How do I know if my daughter has SPD?

by Rachel
(Utah)

So my daughter is almost 8 and in retrospect has always been a little different. Everything comes slower and harder to her at home, at school, learning to potty train, fine motor skills, etc. She struggles with behavior and sometimes it is hard to tell if that is personality or her getting frustrated with how to handle things. A year ago the doctor diagnosed her with ADHD-PI. She has a hard time focusing, transitioning, hates her hair brushed or fixed, super picky eater, behind in fine motor and some gross motor skills, she hates loud sounds, she doesn't always get social ques and usually just stands and watches other kids play. I read lots of the checklist items and lots sound like her, but she isn't clumsy or overly sensitive to touch. I called my pediatrician and they said he doesn't test for SPD. Do I go to a clinical psychologist? Who tests or helps with this so that I know if she even has this or so we can get help????



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Dec 10, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		dont know what to do my daughter n i was told she has odd,adah n sid
by: Anonymous

i just found out that my daughter has odd n adhd n now sid n i am like what is going one she does have most of the signs of sid but i dont know this is about. wish someone can tell me whats going on might need to have a sec opinion done i want to know what she has i dont need 3 different disorders
Oct 23, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		testing
by: Anonymous

My son's school tested him last year in first grade. Good luck!
Sep 26, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Good News
by: Anonymous

That is great. I had to wait about a month or so too for my sons appointment. You want someone who has experience, so its worth the wait. Make a list of your questions on a daily basis. Every time a situation comes up, write it down. Every time you see questionable behavior, write it down. Tell the teachers to get involved and make a log for you if they notice anything academically or socially. The more specific information you have, the better.

This will be such a great relief for you. Once you have a formal diagnosis, you can move forward. Its more accepting and comforting to know that you aren't alone, and these kids can grow successfully with proper care.
Good Luck, please keep me posted.. !
Sep 26, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Found a dr
by: Rachel

Thank you, I really appreciate that input. I did some poking around and made an appointment with a Neuro psycologist who does screening/testing for all three. My appointment isn't until the end of November, but they acted like this is the type of stuff they are used to doing. It will be nice to get some answered to my constant stream of questions about what might be going on with her. Thanks again. :)
Sep 25, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pediatricians will not test..
by: Connie

In my experience as well, pediatricians will not test for any of these (autism, ADHD, SPD) unless they are specialized in a certain area like ADHD.

You are going to have to do a lot of research online to find a psychologist/psychiatrist that specializes in pediatric disorders. I researched and made many many calls to talk to psychologists to ask them their background and exposure. I finally found one (in our area) that specialized in all of the above (because at that time, I didnt know what my son could have- I had a suspicion it was SPD, but wanted to make sure all basis were covered). It's a shame that the pediatricians can't refer you to someone, but I am finding that, as the mom, you have to take the lead with these kids (at home, at school, with the doctors, etc)

It does sound like you are dealing with SPD issues, but I would get a thorough evaluation. It will be one day, for a few hours. At that point, you will know which areas you need to address. PT/OT may be needed, or even just social therapy. I waited until my son was 7. When I finally got the help, it was like night and day. It helps you as the parent, as well as your child. They can guide you as to how to handle certain issues. Get some feedback from the teachers too - Good Luck.

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