possible sensory/dyspraxia referral from HV-anyone tried the Bowen technique

[tigi]

Hi, I've posted previously about my sons possible problems. He starts Y1 in Sept, and the HV has to do the 'handover' to the school nurse then. She thinks he needs to be assessed by a physio because of his clumsiness, and than says 'take it from there where it goes next' (he appears to have sensory problems related to stress/seperation anxiety etc). I am worried about him being 'labelled' and what affect that will have on him. He is quite a clever boy, and his problems are more about his behavior than his intellegence, so I think it is more of a problem outside of the the schoolworking environment, such as how he controls himself/ clumsiness/tearfulness/silly noises etc. Did anyone else wory about this, or did it help? I have also found that a 'Bowen' practitioner lives nearby and she thinks that it can help enormously with children for stress problems, which may clam him down. Has anyone tried that? I don't know whether I should wait for his assessment first though in case he gives a 'false' short term result?
thanks

Hi tigi

I'm no expert at all but I wonder if your son is suspected of having dyspraxia. I am dyspraxic ( as well as having mild attention deficit disorder which means I am hopelessly disorganised at times ). I also had some separation and anxiety problems as a child due to my parent's messy divorce. The symptoms of dyspraxia are often worse when a child feels stressed or not in a familiar environment.

As for the Bowen Technique I am completely in the dark as I know very little about it. It might be wort h a try though.

Dyspraxia is often picked up due to clumsiness, control of physical functions etc. (Mine was detected due to appalling handwriting as well as a fabulous ability to fall over). It's more common in boys than in girls. The good news is that if the school are aware of this then if this is the problem they can make allowances and offer extra support. By the way, I know you've already said that your son is intelligent but it's worth noting that dyspraxia has nothing to do with a lack of intellectual ability - I have a Masters degree so my dyspraxia (undiagnosed until I was 12) has not held me back.

Today my biggest problem is still a general clumsiness (much better than it was) and mainly evident by the fact that we have not a single set of glasses or crockery in the house. .

Hope that helps a bit.

Yes, i think this is the route it may well end up. He was referred to a specialist at age 3 (or 4?) for failing his 3 yr development review- he couldnt stand on a small stool and catch a ball.He could hardly balance on the step never mind catch the ball! They straight away dismissed him as just clumsy- nothing to worry about.I have since read that dyspraxia cannot be diagnosed until after age 5! But he is no better now (nearly 6), and goes though bouts of bed wetting, which come and go for no reason! If he kicks a football he falls over. He walks into doors, can't catch, can't use a bat, can't play cricket, can't do both arms and legs when in a swim lesson (either/or) etc. His handwriting is big and scruffy . He still gets very upset in the mornings when I leave him at school, and makes lots of silly noises, and dislikes light and loud sounds.His teachers have said they think it is a maturity issue, but I am noticing more that his friends are all a lot more 'stable' in their behavior and attitude than he is.

We went for a bowen treatment today, and she said he had one hamstring tighter than the other, and his pelvis tilted also to one side. She said this is very common in dxypraxic children, as it makes them more clumsy. We are going again next week to see if it makes any difference to him. He fell off his bike today, dropped his dinner, and spilled a whole cup of juice (before the treatment!)
Thought I'd post in case anyone interested in bowen.

what exactly do they do ?
sounds bit like osteopathy type treatment ?

Very interesting, I've never heard of this. WOuld like to hear more in case I can ever recommend it to anyone.
Must admit, I first thought of Jim Bowen off Bullseye (culture vulture!).

Have a look at this, I just did a 'Bowen' search on google

www.health-concern.com/Articles/Bowen.htm

It took only 20 mins or so, and not as heavy as a massage, just a few manipulations. He was quite happy to have it done. It sends impulses to the brain for the body to correct itself. Apparently a lot of research is being done on children with cerebal palsy, dyxpraxia etc, and it has great results.

The therapist said we may see difference after next session as his hamstring may loosen, allowing his pelvis to sit better.

Do let us know whether you feel it makes any difference. My ds2 has a lot of dyspraxic type symptons and I might be interested in trying it for him. Do you know if any of the research is published?

Yes, let us know how it goes - my ds (aged 6) has dyspraxia and sounds very similar to yours. His main problems are really bad handwriting (and very slow writing) and emotional issues that sound like your son's. We are going to pay for some OT for him as we are getting no help from our school at all.

A neighbour of mine is a Bowen practitioner and she has been treating my friend's daughter who has Cerebral Palsy. My friend has been very positive about the results and feels that it is helping

The lady said lots of research being done. She had recently been on a course for childrens disorders, and also met with the local headmistress. The doctor also refers patients to her.I just had a look on google under bowen to read about it.
He had it on Wed night, and been very teary since then, don't know if this is 'just him' or anything to do with the treatment. He fell of his bike again too!