Sensory Processing

Hi A.,

I would look into a sensory integration clinic in the metro area. There are a number of really good and or great ones. I used to work at one as a speech therapist for about 5 years. The kids that came to clinic did not all have autism, etc as their diagnoses.

They will do evaluations, help with self-regulation, home programming and other great things. Starting with an Occupational therapy evaluation would be the thing to do. Let me know if you would like more information.

C.
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My son was diagnosed with sensory integration disorder when he was three. He had an evaluation and 2 years of Occupational Therapy at Capable Kids in Chanhassen. It did wonders for him. He is now 8 and still struggles with sensory issues but without therapy he'd be much worse off. Definitely have him evaluated. Good Luck.

My daughter also has some sensory issues. She has trouble with tags on her clothes, bumpy socks, staticky? hair, etc. No other troubles really but these things alone can be VERY challenging, not a good way to start each day! We went to an O.T. and they did an assessment and determined that her symptoms werent bad enough to warrant regular occupational therapy. They suggested we do this "brushing" technique. Its a brush similiar to a surgical scrub brush and we brush her arms and legs and certain way 3-4 times a day. Honestly, I cant say that this has made much of an improvement. I also purchased that book "The out of sync child has fun" and many of these activities in here have helped a bit. I would suggest this book as well as occupational therapy. GOOD LUCK!

Sounds like you are on track. The next book I liked is "The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun". It is more focussed on activities for the specific sensory areas. Also keep a little journal handy (if you aren't already) to jot down when your son has good moments and when he comes apart. When you have him assessed for the sensory processing a lot of the assessment is based on your observations since it is hard for the occupational therapist to recreate the specific sensory triggers for your child.

We are in a similar situation to you, no autism or spectrum, just some very different reactions to typical sensory situations. Just after my son turned 3 and was in preschool and some organized activities, the differences really started to stand out. His preschool teacher encouraged me to do the Early Childhood Screening ASAP because they had a social-emotional questionaire as part of a study. He qualified for intervention but the assessor felt his issues were mostly due to sensory processing delays and referred us to an occupational therapist. I had to wring a referral out of my physician, but I am so glad I did. The occupational therapy has been a wonderful experience and he is really developing some coping skills and the language for he and I to strategize about how to help him through tough moments.

As the mother of a child with autism, I just want to say that it isn't a bad thing. It just identifies some special qualities that my son has and helps us to help him process the various stimuli that he encounters. So if you haven't had your son assessed yet, I would just ask that you not put any negative connotation on the word "autism" in case someone who evaluates him mentions the word. The word encompasses a broad spectrum of behaviors.

That being said, if you feel you are waiting too long on the waiting list, call other places and try to find someone who can check your son out as soon as possible. Have you gone through your school district yet? You may also try Hennepin County social services. Your son is too old for the 348-tots program but I'm sure they have other programs for older children. With all developmental issues, the earlier you can get the child diagnosed and into a program that addresses the diagnosis, the better your child will do.

I still regret that we waited until my son was over 3 before we started getting on waiting lists for evaluations. He was 4 before he received an actual clinical diagnosis. He now received programming and the progress he's made in a year is amazing. I just wonder how far he'd be right now if I had gotten him evaluated earlier.

Good luck.

I have a very similar issue, and found Parenting your Spirited Child to be helpful.

Hi A.--I'm out in North Dakota but another friend of mine forwarded your request because we have a 7 year old with sensory issues. It is so hard to wait for that assessment--if it's really bothering you try to get in somewhere else. Otherwise, "Out of Sync Child" is a good place to start--especially to pinpoint what kind of sensory child you have. There are all kinds of "sensory diet" helps out there (even online) to help provide some initial therapies. There are so many things that you can do at home that will be amazing! Keep trying some--we have discovered almost instantly what works well with our son.

Good luck. OT will make a huge difference in his life--you will be absolutely amazed. Good luck and hang in there!!

C. M (Williston ND)

There are tons of pediatric therapy clinics that have Occupational Therapist's that may not have waiting lists,you could check them out too. OT's are very good at working with kids and families dealing with sensory issues.

Shelley