Sensory issues magnified......

[LilTreacle]

DS (6), just dx with ADHD and AS, seems have become sensitive to things that never bothered him before (labels in clothes, electric toothbrush) or much more sensitive to things he was mildly bothered by (the temp and power of the water in the shower, softness of towels and flannels, noise, being touched unexpectedly). These things have been met with refusals, lots of anger and in some cases lashing out and meltdowns.

I know he has just had a week off and is back to school today....could his emotional stress around changes is routine trigger a change in sensory sensitivities?

Anyone have experience of this?

Hi LilTreacle my dd2 (undiagnosed, so might be talking out of my behind) has certain sensory sensitivities: noise, socks, fabrics. All of these sensitivities increase with the level of anxiety. For example, socks are more of a problem before school than after, due to anxiety about the school day ahead. Hope your ds settles ok into the new half term.

Yes, my ds (dx'd SPD + anxiety)'s sensory problems, particularly his auditory and tactile defensiveness, are way more pronounced when he is already in an anxious state.

Yes, stress and anxiety really do magnify sensory issues.

We had this with DS1 at the weekend - I think i mentioned it in the G&C thread. I ended up going shopping in dire need of a bath, with greasy hair, just to get it over with, as DS1 was bouncing all over the place, demanding hugs every 2 minutes and becoming more and more anxious by the minute.

And he just blew up at DS2 crying about something, this morning. Lovely alarm clock, that was.

If you think about a hypothetical situation that you're likely to be in - you're waiting for some important post and it's really pressing on your mind. You're trying to keep busy, with some paperwork, but not concentrating, so if you're seated, you're probably fidgeting and tapping your pen more. Someone walks up behind you and stars whistling. That might be like nails on a chalkboard at the best of times, but this time you feel like ramming the nearest cushion in their gob. Of course, none of this seems rational, but your anxiety about the letter has increased your adrenaline levels and your fight or flight responses are heightened, so you're physically agitated and feeling quite defensive and snappy.

ouryve's explanation makes complete sense!

For ds it is a vicious circle, as his anxiety stems largely from his sensory issues, but his anxiety also exacerbates his sensory issues, and so they just make each other worse.

Thank you everyone.....

ouryve your explantion makes great sense.

I will have to put it down to pre-school anxiety and change back to school day routine which leaves little to choice for the child that needs everything on his terms....

He's been pretty consistent until now with his sensory issues at home so it was confusing to have all these things being a massive issue today.....but its the first day back at the new school after half term....bound to be anxious.

Changes in routine are never fun. It's always the second day back that i look forward to!

It can also be growth spurts that make it increase in intensity for a while. My lad is now 9 and it's only years of diary keeping that have recently made me look back and identify this, as when in the thick of DS's worst patches I was too busy helping him cope to notice at the time iykwim.

Re changes in routine - advance warning systems are your best friend. I find the more prepped DS is, the better he copes. Also that it's minor changes that really throw him, our recent home move he took in his stride, but a change of toilet seat caused 5 months of pure grief!