Vomiting and SPD

by Gina
(PA)

My son has what they say is a "mild" case of SPD. This morning he had pancakes for breakfast which is something he normally eats. He also had some milk and about an hour later had a cup of juice which he drank pretty fast.

He came in the room where I was and showed me that his pillow had some vomit on it. It was mostly liquid. The same thing happened last week. He was just playing with his toys and all of a sudden threw up a little.

Is this something that happens with SPD or is it just an upset stomach? It has me worried and the nurse at the drs. office was of no help.

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Aug 10, 2018
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Vomit
by: Anonymous

Vomiting is not the issue but the cause is..my son who's 22 vomits on command...its been years now...he will vomit only when his anxiety are higher then usual.

He will drink fluids so that he can vomit at will.i use to clean asap then let him clean it..now I ignore it and it bothers him so much that am not cleaning it up asap that he tries to vomit everywhere till there us no room for him to pace..at which point he starts to clean it up..he is none verbal and most of it is in the habit that he has developed..

we took him to all doctors he was clinically proven to be healthy with no gastro issue's..if you have smaller kids my advise is to curb it right away..dont assume it's only a flight to fight they should see a specialty either a gastro doctor to rule out any medical issues but most of all behavioural problems.

Good luck..my son still vomits but he is trying to stop now as he understood it's not producing the same results.

Jul 29, 2018
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Projectile committing in autistic child.
by: Anonymous

My grandson vomits frequently, usually after meals. He is 16 and has Autism. He over eats. So we locked the goodies up in a cabinet. which helped with weight gain. But he still throws up when he is done eating. Everyone is stressed.

Where can we find help?

Dec 14, 2017
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Nightly vomiting after dinner
by: Anonymous

I came unto this site when I was looking for answer why my son with ADHD theories up intermittently after dinner at nights. This started at this age14.

Before two years ago,he grew so fatty and constantly spitting out huge saliva almost every few minutes. The school even talked to me about it each time He got our of the bus,he would spit out very huge saliva.

Last two years, I became worried about him approaching puberty I his condition including his non verbal. I started doing research and found out the toxic nature of the body of an autistic person because of the leaky guts.

I put him on yeast supplement, and started juicing organic green vegetables and fruits everyday to help detox him. Within few weeks,he lost two third of his bogus weight and within three months, he dramatically lost all the weights asks stopped spitting. I also daily GUIDE him probiotic ginger tea with lemon (biglows) after meals e wash night. I want to say that the idea ox juicing asks putting him on one time yeast supplement was given to me by the Holy Spirit after many years of prayers.

Our came as an answered prayers. He also asked me to be careful asks determined to see that he eats only gluten free and casein free foods and never to eer on that. When ever I slacked on that, he starts spitting again every few minutes and whenever I put him back on his fresh juice,he stops.

But now,a he developed this constant nightly throwing ups after dinner even after his juice and probiotic tea,I get confused. His sisters kept asking me to take him to see doctor. From what I have read so far here, do doctors really have answers? Most of the comments here say that doctors don't have answers. If anyone can help me with answers,please do. Does it have anything to do with some kind of virus?

He even throws up after giving him activated charcoal which usually binds poisons and toxins in the system, and which used to work for him.If anyone has answers please email me at: hispriestlybride@gmail.com. Blessings.

Dec 04, 2017
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Vomiting
by: Anonymous

My son who is non verbal with autism has been vomiting for 20 years. It started when he went residential for one year and had continued. This causes chemical imbalance and is most distressing and worrying.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sep 26, 2017
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9 yr old daughter vomits
by: Anonymous

Glad I found this thread! My 9 yr old daughter has been vomiting cyclically for the past 6 months. She has ADHD and is starting an asd assessment this week.

