My son possibly has SPD?

by Tanya
(Pennsylvania)

I never really thought anything was wrong with my 5 year old son - I just thought he was immature and would outgrow his behaviors. He was recently at a doctor's appointment and he was not able to balance on one foot, hop on one foot, or walk on his heels without holding on. He also could not straighten his legs while touching his toes. He is a very active child who loves to run, jump, swing, and climb. I have noticed that he is awkward sometimes and tends to fall down. I just figured he is a big child - 47 inches tall, and 60 pounds - and not able to control his body yet.

When I started looking at the information for SPD - a lot of the behaviors describe my son. Actually, when I look through the checklists - about 25 characteristics were checked primarily in the hyposensitivities and proprioceptive categories. But a few in the other categories as well. He does get overwhelmed in large groups of people and does not like a lot of loud noises.

I am just wondering if others have this same experience. He reached all of his major physical milestones on target, has a great vocabulary, and is very bright. He can write, cut with scissors, and is progressing on dressing himself better (his clothes are often twisted).

I guess a lot of the checked behaviors are common in younger children and am wondering when is it just immaturity? or SPD?