SPD diagnosed, am thrown, we thought it was ASD/PDA.

[Jacksterbear]

Just been given a diagnosis for 6yo DS of sensory processing disorder, by developmental paed. We had gone for ASD assessment (she did Griffiths Developmental tests on him and I answered the 3DI parental interview). His communication and social skills are too good for him to be on the spectrum, apparently.

We knew he had some sensory issues but very much thought of those as being peripheral to his main problems i.e. anxiety and need for control. The paed thinks however that the sensory problems are the cause of his constant anxiety, which in turn is causing his need for control, leading to inflexible behaviour, refusals, meltdowns etc.

Paed has agreed to refer to Elizabeth Newson clinic for PDA assessment, but she doesn't think this is what it is. We want to pursue the referral anyway if only to rule it out. She is also referring him to an OT.

Arghh. Am feeling a bit thrown, really. Anyone got any experience of SPD or any idea what we should be doing next in terms of finding management strategies? Are there any good books on sensory processing? Have googled, obviously, but any thoughts, experiences or advice welcome.

Thanks for your reply Poltergoose. No OT input yet, we will get this referral from the paed I guess, and take it from there. What issues do you think it causes your DS, if you don't mind me asking?

Still struggling to get my head around what we thought was a relatively minor issue being identified as THE main issue, iyswim. But paed was very sure - she said it was very clear to her from observing him as well as what we'd told her; lots of signals that we wouldn't necessarily think anything of, because we see it as just the way DS is.

Thanks.

So a person can be both hyper- and hypo- sensitive? Some of ds' issues seem to be over sensitivity to touch (eg dislike of certain food and clothes textures, problems with hair washing, nail trimming etc) but on the other hand he seems to seek sensory input eg by being overly tactile, clingy and grabby with people. Does that make any sense?

I would be concerned about her opinion that his communication/social skills are "too good" for ASD. I'd wonder how often she diagnoses girls, and if she had observed the quality/type of interaction.

Waiting and asking for re assessment could be useful, also sometimes CAHMS are better at more "subtle" presentations.

Thanks for replies. This was private appointment. We still have to wait to see the community paed at the Child development centre (who knows long we'll have to wait for that!) and we'll get the opinion from the Elizabeth Newson clinic re PDA, if they'll agree to see him. So we'll get other opinions.

His communication and social skills are very good - this is one of the things that seemed to "fit" about PDA.

Thanks for the suggestions re cahms and waiting. Will bear them in mind.