Every 3 weeks or so she will start vomiting for no apparent reason. She will vomit several times in a short period, like 5 times in an hour. Afterwards, she is fine! It is always sudden onset and occurs at different times of day, but is usually while sleeping or right when she wakes up. She was taken for abdominal ultrasound and comprehensive blood work and all was normal. There is no common trigger.

Hoping she outgrows this soon.

Jun 24, 2017
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SPD?
by: Fazlul

Our three (3) year old daughter has suddenly been showing an oversensitivity to smell: she can't tolerate any body odor, bad breath, or smell in the toilets (all which seems normal), but has also started showing aversion to foods that were her favorite once.

Every time she asks for a type of dish to eat (when she is in fact hungry), she becomes nauseous as soon as the food is brought near her mouth.

We have to emotionally blackmail her at times by telling her we would go for a drive to places (which we do) she likes if she finishes her breakfast / lunch / dinner.

I never thought this would happen with us but it has. She has a doctor's appointment at 3PM today. Don't know what the future holds for us.

Apr 01, 2017
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Can anyone help
by: Anonymous

My 9 yr olld son is ADHD and has lots of sensory issues and is yet to be tested for autism. He has been so difficult to feed for 5 yrs but now it's getting almost impossible to find anything he will eat. He has rarely came home from school with his lunchbox touched this week and the past 2 nights shortly after he's gone to bed he has thrown up all he has eaten that afternoon. I desperately need help and am making an appointment to see a doctor tomorrow and hope they can order some tests so I can see what his body is lacking, how his results compare to his last test and also a referral to a dietitian and a psychiatrist.

Dec 01, 2016
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My son grew out of it in high school
by: Anonymous

My son developed SPD at the age of 4 and it continued until high school. He would gag at the smell going into a restaurant even though he was hungry. I finally figured out that I could buy him food that he wanted, and he would eat it at home. If we were on vacation, he would take it back to the hotel room and eat it there.

For a long time all he would eat when we were out were french fries and that was in the car.
When he was 15 he spent the weekend with his friend. I told the dad that he wouldn't eat out and to not be concerned.

When they got home he said he ate a ribs and a half of a chicken at a local restaurant. I was shocked, but after that, he never had an issue eating out again.

Oct 25, 2016
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4 year old same problems
by: April

My son has sensory and is currently in OT weekly. He started vomiting around 1 year old and we where told it was reflux, it was not. We did the scope and nothing mechanically wrong so they said it was in his head. WE now know he has Sensory and hes very hyper at times and rough. Our problem is he vomits everytime we mention going somewhere, eating out, birthday parties, trick or treating, going to his grandmas house.... anything!!!! He enjoys these things and wants to do them but any talk of them makes him vomit. I can tell from his mannerisms and the look on his face that it is coming.... I try and talk him out of it at times. His dr was concerned this would become a learned behavior and it occurs daily. I have no idea why but the summers seem to be allot better and less frequent. Winter is horrible because he stresses anything around his neck or too close. We can only zip jackets about half way before he starts gagging. I dont know what to do, pre school is horrible right now. He is vomiting going from preschool to daycare and anything they do in between. When i ask him why he gets sick he will say he ate too much (and he did not). Now because of the vomiting we have some food aversion. SOMEONE HELP... our doctors dont seem to offer much help. I think they are just as clueless as I am.....

Sep 18, 2016
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Sickness
by: Anonymous

I have it with my 7yrs old son every night and it's horrible and I was hoping someone may have some ideas I could try I have bath story meds bed story me or CD bed later earlier but the min he knows it's time to sleep he feels sick tummy hurts head hurts and if he can be sick he can sleep if not he's awake on and off all night

Jul 24, 2016
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Likes vomiting
by: Anonymous

My 4yo said at a young age of 2yo that she likes vomiting, it's funny. She has said it every time she has vomited. She very rarely vomits but I'm wondering if I should be quietly concerned? Is this a trait of SPD? She hasn't been diagnosed with anything.

