sensory processing disorder

[blossbloss]

Hi,

I have posted here before and received really helpful advise regarding our DD(8) who has now been diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, Dyspraxia and Dyslexia. However, we are now beginning to have concerns about our DS(6) and wonder if he has tracking problems and sensory processing difficulties.

We have booked him in with a Behavioural Optometrist for an assessment but don't know what to do about the sensory problems.

Is it worth pursuing a diagnosis and if so who does he need a referral to? Is it a community or developmental paediatrician or does he need to see an OT? If the later, is it a specialist sensory OT he needs to see or can a "normal" OT diagnose SPD?

Finally, has anyone managed to get DLA for SPD? I have a feeling this is going to cost us a small fortune......

Many thanks

Thanks Polter

I have the read the Out Of Sync Child a while ago now as DD has sensory issues mixed in with all her problems. I will order a copy of the Too Loud etc book though as I don't have that one.

I will call DD's NHS OT to ask whether she can help then. We didn't ask for any help from her for DD's sensory issues as they are much less of an issue for her than they are for DS and also we have done some HANDLE work with an Osteopath that has helped DD enormously. We are now starting that for DS which will help of course but wonder if the OT can help with a diagnosis.

I will send off for a DLA form too.....

Thanks again

Hi, my DS was diagnosed with SPD by a neourodevelopmental paediatrician (privately), and subsequently by the community paed at the child development centre. The private paed referred us to a private OT who did a full assessment and is now doing sensory integration therapy with him. We're still on the waiting list for NHS OT.

However I'm not sure the above is the usual route for SPD dx - we were originally referred for assessment for ASD (which it now appears has been ruled out) and the SPD diagnosis came as a bit of a surprise!

I second the recommendation of "The out of sync child", and "the out of sync child has fun" is also good and has lots of suggestions for sensory activities which it would be worth trying out (they are all "fun games" so absolutely no harm in trying them).

Oops sorry x-posted with you blossbloss.

Hi there

My DD was referred (by the Local Authority SALT) to the Child Development Centre for an OT assessment. We go in a couple of weeks. The questionnaire they have sent focuses on sensory issues (which is definitely where her issues lie). Eg very senstive to noise but under sensitive to other things, lack of co-ordination, clumsy but very cautious. I am therefore hoping that they are able to diagnose her sensory issues which are already hindering her in reception.

I agree that there are some good books out there with lots of tips and exercises. I like one called Raising a Sensory Smart Child. I think googling "sensory processing disorder" brings up a good website too.

Good luck!

Hello bloss marking place & watching with interest. Our experience of OTs so far is limited but here it is: DD2 (7) on waiting list to see NHS OT re Dyspraxia. Also has several sensory issues, so am hoping that this is something the OT will help with. If not, then we will have to look for more help - possibly private if necessary. Our referral process went GP (July)- paediatrician (August) - OP referral. In Sept we & school were both sent a form to fill out and now we wait.

Should add that DD2 also has hypermobility and previously seen (and signed off by) by paediatrician and physio. Regret not having pushed for an OT referral sooner

The Out of Sync Child book Polter recommends has really been illuminating re both my DDs. As a result , it is slowly dawning on me that some of my DD1's unresolved sensory issues may play a role in her eating disorder, anxieties, depression and other issues. Obviously not saying that your DS will end up with anxieties too but assessment/diagnosis could help you gain a clearer idea of what the world is like for him and how to help him cope if problems do arise.

Can't advise on DLA, sorry.

All the best

oops, massive cross-post with everyone, sorry .

mumorandom, yes, my DS also has an anxiety dx, which it seems is largely the result of his sensory issues being unrecognised and untreated for so long .

Thanks everyone.

DD has anxiety issues as part of her profile and a history of school refusal so the last thing I want is to let DS drift unnoticed and develop similar issues. Hence wondering if I should chase a diagnosis to help his self esteem and get him the understanding he needs.

And I have seen with DD that the further children go through school the more demands it places on them so even though he seems to be coping now that may not always be the case. Fortunately he is in a fab school that have been brilliant with his sister so that is one less battle at least.

Glad school are supportive, bloss. If you get an OT assessment they can recommend a "sensory diet" to be followed in school as well - it can be quite time consuming so school needs to be really on board with the idea!

Realise my previous post re anxiety looks a bit self-absorbed! My point was that yes, I would say it's worth pushing for assessment so you can start dealing with the issues asap.