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Can you coach me how to help DS who is exceptionally clumsy and VERY hyper sensitive to touch - BAD combination

13 replies

hereidrawtheline · 21/03/2009 19:55

DS is like a puppy who has no clue what its body is doing. He runs backwards into open doors. He trips, he runs forwards into walls. He bonks his head. You name it. He just doesnt seem aware of his body in relation to his surroundings. Quite apart from the constant spillages and upset and stress, he is always getting hurt! And to make it even worse, his sensory stuff has come out in full force lately. Especially touch. So the lightest touch or little bump of an elbow turns into a disaster for him. We are feeling so bad for him all the time over it. And also stressed for ourselves as he is often to be found wailing in pain and we are running trying to make sure everything around him is safe. But try as we might we just cant do it, he trips over his own feet.

One aspect of this is this elaborate kissing to make it better ritual we have to go through when he gets hurt. We dont want to give him almost encouragement for hurting himself but my gut tells me he is totally clueless and couldnt stop it if he tried so we go through the ritual. But its all just worrying.

What can I do to help him?

OP posts:
daisy5678 · 21/03/2009 20:06

Have you looked into the bearhug yet?

mumgoingcrazy · 21/03/2009 20:09

I'm not sure how old your DS is but DD2 was severely tactile defensive. She wouldn't touch anything or be touched and therefore didn't develop. She has audiory and visual processing difficulties too. Her tactile system is now ok and this has been due to Deep Pressure brushing and joint compression taught to me by our OT. We are now working on her auditory and visual processing by doing 'Therapeutic Listening', also by our OT. This dis-regulates the sensory system and then re-regulates it so that it is in sync. We've already seen massive changes in her and we are 4 weeks into a 12 week program. Hope this helps.

hereidrawtheline · 21/03/2009 20:24

no what is the bearhug? I do a thing when he has meltdowns a certain position I hold him and comfort him in. But that probably isnt what you mean.

DS is 2.9 (or thereabouts!) he turns 3 in beginning Aug.

So I guess I need to help him learn to be safer with his body but also to reduce the sensitivity.

OP posts:
mumgoingcrazy · 21/03/2009 20:30

Have you got a good OT who is clued up on his sensory issues?

daisy5678 · 21/03/2009 21:04

You asked this question last week and I suggested the bearhug!

Here: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/special_needs/721652-Hypersensitivity-making-life-a-series-of-screeches-and-wai ls

It is supposed to be very good.

hereidrawtheline · 21/03/2009 21:32

oh givemesleep I am sorry! I did read that and take it in but I must have forgotten! I am saying all over MN my brain has seriously turned to mush! Thank you for having the patience to remind me. I am currently googling in another tab. Really so sorry I am hopeless at the moment! You made me laugh you reminded me so of my best friend who also says things like "you asked me last week and..."

So this bearhug, is it something they would wear most of the time? To stop DS from flying all over the place dangerously?

mumgoingcrazy I havent got an OT yet, or any help for that matter. Thanks to the long drawn out hassle with getting him a DX. He wont even see the peadiatrician til 22 April. Can you self refer for an OT? I have heard such great things about them.

OP posts:
daisy5678 · 21/03/2009 21:42

No worries . Not sure how often they would wear them, guess it would depend on the child. J's OT suggested twice a day for an hour if possible.

OT - you can self-refer via GP - know that might be difficult - or our OT and SALT now do take self-referrals, though J was referred via school.

Or a private OT if you can afford it. I think for dx's etc. you should keep NHS, but OT is one area where private might actually be good as it's very limited via NHS in most places.

hereidrawtheline · 21/03/2009 21:51

Thanks for the advice! I shall add search for OT to the top of my list of things to do!

OP posts:
mumgoingcrazy · 22/03/2009 13:45

I should also mention that not all OT's are sensory trained, we just got very lucky. Make sure the one you get is! Good luck.

improvingslowly · 22/03/2009 17:30

mgc - so v pleased TL going well. Have jsut seen OT expert in sensory stuff and feeling may be able to make progress...

mumgoingcrazy · 22/03/2009 18:55

Hello IS, that's great news. Have they indicated to you what they might try? I know you were trying to decide which listening therapy to do.

hereidrawtheline · 22/03/2009 19:28

Thanks, and IS I am glad you are getting some progress as well!

OP posts:
improvingslowly · 22/03/2009 21:22

Starting v slowly with 10 mins of exercises each day to help coordination, reflexes, then will hopefully move on to sensory stuff and then also if OT thinks will it help us, will try TL...

but so pleased it is going well for you!!

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