Daughter's Friend is a sensory seeking child

by Jo Ann
(NJ)

My daughter is 12 years old and in he first year of Middle School. She has a friend who is generally nice, and comes from a good family, but is a sensory seeking child.




Always touching my daughters face, bear hugs, bumping into her, etc. Exhibits annoying behavior.

My daughter tells me that her friend doesn't have many other friends because of this.

What could my daughter do to cope with the constant need of her friend to touch her? She does tell her to stop, and the behavior is always repeated.



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Jun 23, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		Raising a sensory Seeking child
by: Anonymous

Thank you for your comments. My daughter is 10 years old and has SPD and is a sensory seeker.. She is charming, caring funny and kind. However, if breaks my heart that she struggles with keeping friends.

Her best friend rejected her. Her friend is a sensory seeker and accused my daughter of being to close and "trying to kiss her". It was a misunderstanding. They do not have play dates any more. This was the choice of her parents.

She has been bullied at school. She is not supported at school. The principal is a bully and refuses to implement her 504plan. I am at my wits end and am ready to homeschool. I worry that I will not be able to cope. I am alone and my husband has taken a job away from home and is not always available.

I considers Guafasine MEDS but am concerned about risks.

Any words of support would be appreciated.
May 25, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		sensory seeking friend
by: Anonymous

My daughter is a sensory seeker and I am all too familiar with this behavior. I highly recommend you speak with the parents to find out what your daughter's friend's sensory diet is at home and see if you are able to provide any of these sensory fullfilling practices when the friend is with you. Such activities for SOME sensory seekers is to jump and crash (jump on a trampoline then crash into a pile of pillows). Each child is different so you need to speak with the parents. Also, and I know a lot of people are against medication, but my daughter's doctor has just started her on the lowest dose of Concerta and it is working amazingly well with the impulsive behavior. My daughter's teacher has commented to me how "in control" my daughter is now. I commend you and your daughter for your patience and understanding of this girl's disability and willingness to work to keep the friendship. I wish there were more understanding families as you.

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