One thing I have never explored with DS2 (now 4.8) is occupational therapy.
The real reason is that he still experiences the odd occasion of sensory overload. If this happens, he copes by sticking with me, or by having music on, etc. Yesterday he was distressed and couldn't calm himself and I gave him the choice to "stay with me and be good or go upstairs". He said, almost relieved, "I'll go upstairs". it was like he needed me to tell him he could self-regulate. He expresses similar relief if I offer to put music on - he knows he can get utterly absorbed in it.
He has:
- a significant "difference" in the way he processes what he hears- his big language delay is fading but he still finds it hard to listen to the wood for the trees as it were - tends to pick up on his father's accent rather than what he said, etc.
- fairly delayed gross motor skills in relation to coordination only. He can just ride a bike now and just hit a tennis ball that I let drop for him.
- he is a visual sensory seeker - loves running his eyes along the top of a radiator.
I can't imagine the NHS or school being very interested because his fine motor skills, self-care, turn-taking, concentration skills and ability to sit quietly are all good to excellent.
But I do think that his slightly imbalanced senses/processing are contributing towards his anxiety levels and making him less independent than other children of his age.
I would be prepared to go private - found this place in York - www.napot.co.uk. I'm near Bradford/Leeds.
What do you think? Maybe they'd just recommend letting him listen to music - maybe I am already doing what he needs. But maybe there's something I could do to help with his coordination and with the sensory overload risk.