May 29, 2016
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Vomiting with Anxiety
by: Anonymous

My son is 11 and has vomitted for years after breakfast. One day may be great and the next nothing. He works himself up and then he pukes. I know it is in his head. He is currently seeing a good therapist to try to solve the issue. Very frustrating. I just want to say "eat"!

May 19, 2016
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Were not alone
by: Anonymous

Ok so we're not alone our 12 year old will be eating and he has to have headphones on to drown out the noise.he also eats only certain things.but I'll watch him and I can tell that when he's eating and he thinks about something he'll throw up.we don't know what to do about this.the eating disorder treatment center says it's not PhYsical but it's in his head and they say to talk to a psychologist so we asked the one we go to and she says it's a eating disorder.does anyone know what to try? You can email me at boiboo2465@ gmail.com

Feb 22, 2016
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Help with vomiting with Autism
by: Anonymous

My brother is 26 with autism and is non verbal. He throws up around once a month maybe skipping a month here and there every since i can remember. I worry that without help thus could lessen his life. I worry what could be happing in the inside. Where does my mom start? He is so skinny and won't eat much as it is I just don't know what to do and I have him more now that my dad has passed away and my mom is seeing someone. I just want to be aware and do all I can. Please help

Dec 22, 2015
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I'm dealing with the same Issues
by: Anonymous

I have a 5 1/2 yr old whom is dealing with same issues

She has been vomiting since she was a 9 months. Projectile at times. She was given singulars but nothing worked. Yesterday I took her to the gi dr and they want to do a scope. Her dad said abosulutly not! Today we are

Gojnf to ot. For food aversion and sensory issues. Last night she woke up sweating and shaking I had her go back to sleep when I massaged her with lavender oil and coconut. She is always nervous and won't eat at school since she vomited during lunch the first day. She won't eat at restaurants now. She will vomit in restaurants. Due to my fears of vomiting probably doesn't help much either. Thank u all for ur help and I'm glad to hear others experience the same. People look at me like I'm weird. My daughter sees a therapist.

Nov 28, 2015
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Seeing Someone Spit and Throwing Up
by: Anonymous

So glad to find this site. My daughter who is now in her early 30's has been throwing up since she was 4 after seeing a little boy spit. Every time someone spits she has to throw up. It can be a movie or tv show or in real life. It doesn't seem to make a difference. Most people get used to things like that and get over it but she can't seem to control it. We are at a loss as to what to do. I am wondering if anyone else out there has a similar problem and has found a solution?

May 16, 2015
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Answers would be helpful
by: Anonymous

My 9 year old son only vomits when we go to restaurants. He has been tested for allergies, Celiac, and intestinal blockage. I am still suspicious that there is some ingredient in restaurant food which triggers his vomiting. Going back to the pediatrician (again-this has been an issue since he was in a high chair. Less embarrassing now, as he is not doing it in public (projecting across the table) but excuses himself and does it in the restroom). He has no developmental disorder other than poor eyesight and a lazy eye. He is very verbal. It might be an allergy common to many children, including non autistic children.

Feb 06, 2015
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Vomiting when an adult
by: Anonymous

My 26 year old son is still vomiting regularly - he has been doing it since about three years old. He is just about to undergo an endoscopy and hernia repair at the same time. I think he may have had problems with digesting food when little and the problem became behavioural. All sorts of things have been tried with him - lactose free milk, antacids, reward charts etc but to no avail. He is non verbal and autistic and tends to vomit for two reasons - when he's anxious or upset and when he's trying to make a point - usually when he's angry about something. I think he may also do it for sensory feedback. It's extremely unpleasant particularly when he projectile vomits over things - recently it was the inside of the car! I would strongly advise to nip it in the bud while your children are small as it is very hard to stop when it has become ingrained.

