being covered over and has always refused to wear a hat so he seems to have some over-sensitive areas.

Happened with ds1 sphil. Never used to mind noises etc, but now is foten found with hands over ears. As Saker says though he can change. He'll swithc from loving to hating and being unable to stand the microwave being on for example- sometimes in the same day. Went through a phase last year when he absolutely could not tolerate small planes (propeller leisure jobs) but is fine around them now.

Hairwashing happened to us as well. Used to be fine about it, now he's like a missile as soon as the jug comes out.

I'd back up the variation, DS2 often gives me a headbutt for a cuddle (has literally floored me, before wandering off happily). Also seems unaffected by pain, cuts, falls etc.

But I've started to notice he's often upset by light touches (a few weeks ago I stroked his cheek to dust off some chalk, and he went ballistic, asking me to take the "touch" off his face). Similar thing when toothbrush "brushed" his tongue one time....
With hindsight, I think he's always had these problems, hates hairwashing, nappies, some clothes but I also think he's less tolerant when tired/going down with a cold etc etc.
Baths are often a nightmare, and I've found that acting indifferent, hovering on the landing and doing it at his pace (and if that means he puts shampoo on dry hair, so be it), suggesting the next step then waiting 'til he suggests it on his terms, has helped. On the down side, bathtimes lasted over an hour (cold water too) but we've reduced that to 30 mins now....
Last year he went from loving baths to resisting even going in the bathroom. And the inbetween stage was a battlefield until I got "indifferent".
Think I'm trying to tell you that the bad habit/routine stuff is a pain, but seems to wear off after a (long!) while...(and he's not been ill from sitting in baths that have gone cold!).

Haven't used the brands of fish oils you mention. Maybe see if it the new behaviour looks like it's setting in, and switch back if so? Hope some of this helps....

Thanks everyone. Sounds like it's a common experience. I suppose I've been used to him being the same with regard to sensory stuff for so long that this change is more noticeable. But when I think about it, he has probably been getting gradually more sensitive over a few months - I blame the BIBIC sensory programme!