sensory processing disorder, help

[MuminMama]

Hi everyone. It's just been suggested (by family therapy team we have been seeing at CAHMS) that my DS (9) has sensory processing disorder and that he would benefit from a specialised OT coming into school to help him. (They also said, though, that it's nearly impossible to find one!) I am right at the beginning of trying to understand what this means, and how it might explain some of his problems. I started a new thread because the existing ones have not been posted on in years. Does anyone have experience of this to share? Thank you so much!

Yes, and I found an OT, and school were thrilled at the report.

Whereabouts are you?

Sadly in most areas OTs on the nhs aren’t allowed to cover sensory processing difficulties. Ours has sort of by broaching it from his physical problems but still not as much as he needs.

What are the areas he struggles with sensory wise?

We're in north London. To be honest I'm struggling to relate the actual DS with what I have read about SPD so far. He has major temper issues, isn't interested in socialising with his peers, can't follow simple instructions and has really poor coordination. I have a lot of joining the dots to do to figure why this is SPD. I guess I need some good books and links, if anyone can recommend.

The out of sync child is a good read

Thank you.

I second the out of synch child.

Could you keep an ABC chart of his behaviour? That way you can tell more easily what's triggering the temper. If he has sensory issues they could be quite a large cause.

The OT could also definitely help with the coordination and instruction following part too.

We see a private OT as the other posters said it's very hard to see one on the NHS. Our borough does do a free course where OT's talk about sensory processing issues. So may be worth looking into if there is one near you?

Ordered. :) And I will do some searching of private OTs too. Thanks for the suggestion.

This book is great

www.amazon.com/Understanding-Your-Childs-Sensory-Signals/dp/1466263539/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=angie+voss&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1423763344&sr=8-1

If you can afford even 1h with a private Ot that specialises in this stuff they would explain everything to you and show you ways to help at home and at school. They could also observe at school and give school a plan of ways to help (therefore reducing outbursts etc)

In my sons case he wasn’t concentrating because he was v sensitive to noise (e.g mower a few gardens away) so he needs to be positioned at the front away from windows/distractions/humming radiators etc in order to listen.... that type of thing

Thanks a lot abc. I will get that book too; it sounds great. We could do a session with a private OT - but I haven't had any luck finding one, yet. Will keep looking!

I have used Maximum Potential in London for a number of years and have been very pleased with the progress my son has made. They are private occupational therapists specialising in sensory integration issues.

Thanks a lot, I will look them up.

My daughter had an assessment at this place:

www.kidsinsync.com

The assessment seemed very thorough, though we haven’t followed up with them - we’re still trying to get help from the NHS OT.

Thank you so much. That looks like just the thing. I might find out how much an assessment costs.

It wasn’t cheap - about £200, iirc, but that includes a detailed report.

Oh, and if you’re lucky enough to live in Camden, sensory integration therapy is available through the NHS.

Haringey, sadly.

I'm in haringey too, have you been to the OT sensory talk at Markfiled? I think they do it once a term.

"He has major temper issues, isn't interested in socialising with his peers, can't follow simple instructions and has really poor coordination."

With sensory processing order, it can cause 'sensory overload' which could be distracting your son, and might be why he doesn't want to socialise and doesn't follow instructions. There are some great books on Amazon which have tips for supporting a child with sensory processing disorder.

I hope this helps!

Thanks HSRP. Still waiting for my copy of out of sync child to arrive and am hoping that will help!

These links may help whilst you're waiting for your book.

www.sensoryintegration.org.uk/What-is-SI

www.no1therapist.com/search_results?page=1&q=Occupational+Therapist&location_value=London&city=London&county_sn=Greater+London&country_sn=GB&location_type=locality&stateSearch=England&swlat=51.38494009999999&nelat=51.6723432&swlng=-0.351468299999965&nelng=0.14827100000002247&lat=51.5073509&lng=-0.12775829999998223&faddress=London%2C+UK&place_id=ChIJdd4hrwug2EcRmSrV3Vo6llI

The huge link above is from searching for Occupational Therapist London and it lists some that specialise in SI. www.no1therapist.com/how-it-works
NB they have not verified any of the therapists on their list, so it's up to you to check out any that you think may help.