Jan 23, 2015
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food allergies
by: Anonymous

I vomited and would feel terrible for up to three hours at a time, almost daily at its worst from 12 yrs old until 24 when I saw a naturalpathic healer who said allergies to food. Went to the md. And sure enough, skin testing concluded some dedicate food allergies. As an asthmatic, doctors tested multiple times for environmental issues (which I have many) And over those years my parents had me seen by about every specialist known to man. I found with a food elimination diet, that I am terribly intolerant or allergic to soy which is in nearly everything in one dorm or another. I can do a small amount without worrying, but as soon as it builds up in my system, I can't eat corn, any may, or what without becoming sick within hrs.

Jan 11, 2015
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8 yr old son
by: Shawn P.

My son every 3-4 months with vomit during the night and the smell is horrible. He shows no sign of any sickness. My wife and I would contribute it to a stomach bug but it never effects our other two children. He has to wear a leg brace due to what the doctors tell us was a stroke in the womb. Could the two be linked? Any ideas on what could cause this?

Jul 25, 2014
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Just started Vomiting
by: Mel

My boy is 9 and has just started making himself sick. he is diagnosed with Global Development Delay with aspects of Autism. He has sensory issues and consequently has a very limited diet but is normally mot ill.

He is doing this before going to bed and seems to do this so that he will not have to go to his own bed and also so that he can stay at home with mum. so I think it is a control thing in some ways.

Making him clean it up would not help as he loves to help and has even offered to help clean up his own sick.

he is very routinely orientated and we do not want this to become part of his routine!
Any help or advice would be most welcome

Apr 07, 2014
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3 year old vomits
by: Anonymous

I need some advice regarding my 3 year old daughter. She will vomit at the sight or smell of siblings nappy. She will also vomit if her sibling has food on face or body afrer eating. She will vomit if she has dropped food on herself. She will vomit when upset and has tantrums. Need help and advice as this is almost daily. She has not been diagnosed with anything else. We cant even eat out as she has vomited in almost every resturant we have been too.

Feb 22, 2014
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rumination syndrome
by: Anonymous

There is something called "rumination syndrome" which can be treated by a behavioral psychologist.. someone sent me this link:

"No drugs are available to effectively treat rumination syndrome. Recent research suggests that the best way to stop rumination syndrome is to relearn how to eat and digest food properly. This requires diaphragmatic rebreathing training.

A behavioral psychologist usually teaches this, and it's easy to learn. The technique has to be used at the start of every meal to avoid regurgitation. Over time, most people can master the breathing technique and eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of rumination syndrome."

http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=134&ContentID=82

http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/rumination-syndrome

Nov 29, 2013
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No Answers
by: Tiffany

My 12 year old son started throwing up after a hospital stay this summer. It started maybe once every two to three weeks, but got closer and closer together. On October 5, I took him to the emergency room for an IV. I was told that I don't have realistic expectations of what an ER is for. I'm sorry, figured you could hook him up to an IV so he would become dehydrated... On October 31, he was admitted into the pediatric ward as a type of respite. He continued to not only throw up, but make a huge scene while doing so. He was admitted to an institution on November 5 and released on November 22. There are still no answers. The institution told us they couldn't do anymore for him and the eating disorder clinics refuse to take him because he is too "medically complex." He has had a swallow test which came back negative. The doctors refuse to do a scope or any further diagnostic tests.

My son will eat, then runs to the bathroom and FORCES himself to throw up. Doctors, nurses, etc. have seen him do this. Yet, nobody has any answers.

I called Rogers Medical Center in Wisconsin. They want an upfront fee of over $30,000! I don't even make that in a year :( My son still has no answers and I'm afraid he will end up dead before we ever get any. He's already lost over 35% of his body weight in the past few months. His psychiatrist doesn't seem very knowledgeable and the pediatrician is at a loss.

There just is absolutely NOTHING in the Lansing, Michigan area - even Michigan State University doesn't want to take on this kid.

