Curious About OT

Unfortunately, I do not know much about this issue, but my closest friend is an OT who works soley with children who have sensory integration issues. If you would like more information and want her contact info., I'd me more than happy to provide that for you - just send me a message. Good luck!

Yes, get her evluated. The sooner you get "issues" treated, the better. My friends daughter had the same thing and it really helped.

Definitely check out an OT and sensory integration issues. (It's currently called Sensory Processing Disorder, by the way...) Both of my children have it, although they are different in many ways. Your daughter sounds a bit like my nephew, as well, who is overly affectionate and doesn't always cue in to the reactions other kids have to this. My son also had sensory issues that caused social problems with other kids, but was more overly defensive, and started OT before he was 2. He is now about to turn 7 and is doing a whole lot better. My nephew, on the other hand, didn't start getting help until he was 4 1/2, and, although he's improving, it seems like it's slow-going. I guess what I want to tell you is to start getting help early, because the older a child gets, the longer it takes and the harder it is. Also, it's better to work with your daughter on this before she gets to regular school. **** Also, since your daughter is 3, she is eligible to be evaluated by your local school district, and may qualify for preschool or therapy there; keep in mind that not all school districts "believe" in sensory processing disorder unless it is linked with something else.(ADD, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, etc.) We're currently working to change that.

Hopefully the teacher is basing her recommendation of sensory problems on more than just one or two behaviors. There's a ton of info online about all things sensory. For example, http://www.tsbvi.edu/Outreach/seehear/fall97/sensory.htm My daughter had OT for sensory processing disorder ten years ago, and it was a godsend. I'm out of the loop now, but just wanted to echo the others who've said, "OT is awesome" if you have insurance that will help you with a therapist trained in sensory issues.

Maria said this: **** Also, since your daughter is 3, she is eligible to be evaluated by your local school district, and may qualify for preschool or therapy there; keep in mind that not all school districts "believe" in sensory processing disorder unless it is linked with something else.(ADD, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, etc.) We're currently working to change that.*****

Just wanted to make sure you saw that evaluation should be covered if it is indeed warranted.

Best of luck!

It wouldn't hurt. I am curious as to what other behaviors your daughter's teacher has seen that leads her to believe "sensory intergration problems". That's usually not the first thing that jumps into people's heads since not many people have heard of it.

My son receives PT therapy at Easter Seals (in Villa Park). The OT there recommended reading "Raising a Sensory Smart Child" and "Out of Sync Child". Personally, I liked the "Out of Sync Child", I felt like I could identify with what they were talking about. I would suggest going to your library and looking for either book. Once I started reading the book I had a few "a-ha" moments - things that he did started making sense.

I'd say get as much OT as you can afford. My autistic son who is almost 8 had OT 3 days a week when he was 2. I think he'd be much better off had I been able to keep up the OT for the past several years. The book Out of Sync Child may give you some clues on how to address her needs as well.

If your daughter does have sensory issues then, yes, it would be a good idea to have her work with an OT who specializes in sensory processing disorder. If your daughter's senses are out of whack, then she probably isn't going to feel comfortable in certain social situations or she may behave in a way that is soothing to her but not necessarily understandable to others.

Boy are you lucky to have such a knowledgeable teacher! yes get OT help, it is great and you will see a remarkable differnce in your child! Most insurance companies cover a certain amount of visits, it is so worth it you will be glad you went. They evaluate her and then she would go for an hour a week an dyou drop them off and then at the end the therapist tells u what they did and what to work on. it is great !

Hi OT would be good but there are also social skill groups that would help. They would show her the appropriate behavior to use around peers. My son goes to both.

I am a former early intervention specialist and highly recommend OT if the therapist specializes in sensory integration.
Victoria

OT has been awesome for my son! He is nearly 5 now and has been going since he was just over 3. He has Asperger's Syndrome and the sensory integration therapy has done wonders for him. He still have odd behaviors, but he has come a LONG way in the past 2 years. He has gained physical strength, self-confidence, conversational skills, turn-taking skills, mental flexibility, and much much more while also integrating some of his senses.

My son was evaluated by early intervention just before he turned 3, and then by the school district after he turned 3. He was also sent by EI to a developmental pediatrician who diagnosed him. The school can evaluate her, but can't diagnose (but can suggest a diagnosis). Get the school to do an eval, and then decide from there. We do private and in-school OT (and speech/social skills therapy).

You could also read the book Living Sensationally or Out of Sync Child to get an idea of what sensory issues are. The check list in Living Sensationally will probably be part of the diagnostics uses.

Oh, and my insurance pays everything but the co-pay up to a certain amount (which we have not gone over). Also, if you are nervous about leaving your 3 year old, I sit in on all of my son's sessions.

OT can definitely help if your child has sensory issues. I've heard great things about LYNX THERAPEUTICS Pediatric Therapy lynxtherapeutics.com. Beth Osten and Associates are good too. Both are great with children like your daughter that have sensory issues. What are her other "odd behaviors"? You may want to talk to your pediatrician first. Good Luck!

CONTACT DEBORAH MICHAELS AT NORTH SHORE PEDIATRIC THERAPY! My son was diagnosed as being "sensory sensitive". I had never heard of that. I have to tell you that North Shore Pediatric Therapy SAVED US. The earlier you figure out what the issue is, the sooner you can begin helping your child. North Shore Pediatric Therapy is AMAZING. We have been with them for my son and my daughter for several years. We used Shelley, Rachel, Katie....but anyone you use will be wonderful. CONTACT THEM...they are branching out but for now, the closest to you would be in Glenview. You will be so relieved. They also work with your child's educators in a wonderful way....You suddenly have a strong team helping you and your child.....

Contact Deborah Michael at ____@____.com
The number is ###-###-####

You will be in great hands :-)

I would have the school district evaluate her-it's your right as a parent to have this done for free. I agree that an OT could be very helpful for your daughter, but I would try to have the evaluation done first. You're smart to have this done so early!!

Working with an OT on his sensory issues has been great for my son - he began when he was 5 and is now 6 and has made great progress. I know where you are coming from with respect to your child not understanding that certain behaviors will make other kids uncomfortable. I would see what your insurance covers and ask your pediatrician for a referral to obtain an OT evaluation and go from there. While my son's school has been helpful in some senses, I have to agree that mostly likely any sensory based OT will be obtained elsewhere. Best of luck!

O.T. has been great for my daughter with sensory issues. Our insurance has paid (it's been a hassle-but they've done it). Right now she's in a group therapy to learn how to self regulate and it's great! We didn't really know what was going on until she was in Kindergarten- if you know something isn't quite right now-I'd definitely go. Good Luck! K

Well my daughter does have sensory issues with her autism. I LOVE OT!!!! It is such a fun thing for kids to do and helps them learn things that can help them function a bit better. I would listen to the teacher and write down things she is seeing at school, write down things you notice and then also talk to her dr and see what you can come up with. Since she is 3 it is so much easier to get help for her now because she can learn things easier!! Good luck

My kid has OT 3 times a week, and I'm really happy about it, I have seen so much progress with him regarding other kids, and some behaviors he used to have. Have her evaluated, and if she does need it, I think it will be a great thing for her.

I hope it works for you as well as it has for us, best of luck. =)