Can GDD be caused by just sensory issues??

[mumgoingcrazy]

I'm really quite confused and wondered if anyone could help me.

DD2 is 21 months and has GDD. At first she was severely tactile defensive and for months never touched anything or would be touched. She has now overcome this through various sensory integration techniques. She now has auditory and visual processing issues which are gradually being ironed out through therapy and Therapeutic listening.

She is now roughly 4-6 months behind in everything excpet mobility which is about a 12 months behind.

We see Physio/OT/SALT/Portage weekly and they all seem to feel that the GDD could quite possibly be down to SPD. The Paed however (who sees DD2 for 30 minutes every 6 months) is quite convinced that there is a genetic disorder and there is something more sinister causing this. All her initial blood tests were negative so we are seeing a geneticist next week to start looking into rare genetic disorders. The paed is also sending us for an MRI. I appreciate the paed wouldn't be doing her job properly if she didn't do all this investigation but she has said outright to me that she is very doubtful that SPD could be the cause of her GDD.

I'm rambling now but I wondered what you all thought, esp those if you with DC with SPD.

Thanks for reading
xx

Thanks TC, that's how I feel too re sensory problems having an impact. I figure if she didn't touch anything or be touched for all those months (until she was 16 months basically) she's missed out on a lot of development. She has actually caught up a little bit as she was more delayed than she was, so with all this progress I'm struggling to believe that there's something more going on. I'm also very aware that as the therapists think it is the SPD I really want to believe them as it is the better outcome, definately an element of denial there.

This is just sending my head spinning, can't stop thinking about it.

Definately, touching and mouthing things are all part of learning. Glad your DS is doing well. What have you done to improve his core stability? I havn't come across this. Is it all to do with balance?

DD2 has come on leaps and bounds whilst doing the Therapeutic listening, the OT said her posture and gait were great now so wondering if this is the same thing. She's doing so well that I'm really hoping she makes enough progress for me to say 'up yours' to the paed!!

Thanks for this, I'll give the move and sit seat a go. We've already got the scooter board (must admit we havn't used it yet) as you recommended it on another thread.

Thanks again xx

Thank you for yet another great tip!!

That's fantastic that he can hold his own like that, I think that definately shows strength in his upper body. Well done DS!!

You might have to sign him up for Judo if he starts throwing his mates around, he obviously has a flare for it!

Ouch!! Poor DH. I'm guessing DS was having a great time though . These sensory issues affect them in so many ways, I wonder if I'll ever fully understand

going back to original question, i have no idea at all, but so pleased that all you are doing is making such a difference!

Thanks IS. Have you decided which listening therapy you'd like to try with your DD yet?

starting with work on reflexes first, then if OT thinks will be helpful (which i hope she will) will do therapeutic listening - hopefully by summer

Hope it works for you as it has for us xx

Little update, we had our genetics appointment today and it went very well. The paed is adament DD2 has a genetic condition and even said I think the geneticist will be able to spot it as soon as she sees DD2, well what bollocks, she couldn't and said she looks like a normal little girl and after a thorough examination and endless family history and questions she has said she definately doesn't have a degenerative condition and cannot see anything obvious at all. We will have some more testing to see if there are any subtle chromosome abnormalities but no matter what the outcome, there is no cure and we are already doing everything we need to with all the therapy she has. The most likely cause is the severe chicken pox and infection at 6 weeks old has given her some mild brain damage (possibly), plus the sensory issues. So all in all it's good as she is what she is and we can now work on her progressing and not have to worry whether she will regress.

I've just downed as huge glass of wine and feeling like a big weight has been lifted.

You're right, I've tied myself up in knots researching on the internet and dx'ing her with all sorts. Now I know this is it, like you TC, will just do all I can for her. Feel like a new beginning for us now and can't wait to see the paed now for her reaction HA HA!!

and i am very pleased as well! well done both of you , you are a bit of an inspiration to me (and others i am sure)

I'm touched, but it's not me it's all the help we get. From what I have read on other posts we are very lucky to get what we do. I'd love to know how you get on IS, esp with your Therapeutic Listening. Keep me posted!!

hi im also going to see a gene doc in may as my ds2 has gdd and all his basic tests are fine

thanks dont go untill may 7th