Nov 28, 2013
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GERD
by: Anonymous

Our son has SPD and Gerd and since he has been on prevacid he has quit vomiting and his appetite has increased. He still has texture problems but the the vomiting has stopped

Nov 19, 2013
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i need help
by: Anonymous

My son is 16 months today. has had this problem for 8 months and its becoming worse.
I need help because he is loosing weight drastically.

When ever he sees a cup spoon or plate with his baby food, he will force himself to vomit all he has eaten 3 or 4 hours ago.

Mar 28, 2013
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Vomiting with smells
by: Toby Black,OTR

I am an OT with years of experience in pediatrics. I recently saw a 6 year old who vomits with meals. When seated with peers in the lunchroom he vomits everyday. He told me he doesn't like smells of food. He will not eat a sandwich because of the smell of bread. He has a hyper gag reflex which occurred when I touched the tip of his tongue. To decrease the gag we walked the tongue using a flavored tongue depressor; stopping at the tongue elevation and starting again; going back until the next gag; until we get to the back of the throat. Try feeding something after this process. When eating a meal, describe the food and let him smell the pot or food before sitting. Sometimes preparing them before the meal helps with the anxiety which is on high alert. These children are also carb seekers and add mcnuggets to their choices. SPD is one component but it does not appear to be the only one.

Feb 15, 2013
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help
by: Anonymous

My son is 7 and has been vomiting for about a year.Today he has thrown up atleast 25 times but small amounts...Mainly when he is active or sometimes when he drinks something...Can anyone help with ideas

Nov 30, 2012
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My 7 yr old has SPD vomits with smells
by: Anonymo

My son is 7 with SPD and vomits large amounts with smells. He has never been told he had reflux, we did sleep studies, etc and improved with OT, however, since he "graduated" from OT he continues to have issues... We can never tell what smells will trigger it and it happens so fast we run into problems a lot. He also eats so fast that we are constantly reminding him to slow down or he will trigger the gag reflux. Although it is common in SPD, it still can be frustrating as a parent to watch your child dealing with issues like these an then getting others to understand SPD!

Sep 24, 2012
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11 yr old autism son, mysterious sickness.
by: Stephanie

We have seen a wonderful homeopath therapist who helped a lot, and we are convinced environmental sensitivities, allergies, anxiety and sleep loss have to all be playing a part. My son, who as a baby had gag reflex issues, along with other sensory issues,..on top of autism (geesh!..is this really my life?? Lol) He gets 'mysteriously ill' out of nowhere, sometimes I can see a trigger, but sometimes I am blindsuded, glad I found this site, it appears we are not alone. I feel helpless, but at the same time am relentless at trying to spot a trigger and get it out of the way. He was never diagnosed with *reflux* per say, but has had lots of issues. I read in an above post that oxegen deplecion, due to sleep apneas can contribute. Thanks everyone, I honesty do not know what I would do without google :)

Sep 24, 2012
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vomits frequently
by: Anonymous

So glad to see these comments. I've been looking all over the internet for answers. It's comforting to know that others are linking this as a sensory issue. The doctors make no connection between the two. My son has sensory issues. He's six and vomits small amounts about 3 to 4 times a day. We've had every test done under the sun by a gastroenterologist with no answers. He did have reflux when he was little, but outgrew it before age one. Last week I was called to the school to come get him for vomiting. I'm always happy to get my child when he's sick, of course. However, I wanted to let the nurse know that spitting up for him is a daily occurrence and that it was important that he stay in school if it was simply a small amount of spit up and not real vomiting. She wasn't buying it and told me that he really was sick or they wouldn't have called. He had no fever and played like his usual self all afternoon. It may be a long year for us.

May 24, 2012
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Me too
by: Anonymous

My 11 yr old non verbal Autistic son throws up often after eating. I thought its becausr he does tend to eat fast, Ive been working with him to eat slower and put his fork down. Now that he is eating slower it still is happening!! He cant tell me hes going to be sick...he gets this look and I know its time to run!! Im afraid the resturants are going to start banning us lol. Im glad I found this sight....it lets me know were not alonte.

