Shelly

by Michelle
(Richland WA)

My daughter has always been different then all my other kids. When first born it was obvious. When reading the check list I could not believe all the checks I made. On some things I have watched my daughter go from one degree to the next. Like as a baby I will never forget her laying there as they fished for a vein. Now she flips out at the mention of one. Swimming was tough and even baths. She would have a full melt down with the idea of getting into water. We have worked through it and she loves the water now but it took years! Could never be swaddled, car rides were a nightmare! She complains about socks or certain shoes. Some clothes she will refuse to wear and say they itch or they feel funny.




Brushing her hair has always been a challenge. Brushing her teeth is rough! The Dentist was an event that took months and it was to the point they were talking about putting her out. That caused a serious melt down kicking the assistant in the knee and splitting it open, took off running when they said she couldnt walk and ran into a table knocking her to the floor. She has always been very strong never realizing that many things she would lift were similar in weight to her. My grandson is half her weight and she will pick him up like he weighs nothing. For this reason I have her in gymnastics. She is very impulsive and quickly irritated over sound, activity ect. Not to compare her to an animal but the only way I can describe it is in likeness to a black lab I once had as a puppy. Completely out of control and in no way aware of her surrounding as she pounces about in a fit of play. She will hurt people and animals having no idea why or how it happened.

There are several other factors that have me questioning what to do. 6 months


ago I sought help. I was told she was ODD with ADHD. All this seemed to fit but the thought of medicating my child was horrible. However with much research and many talks with "the professionals" I gave it a try. Now we are dealing with serious melt downs, and irrational moods that change from one second to the next over anything. It can be a simple question.. such as how was your day? Or .. Lets sit down and do your homework... Time for bath ect.

Now I am being told she may have early onset child Bi-Polar disorder even though she tested low for this, and they have prescribed her a mood stabilizer which is also used as a anti seizure medication.They want me to monitor her on these drugs then check back with an appointment weekly till she is stabilized. Then what? A new drug? Is this my daughter's future? Blood draws, new drugs, one for mood disorder, the next for ADHD ect. Then their is the problems with sleep and the list goes on.

NOW I read this... And she fits it all to a T! Believe it or not I would welcome this diagnoses over all the others! At least then I have a fresh new way to help her. Therapy, diet ect. I will be taking this to the doctor. Im also looking for another doctor for a second opinion. Its not denial, I just see other children that have been drugged their whole lives and the turn out has always been ugly. I dont want that as my daughter's future! It seems the drugs make it easier for the parents to cope.. I will admit it is easier to cope when my daughter is not going from one extreme to the next. But in order to live with myself I have to know I did everything I could for her.. All the research I could, looked at every direction! I sure hope this is a light in our 7 year battle of questions.

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Aug 13, 2012
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In your area
by: Melissa

I am so glad I read your story! I live in your area and would love to hear where you went to get a diagnosis? I have concerns about my son having sensory issues. I feel like I am not being taken seriously about my concerns. I can totally relate to your story and it's nice to know we aren't alone, as it does feel like some days!

Oct 11, 2010
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me too
by: Anonymous

I feel for you, because i know what its like- but not to the same extent as you are experiencing. I too can only describe my daughters behaviours as raw and animalistic- she is a 'wild child' and her secret nickname (between my husband and i )is 'jungle girl'! (this nickname was though up long before we realised she actually had a sensory difficulty).

For me, the insight into why she behaves the way she does has helped me to be more understanding of the difficulty, frustration and discomfort that she may be experiencing. Instead of getting 'angry' at her i can now try to make the experience more comfortable for her. This has helped a little to minimise her extreme behaviours.

All the best- you are not alone.


Sep 02, 2010
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Thank you
by: Michelle

Thank you so much... I needed that! Especially after today... God Bless you...

Sep 01, 2010
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Regarding Shelly
by: Anonymous

My heart goes out to you. I can so empathize with many of the experiences you described. My almost 9 year old has had a history of meltdowns for no apparent reason. He would be fine one minute and then on the floor the next having a meltdown that would literally last for hours. Once finished he was happy as a lark. These episodes are extremely rare now as we have been working with him. He is an extremely anxious child and we have had him in counseling for his anxiety. The counselor was hinting around about the possibility of bipolar but she did not want to go that route yet. We talked about sensory disorder and how that could be affecting him. As a 4 year old he had been in OT for food issues and I know he has more than just oral sensory issues. He is highly intelligent and extremely sensitive which makes things a little trickier. But we have been working with him and learning new ways to "see" the world through his eyes. Remarkably he is doing so much better. We have a wonderful school and teacher who have really helped with making him feel loved and accepted. There is hope and as a parent I too did not want to go the medication route unless absolutely necessary. I would definitely get a second opinion and see if you couldn't get her evaluated by an Occupational Therapist. Speaking from experience - There's light at the end of the tunnel.

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