Our first steps into exploring Sensory Processing Disorder were small and easy. Eby had an appointment at Seattle Children’s with an Occupational Therapist. We filled out a Sensory Profile while Eby played. It was interesting to see the senses that are perfectly normal for Eby and the others which are extreme and we so clearly see every day. The questions were all answered on a scale of 1 – 5 and for several of the senses our answers ran down the middle of the scale. But when we got to other categories, our answers ran to the extremes of “never, never, never” or “always, always, always”down the page .
Our nephew, Jack, also has Sensory Processing issues, but he is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Jack is sensitive to sounds, textures, smells, etc. Eby, on the other hand, seeks intense sensory input with constant bouncing against things, banging on walls, making noises with his mouth, rocking back and forth. None of his behavior is extreme, it is just “intense”! People often comment that he is “like a bull in a china shop”, that he is very loud, or just a little too rough. All true…and we need to find ways for him to get the sensory input he needs.
We expected testing of some sort, but the Occupational Therapist just observed Eby playing while she talked with us. It was clear to all of us what his particular issues are and there are many, many ways to help him.
My first task is to read the following books:
She also recommended materials by Diana Henry OT with Henry Occupational Therapy Services
I find it a little bit overwhelming to take on something new in the midst of working on trauma and attachment issues, but I’m gearing up for the task and I feel sure that we can find happy and healthy ways to work with Eby.
My Amazon cart is full, so here we go!
~Lisa
Lisa, as you go on, I think you will find that it all runs together a bit and you'll end up with a greater understanding of all three. One thing I noticed was that the attachment therapies all insist on eye contact and skin-to-skin touch and such. Well… with a sensory kiddo… sometimes it's not an attachment issue, but instead a sensory issue for that. I backed off of the Tongginator and found that her eye contact with me was horrific if we were standing close, but right on if we were about two feet apart. That tells me it was a sensory issue all along and that it was too much stimulation for her when we were standing or snuggling close. I discovered lots of other things, but that was one of the most obvious. (And yes, my Tongginator is typically a sensory-seeker like Eby.)
Thank you so much!
I've already ordered the books!
I look forward to hearing about Eby's progress.
Hi Lisa,
After years of therapy (6), we have "unwrapped" our daughter. Her SPD was very complex (it IS a specturm disorder….). I agree with Tonggu Mama–the attachment issue is in there as well(makes total sense). The books are terrific; I have them all. Along with therapy, love and persistence do wonders, and you have an adundance of those. Keep the faith!
Judy
We are dealing with this right now too. Both of our twins have tactile defensiveness and many other sensory issues. It is overwhelming but we are dealing with it day by day and are thankful we discovered these issues when we did.
Good luck! I'm reading The Out of Synch Child Has Fun right now and finding it very helpful.
Michelle
Welcome to the world of sensory processing! I was amazed at how much our therapist learned after watching our son play. Example was that I know about mid-line issues, but had not seen them in Caleb, she was able to point out his avoidance in his regualar play.
I look forward to seeing your posts on this issue and your broadcasting it to the larger adoption community, since you have such a large following.
Delighting in Him
I pray that you gain a better understanding of Eby's needs and are able to meet them. You are such a great mom.
Sunshine had a little friend that was similar to Eby, and now that they know and understand his needs, he is so much "calmer" (I don't know if that's the right word I'm looking for.)
I also wonder if Cupcake has some sensory issues, so I look forward to hearing your insight.
Thanks again for being you.
Love,
Julie
Hmmmm. I wonder if that's part of P.'s problems too….He's certainly very fidgety, but I've just always assumed it was anxiety based. Would love to hear more!
Lisa H.
our son has multiple sensory issues that we have just figured out. he's seven! i feel so stupid for not thinking about it before a relative pointed it out. he's like you say – nothing is over the top extreme – it's just INTENSE and constant and overwhelming.
the really great thing is we immediately went to his first grade teacher, she said she had not worked with those issues before but she changed a few things for him right away. and suddenly, in a weeks time, the boy who dreaded school (had great friends – but school – it was overwhelming with his issues) now he loves school. all because of a few simple changes that allow him to process things his way. nothing different in the work at all – just space, sound and smell issues that were overwhelming him.
it's so wonderful you've explored this now.
best wishes to all of you!
when I first saw "The Out of Sync
Child" it was in the library. I started to read it right there and was so freaked out knowing they were describing my son I put it back! I wasn't ready to know! Now, three years later, I finally read it cover to cover and I find he has outgrown many of the "symptoms." So . . . there is hope for those in the midst. It was CHALLENGING for years–God humbled me in so many ways with Patrick–our 7th child. I thought I was a pretty good parent until then when I questioned everything!
One other book I would recommend is "The Spirited Child" by Sheedy Kurcinka.
Take it slowly–you have a lot on your plate Lisa. Be good to yourself!
Hi, Lisa! I am so encouraged to hear that you are pursuing this and getting some answers and direction. My son is a "crasher-basher" too. We have been in occupational therapy for over a year now and it has made a world of difference. Take it one step at a time and I look forward to reading about his progress :) You are a great mom!
Thank you, you have done it again! Your blog has been such a huge help to my wife and I as we read it all of the time and your posts have helped us so much. After reading this post and researching the disorder, it became quite evident that our youngest could really use the help of an occ. therapist. Thanks again. We will be thinking about your daughter as she travels to Ethiopia.
Take care.
The above comments about the connection between sensory integration and attachment are dead on. They often go hand in hand. Those books are awesome!