Apr 05, 2012
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Sleep Apnea ? Maybe
by: Anonymous

I did this for years ; it stopped when i stared using a CPAP ; the lose of oxygen during the "sleep" hours leaves one`s body really depleted ; I stopped breathing every four minutes some short term ;others not so short ; solved allot of medical problems for me ; Check your children before it affects / effects their lives permanently ; the side effects / affects are numerous and some led to early expiration of the subjects ; It`s a simple test just take your child to a sleep lab and lie dow with them and they will connect sensors to their lil body and the results will set your life at ease ; I was over Fifty before i was tested and found to be spending half of my nights not breathing ; Dr.Dempywolf saved my life .

May 22, 2011
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Severe Gag Reflex
by: Anonymous

We spent lots of time and money trying to get solutions for why our son (with autism)could only tolerate stage 1 and 2 baby foods until he was 5 years old. Right up until the week before he started kindergarten...we didn't know what we were going to do. I had never heard of a kid with a feeding disorder who only ate baby food at that age.

We finally found an SLP who could help! She desensitized his gag reflex. None of the other therapists were doing that. The very first day with her she told us that's what must be done. She said he will not eat age appropriate foods and will continue to throw up until his gag reflex is desensitized. Now he eats everything! No problems whatsoever. He had zero oral motor skills and a highly sensitive gag reflex. Now he eats peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chicken nuggets, pancakes, apples, everything! He eats better than our typically developing kids.

What a miracle! Sally Bober is a feeding therapy Queen!

Mar 09, 2011
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2.5 year old daughter does this occasionally
by: Anonymous

My 2.5 year old daughter occasionally vomits for no reason and is not "sick" She vomits once and a while, sometimes a few months goes by and sometimes it is a few weeks in between incidents. She had acid reflux when she was an infant and after some feedings she would projectile vomit as we would try and burp her. My husband and I are at our wits end as well trying ot figure it out. She she's a PT and Speech Therapist for her delay. For the longest time we thought it was motion sickness as it would happen in the car, but then recently it has happened at home while playing or in bed and then she is fine afterward, laughing, playing and eating/drinking like nothing happened.

Oct 12, 2010
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3 year old with SPD also has issues with vomitting
by: Anonymous

My son just turned 3 a few weeks ago. He has sensory issues and has not had official diagnosis of SPD, but the therapists that have worked with him since 20 month's all agree he has sensory problems and likely has SPD. He has had problems with vomiting and off for a long time. He will go through long period with no problems then it will happen 3 or 4 times in a short period of time. Sometimes they are related to over stuffing, sometimes related to tantrums and lately they have been self induced for what we think is attention seeking behaviors. He will say "I'm sick" make himself fake cough until he gags and then will throw up. It usually only happens like this in public places--we were on vacation recently and it happened two days in a row while we were out to eat. My husband and I are at our wits end of how to handle this purposeful thing he is doing.

He also had reflux as a baby and we have been advised to talk to his doctor to see if there is a medical reason, but honestly he truly is "making" himself throw up--he is NOT sick. Now there are times when I think reflux is the cause--like if he drinks too much juice or too much acidic foods. But this was not the case as of late. I guess this is more of a ?I?m glad I'm not alone" post than anything else.

Jul 23, 2010
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probiotics
by: Anonymous

Hi all. My 7 year old has had reflux since birth. She's been diagnosed with SPD, I have seen info that seems to link low core muscle tone with reflux. She has been in OT for 6 months and the reflux is almost gone. That could be increased core muscle tone, we have also gone to lactose free milk although she does not test lactose intolerant, removed fried foods and citrus, but the most important, I think is daily probiotics in the form of yogurt or kefir.
In the meantime we used prevacid to reduce the acid level of the stomach contents and protect the esophagus. Proton pump inhibitors like prevacid can lead to anemia - so don't use them without doctor's guidance. Good luck!!! We're off the prevacid.

