Sensory Problem with All Clothing/Shoes & Shaken Baby Syndrome or head trauma

by Ginger
(Loganville, GA)

Kyleigh

Kyleigh

My adoptive 6 year daughter Kyleigh, who is shaken baby syndrome survivor (age 4 mos.), developed issues starting with underwear at age 3. Then not long after that she started complaining about socks, then undershirts. By the time she turned 5, I was limited on what she would wear. She hates jeans, athletic shoes, wintercoats, etc.




I was able until 6 months ago to get her to wear dresses to church with dress shoes, but now all she wants to wear is her flip flops. She will wear some dresses, as long as they are not thin straps. Her preference is short sleeve or longer. It drives me crazy getting her ready for school. When I brought up to pediatrician, she told me that she was still learning to adjust to how clothes feel, but I am starting to feel it is a bigger issue. Reading some of stories on here, I truly believe my daughter has a sensory problem. Last winter, she complained so much about her winter coat that I found myself trying to explain to the front office at the school. One of teachers mentioned she may have a sensory problem. I asked pediatrician at that time.

Now that I come across on Facebook, it is making me question again. My question, can it be tied to her head trauma? She was not expected to live, however I believe that the neurosurgeon saved her life. She was airflighted to Atlanta where Dr. Boydston removed a section of her skull and placed below her rib cage to relieve the pressure on her brain. She was kept in a self-induced coma for a week. We got her when she was 19 months as our local DFCS was seeking a family to adopt her and her older sibling. We were the selected family and we fell in love with the girls immediately! She has a weakness down her left leg which causes her pain periodically during the day. She hates running during gym as it causes her discomfort. Aside from that, no noted conditions from her initial injury unless the sensory problem is from the head trauma.

Reading through posts, I am going to try softer clothing. I had to talk her into the princess birthday party/photo shoot in August. She loves swimming, but is extremely picky about swim suits. Cheerleading, I had to talk her into. She though begs to wear worn in pink running shoes over the white athletic shoes. I feel like I have to bargain with her all the time. Would love suggestions.



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Oct 08, 2015
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Response back to Francine
by: Ginger

Francine, thank you for your response to my post. I started researching for occupational therapist who handle sensory problems, starting with going through my insurance carrier (United Healthcare). Gave up looking that way, and was shocked after 45 minutes researching to find one that is less than 10 miles from me that can handle not only the SID but also possibly issue which my daughter has with her leg brought on from her head trauma (physical therapy). I have been trying to find someone for the last 2 months regarding her leg that was convenient (not in Atlanta due to traffic), and where I would not have to take her out of school every week and take time off from work. No late afternoon appointments for now with therapy center, but will pray they get opening. One advantage is that I work from home 3 days a week and can work around lunch time.

My pediatrician is not in today, however will be in tomorrow. Nurse will get with her tomorrow regarding providing a script to Kidsplay Therapy Center. Pediatrician agrees that her leg problems stems from her injury (agreed 2 months ago), but last year told me that she felt Kyleigh was still adjusting to how clothes feel. Hopefully she will at least agree to have my daughter evaluated for SID. Coming across this website after seeing post on Facebook, was God sent. Will come back later and update. Hopefully I get referral from pediatrician and get consultation within next few weeks. Thank you again!!!!

Oct 08, 2015
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Definitely Sensory
by: Anonymous

Good Morning, I don't know if this is tied in with her abuse when she was a baby, but it's definitely a sensory issue. Please take her to an Occupational Therapist to have her evaluated, and hopefully start treatment.

Our daughter went through the same exact thing as a toddler, then older. She is now 16 and doesn't so much have the same sensory issues, but they manifest in different ways.

Praying for your daughter and family. The main thing to understand is when they are uncomfortable in their clothing, it's like sensory overload, they cannot think of anything else except for how they feel. I can only describe it to you as if you have a severe itch and cannot scratch it. Their skin is to sensitive it's like thousands of prickly needles touching them.

Blessings,
Francine

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