DD starts school in Sept - unsure whether to speak to teacher re: suspected SPD?

[Olaffles]

DD starts reception in September. She had a likely formal diagnosis of SPD aged 3 and a half, from paediatrician - and was referred to OT, but when the OT went to visit her at nursery (she goes 2days a week) said they couldn't see any evidence of this as she was the one shouting the loudest etc and thought her problems may have started as sensory when she was younger and are now behavioral ie for attention.

We as her parents disagreed, as she still displayed plenty of sensory issues at home - it was really hard to get her to nursery as she was anxious about what she wore (so no one would have to touch her to help her go to the toilet, and avoiding itchy clothes, labels etc) and her having complete meltdowns as soon as she got home, like she'd been holding it in all day and had to let it out! She still won't let grandparents hold her/hug her/kiss her amongst many other quirks we have just adapted to.

Things have improved a great deal as we have been doing a lot of sensory diet type things, so when she is with children her own age she sometimes just looks a little odd. I feel nursery have said there's nothing wrong with her, as has the OT, so I feel I shouldn't say anything to the teacher before she starts as I may look like an OTT parent and completely stupid.

Sorry for the long post! WWYD? Some days I feel it's been so hard with her and getting it validated by anyone else is so hard. But maybe she does cope exceptionally well and saves it all for home. Feel confused about where to go now really. Any advice most welcome.

I would mention it, although would not necessarily expect much, if any, extra support to be forthcoming unless/until she shows signs of struggling in school.

My 7yo ds has SPD (and ASD, and lots of associated emotional and behavioural problems) and has lots of support including daily 1-1 sessions with PE teacher for sensory input and to work on motor skills.

My 3 yo dd has just been assessed by an OT as having lots of sensory processing issues. She is mostly fine at pre-school (although they've noticed a few things like she is very anxious about snack-time, and gets unusually upset when she hurts herself). I will he telling pre-school (and school, when she gets there) about this, and the OT will be going to observe her at preschool in Sept to see if there is anything she can recommend for her there. I doubt there will be much they can or will realistically do for her at this stage, but am anticipating she may start to struggle more at school in future (ds only really started struggling in year 1) so want to prepare school in advance in case!

I would mention your concerns so its on record, my daughter has spd shes 8 and although she hasn't any one to one support there are several issues in school, she also has other difficulties with asd and attachment.

Thanks so much for your reply. It is good to know your DD manages quite well at pre-school too, I think had we had a more supportive OT that went to see her more than once to assess her we may have had more support. It's really good to hear of other peoples experiences, though of course I'm sorry it's tough for you too!

Would the SENCO be the best person to contact?

Thanks too LittleMiss. It's so hard when I have felt so unsupported to feel I am making a fuss, but obviously I want to stand up for DD and help her as best I can.

I would contact the senco, yes. I hate, hate making a fuss too, and have always gone through life keeping my head down as much as possible, but have had to force myself to do the opposite since having DC who need extra help!

Glad it's not just me! I think the fact I have been almost disbelieved doesn't help, I feel I want to do what is best for her but worry that people think I am making a fuss. I will just have to grow a thick skin I think!