May 08, 2009
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severe gag
by: Anonymous

My foster son is 3 and a half. He was diagnosed with Autism at 2 and a half. He gags and vomits daily. He gags at the sound of the microwave before there's any food near him. He only drinks pediasure and will sometimes eat banana yogurt. He gags at everything. He will not try new things, and if I put it in his mouth he gags and vomits everything else he had drank (pediasure).

He gags more in the morning usually puking the morning bottle. I do laundry at least 3 times a day. He vomits the liquid before hes barely swallowed it. Its soo frustrating. He was failure to thrive at 8 months old when he arrived at my house. I struggle every day to keep him alive and eating.

To top it off he doesn't have the connection to the brain to tell him hes hungry or thirsty. So he has sensory plus just doesn't care about eating or drinking. He vomits when ya want him to do other things too.

He used to gag when his mother picked him up on his visits. He gagged and spit up on the easter bunny..... I have an ot, pt , dietitian,speech,& behavioral therapist. Nobody knows what to do with him.They say just keep on doing what Your doing. I never leave my house!!!

Apr 16, 2009
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I'm 15 and I've had that same thing since I was very young
by: Anonymous

I was diagnosed with SPD when I was about 8yrs. old. I have always just vomited out of what seemed, nowhere, but there's always a reason. It's called anxiety. I have anxiety and I start to get very nervous, and then vomit. Hope this helps!

Apr 16, 2009
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first time vomiting incident
by: Anonymous

My 7 month old daughter kept waking up every 15 minutes from 2 am to 5 am. I kept trying to nurse her but she would fall asleep within 5 minutes. So I made her a bottle of formula, she did the same thing, fell asleep before even drinking a whole ounce. 10 minutes later she woke up whining and refusing the bottle so I just held her and kept rubbing her back thinking she may need to burp. She vomited (projectile) all over me, caught her breath, then did it again. She immediately fell asleep after wards. The reason this worries me is because she has NEVER vomited before. Any ideas? Thanks!

Mar 06, 2009
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Induced vomiting
by: Casey

Like many people have stated my 3 1/2 year-old son has SPD and had GERD and Reflux problems when he was younger. He also gags on things like strong smelling medicines, and it always comes up. This is very frustrating when the child needs to take the antibiotic for an ear infection or other illness.

If he doesn't like the food, drink, or medicine that he needs to take he consistently gags before, during, and after putting it in the mouth. He has even choked himself before, and that was super scary.

He also shoves his fingers and fists in his mouth when he gets frustrated (although this is beginning to decrease as he gets older) and induces vomiting. This is so frustrating! He is an oral sensory seeker so I know that part of him is compelled to do so, but he is also a smart booger and knows that whatever situation that was upsetting him (like sitting at the dining room table while the rest of us finish eating) ends abruptly when I have to clean up puke.

His OT had me try to discern if the behavior was caused by olafactory, oral, or just behavioral temper tantrums and treat each one differently but consistently.

The smell/taste:if you know that banana flavored meds make him sick as the pharmacists for cherry or your kids fav. flavor. Sometimes they cannot do that flavor (Augmentin...I HATE AUGMENTIN!) but they try to be accommodating. Sometimes you just have to give it to them any way. If they throw up immediately then they get another dose. Part of it is desensitizing anyway.

Over-eating too quickly because he really enjoys the food/drink can pose a problem. My son has gotten in the chocolates before (I don't know if that is sensory related or just stubborn child related), but if you eat or drink too much too fast it is bound to make any one sick...Just try to pace them. Give them small cups of juice and tell them they can have more in an hour. If they drink it too fast, then don't give them more. They will figure it out. Eating too fast is also a leading cause in the rise of childhood obesity, learning to eat slower will help with that too. And since my child has an almost pure and absolute revulsion to anything remotely healthy(peas-->throw up, mashed potatoes-->throw up, bananas-->throw up...you get the point...)I want to do my part in teaching him some good eating habits.

