Sensory Integration Disorder - Any Advice for a Parent with a 2 Yr Old with This

Hi-

There is hope. My son was referred to EI around 1 year of age for eating issues, and consequently, he was eventually diagnosed with SPD. He will be 4 next week, and has made wonderful progress with the OT, which has helped with his communication. Right around 18 months, there was a whole week where he wouldn't look at me or talk to me, and I worried about autism, but it passed.)

With my son, I've noticed when he is having difficulty with all the sensory stuff, he tends to slip into his own world, and will either seem to ignore everything I say, or talk continually and repetitively about one subject-usually smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. I think it is just too overwhelming to deal with more than just the input from the environment sometimes. Is your son getting OT with a good OT, trained in sensory integration disorder? Were you given a sensory diet for your child? This will help. Otherwise, the communication aspect may take time. The sensory issues need to be dealt with first, then the communication will come. SPD gets in the way of children developing normally.

The Out of Sync Child book is by Carol Stock Kranowitz. It is considered "the bible" in terms of being the first to really deal with this disorder. There are other books, however. I like Sensational Kids by Lucy Jane Miller(it was easier for me to read and understand); Raising a Sensory Smart Child by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske is also good, as well as The Sensory Sensitive Child (I think...I forget who by....)

There are also several websites dedicated to this disorder. Let me know if you'd like the URL's, and I will send you the ones I know about. I have heard that the listening program works wonders. We haven't seen it with our son personally yet, but I've heard almost "miracle" stories from other parents. Good luck, and talk to your OT. If you don't have one, demand one from EI-you can do that!

Hi Gina,
I am a school social worker and I have worked with many children with communication difficulties. There is a program called PECS that uses pictures to help children communicate. If you contact a speech therapist in an elementary school near you it is possible they may be able to help you get access to that program or possibly give you some alternate resources that might help. There is a great speech organization in Naperville called Communication Clubhouse you can google them and see their website. They may also be able to give you some ideas. The Out of Sync Child is also a great reference:)Hope that helps honey:)

HI Gina -

My 7 year old son has sensory integration as well. He is on the under side of it - what about your son? Does the early intervention do speech as well? If they do not, they should be. My son did not really talk until he was 3 - he had words, but did not talk, talk. Get him into speech asap, it is just amazing what they can do! The earlier the better! Has anyone told you about the out of sync child? I am sure, but if they have not, it is the best book out there for this! The issues get better with therapy and time, and you will see results soon! Please feel free to contact me if you want to ever chat! ____@____.com luck!
B.

Hi Gina,

I used Early Intervention with my daughter and it worked wonders. My neighbor's 2 boys are both with early intervention as well but then she does an extra therapy on her own with horses. They ride horses for I think 30 minutes and then have 30 minutes of speech therapy. It seems to be helping both boys but she had to fight to the nail to have insurance cover it and even then it isn't 100% & I think it is expensive. The place she uses is in Crystal Lake, not sure where you are located. I know with my daughter we didn't start EI until she was 2 1/2 and then she transititioned at 3 to the preschool setting. She really didn't have any words until that time and let me tell you there is no keeping her quiet now!

Hope you find something that works!
C.

Gina:

It is wonderful that you have accessed the Early Intervention services for your son. Are you being provided with both Speech and OT services? It is crucial to be working with a specifically trained Sensory Integration therapist. Have you considered contacting the Northwestern University Speech and Language Clinic, the Pathways programs, or private OT/Sensory Integration services?
Each one of these options can provide additional time addressing the issues as well as providing you with additional strategies to integrate within you home.

As a early childhood school psychologist, I have seen many children with these issues change dramatically before entering kindergarten. Be sure to take advantage of the 3-6 program services offered through your school district after your child turns 3.

A Little About Me

I am the mother of three ages 21, 15 & 13. I have been a SAHM, a part-time school psychologist and now offer families a home-based business to bring balance between family, health, and the desire to earn extra money.

Gina,
If your son is in EI, you probably know that speech therapy is one of the services offered. I'm wondering if he is receiving this service. I hope so.
Amy

There's a terrific book called The Out of Sync Child. I forget the author, but definitely worth the read. Good luck to you and your little guy.