How to deal with a child with SPD.


(Michigan)

My child has S.P.D. and my husband and I want to learn more about his situation.




Our child will become very upset during some of his meal time. He will throw his head back in his high chair and hit it for a few minutes. Plus we can't get him to eat like a normal child does. He won't chew his food and swallow it like a normal little toddler does we have to chop his food up real fine in order for him to eat,and we can't seem to get him to drink from a sippy cup. He has to take his liquids from a spoon.

My husband and I are trying everything that we can think of to help understand our child's situation and we keep coming up empty hand. We can't find anyone to help us with his SPD. We hope that someone can help us with the questions that we have.


Thank you,
Looking for help mom



Comments for How to deal with a child with SPD.

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Jul 16, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Dont force meal time
by: Terri Stallings

My grandson had the exact behavior please seek out therapy occupational and speech that has been our greatest gift ever just make sure the therapists are familiar with and trained to work with children with SPD stay strong and don't give up there is help out there start with your pediatrician. Good luck and God Bless You
Jul 14, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		There is help for your toddler!
by: an OTR

I recommend that you get your toddler evaluated by an occupational therapist (OT) with special training in SPD and feeding problems. If you can't find an OT in your area with knowledge in feeding skills, then look for a speech & language pathologist (SLP). Try to make mealtime a fun time and less stressful...all toddlers like to be in control which can lead to tantrums, and this issue is magnified in a toddler with SPD. Do not force feed! One book that might be helpful for you is "Tools for Tots" written by Diana Henry-OT, et al. and it can be found on her website as well as other sites such as Achievement Products catalog. It gives ideas on how to adapt the environment, your interaction, and improve sensory abilities during daily routines such as eating, bathing, etc. A good book on feeding is "Just Take a Bite."

In order to find an OT & SLP knowledgeable in working with toddlers, you can try either a local therapy clinic or an early intervention (EI) program. To find out which providers are in your insurance's network, just call them and ask. Also, EI programs are in every part of the US and are a part of the IDEA, part C. Search on a search engine for "early intervention in ___", and fill in the blank with the state you live in. From there you should be able to figure out how to get an eval in your area.

Good luck!

an OTR: www.sense-ablebaby.com
Jul 14, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		your not alone
by: Anonymous

my daughter also has spd and she refuses to eat anything but baby food and baby cereal we cannot for the life of us get her to eat food. she has a twins brother who eats anything and everything. i would also love some help as to get her to eat she is in pt and will be starting ot in about a week. thanks
Feb 01, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		there is hope
by: Lynn Rickert

You are not alone! Definitely search for a speech and language pathologist and/or an occupational therapist who has experience and training in sensory issues or feeding issues.

Above all, stay calm as you feed your child. We have had extensive challenges in feeding our daughter and went to a feeding clinic in Cleveland for 11 days several years ago. Being calm as you feed your child is helpful for everyone. Not easy, I know.

Being able to feed your child is an integral part of nurturing and providing. Having a problem with it is very discouraging. You are not a failure. This can be helped!

Lynn Rickert
owner of Pedaling Backwards
a wordpress.com blog
Jan 13, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		SPD
by: Anonymous

Have you bought the book out of sync it is a good book to help you deal with SPD. I have bought it and love referring to it when I have a question about my son's SPD. Also do you have your toddler in private OT.

Stay calm and just know you are not a lone there is other families dealing with the same thing.

Marissa
Jan 13, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Dont give up
by: Anonymous

Keep looking around, SPD is real ,please join a group because we all go there. Many answers will come from parents who live with these children and advocate every day for them.

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