Oral Sensory Seeking ~ Offer Chewy's, brushing therapies, gum if they are old enough. Have a sensory snack available...It will help keep their hands out of their mouths.

Behavior:Ignore them...as hard as it may be. Let them sit in their throw up until you are done eating. (I know most sane human beings loose their appetite after watching and smelling someone puke, but it takes away their power.)

Medical:Get a medical opinion if your child has bad acid reflux, it may be doing esophageal damage, and that can easily be treated with Prilosec or other comparable meds.

Feb 02, 2009
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9 year old
by: Joanna Bloom

My daughter is 9 and was diagnosed with SPD as a 4 year old. I am wondering if her last 4 vomiting episodes (2 last winter, 2 this winter) are not somehow related to her SPD/Anxiety. She vomited frequently as a baby (not spitting up), and now the pattern seems to be transitioning from a busy weekend to going back to school.

It's possible that it's "just a virus", but I sense that there's a mysterious connection to SPD and the med people I've spoken with (both eastern and western) seem to know nothing about this. Then I find this post and wonder if there ISN"T some common connection.

In our case, I'm convinced that it's anxiety, too much sensory input and not enough down time for transitioning. We've had long periods of stomach complaints, so I will also look into food allergies like gluten. I am grateful, however, for any posts of this sort that I find that help me know I'm not just imagining things.

Jan 26, 2009
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Vomiting Since Birth
by: Anonymous

I'm amazed every time I "check in" as another piece of our mystery is right here in front of me. Thank You all for sharing, some days it's the only way I get through.

My 4 year old son has vomited (projectile) since birth. He slept in his car seat in fear he would vomit in his sleep. He would vomit everyday, twice, three, four times a day. There was never a pattern except within the first 10 minutes of falling asleep. I have teen aged daughters who still cry when they vomit but my little guy knew the drill by the time he was 2.

We had him tested for reflux and found nothing to explain the chronic vomiting. He was given reflux medication which did not stop it, the dose doubled which also did nothing. Finally we were told it was Asthma, meds started... still nothing. Now 4 years old the vomiting has slowed, possibly maturing a bit or due to starting an anti- depressant.

We're unsure but do know his SPD causes a sensitivity to smells, food texture and a very sensitive gag reflex. Every child is different however so ruling out reflux isn't a bad idea.

Good luck, my heart goes out to you and your child.

Jan 26, 2009
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Me Too! Thank You
by: Anonymous

Thank you for bringing this up. My son who is 4 years old and vomits constantly. There seems to be no reason for his vomiting. He will vomit during meals or soon after. I am just learning of my sons diagnosis of SPD and am wondering if this correlates. My son will be tested for reflux soon, but it has helped to know we are not alone.

Aug 12, 2008
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My son vomits often
by: Anonymous

I have a 3.5 year old and we were just told he has SPD. He does vomit often. He usually does it BEFORE he eats because of the smell (even if we can't smell it - he ALWAYS can)

Jul 24, 2008
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Reflux
by: Gina

Thanks for your help. We were just saying yesterday that if it keeps up, we will have to have him checked for reflux. His baby brother is on meds now for that.

Jul 23, 2008
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Reflux
by: Jessi

I don't know of any connection between reflux and SPD, but my son has both. I would advise getting your child tested. My son started eating much better after he got on medication, threw up less, and it helped his chronic sinus problems.

Jul 23, 2008
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Vomiting and SPD
by: Carrie

My daughter vomits a lot and for no apparent reason-usually during eating or soon after. My pediatrician has also not been very helpful, no one can seem to figure out why, but be rest assured you are not the only one. I have found I feed her every 5 hours and slowly and let her watch a video for a few minutes after I feed her and all this together seems to make a difference! Good luck :)

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Vomiting and SPD

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