Think my son has SPD

When we adopted my 7 year old son 5 years ago, he was a picky eater and had anxiety issues. In the last year and a half he is now having severe half hour or longer meltdowns mainly over sensory issues (clothing, seatbelts, jackets, UNDERWEAR, SOCKS, itchy body, etc.) I approached my doctor a year ago and asked for a referral to a child psychiatrist. She did not listen to my concerns over sensory issues. I approached the school and asked for an OT referral, they said there were no concerns. Then everything ended as fast as it began, until 4 months ago and now he is angry all day, every day. Complains about EVERYTHING. Can't have showers anymore because the water hurts his skin. I have made an appointment with another doctor. I think he might have SPD. Any help would be greatly appreciated as it is now effecting my marriage and my sanity!!



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May 04, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		anon
by: AJ

yes, i agree. start with an eval with an occupational therapist first. they can be so resourceful.

also, i went the rounds with my husband with this spd stuff. many people don't buy into it but it is real. and you know it is when you're living it.

my one suggestion, is take your husband with you. so that it's not just coming from you. so he can hear it from someone else. and so you can both be more on the same page with it. would have saved me all kinds of grief in the beginning. :)
Feb 08, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		OT eval
by: Anonymous

ask your pediatrician for a referral to an OT for SPD. Sometimes children's hospitals have these resources. IF your pediatrician is a good doctor, he will give you it, if not, then find another pediatrician that will help you out. YOu are not just imagining it all!! The psychiatrist might also be able to give a referral as well, but it might be easier just to skip the psychiatrist and go onto the OT eval. I've not been that impressed with child psychologists.
Jan 04, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		I feel your pain!
by: Anonymous

Have him tested by a child psychologist. Its costly, but worth it if you can get a diagnosis. Then the school will have to consider an IEP for your son and provide OT. Unfortunately you're going to have to keep advocating for him and pushing through the nay sayers.

We have a 9 yr old with SPD and his meltdowns have become more frequent and we're looking into help dealing with them. Anything can trigger his anger and they last for 45-2hrs. He receives OT, but he needs something more. Would love to hear from other parents or therapists regarding the anger issue.

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