Sensory Processing Disorder

[Sally200]

This is my first time of messaging.

DS2 has, within the last week, being diagnosed with SPD. He is 2 1/2 years. I have known since he was about 12 months that he was not developing as my eldest son - particulraly in relation to his speech. He have seen speech therapists - some said language disorder, others speech dealy, most said he showed autistic tendancies but that he was not autistic. The NHS have been no helpo whatsoever - am still waiting for some feedback from therapist who saw son in January! I have managed to find the most amazing lady, a Special Needs Expert, who diagnosed SPD. When she told me about it it felt like everything made sense. I have read two books (trying to get my head around it and think as a coping mechanism) - I now understand why Harry has struggled and why he behaves the way he does.

She is coming to see us next week to discuss her recent findinfs (he had a full assessment with her last week) and to give us a sensory diet.

I have cried so much - both before the diagnosis because I did not know and after - quite a lot to take in. I feel pretty isolated and alone. DH is lovely but does not really understand.

Just wondered whether there was anyone else whose child had been diagnosed with SPD? I would love to speak to someone about their experience and what they went through, what worked, support avilable etc etc - the list goes on and on.

Sorry for the long message.

Sally200

Hiya, spoke to DP, because of his dyspraxia he's said he could record an MP3 and link you to it?

Oops, forgot to say, it's easier for him to speak than type. Hence the recording

Sally what benefit does the sensory diet have? I'm asking because lots of children can benefit from a gluten and casein-free diet which doesn't cure the stomach problems but can help with behaviours. Which is good.

Has a Paediatrician approved it? Ours told us that because DS had such a limited diet anyway, and because his only source of protein is from milk, that it would be counter-productive if not dangerous to follow any restrictive food plan given that he eats a small range of foods.

Sorry Sally but also, who is this Special Needs Expert? It really sounds like Harry needs to be seen by a developmental paediatrician who can rule out or confirm his particular issues. Why have you been refused this help?

This is Kaloki's DP here. A Sensory Diet is not a food diet as such (unless its specifically to do with eating problems) its a list of routine activities and exercises to manage the SPD. Its benefits are that it stops the child, or in my case, adult from over or under stimulating the senses. Amazing the kind of improvement it can make!

Apologies for completely getting the wrong end of the stick Kaloki's DP! It sounds very helpful indeed.

Cheers for the recommendation