Looking for a Behaviorist...I think

[Anonymous]

My DD, 5, has lots of sensory and social issues. She's at the age where she responds pretty well to suggestions and instead of freaking out when I see an odd behavior, she will say she's sorry or listen to my suggestions. So I feel like she may respond to a behaviorist's techniques. Anyway, there are two reasons I'd like to consult with someone. First being, that when we are at home there are some OCD/fear type issues I'd like to nip in the bud. Silly things but I don't want her to get hung up on these odd habits -- hiding when Swiper (from Dora) comes on the DC, screaming at me and her father if we start singing along with a song on the TV, etc. The second reason, and the bigger reason, is that I sort of feel that we need a therapist to tag team along with the things they do in my dd's social group. My DD has big trouble sticking with a group for very long, attending to a game or a conversation. And I'm wondering if there are behaviorial techniques that we and her teachers could use to cue her to stay engaged, etc. As I write I feel like I am babbling but I guess I'm looking for a behaviorist to help us with a few mild things at home, but someone who's well versed in social cue issues to help with that if possible. Does that make sense and if so any recommendations?

[Anonymous]

your dd sounds a bit similar to mine. (she is also afraid of swiper.) some of the stuff you're describing sounds sort of sensory (the yelling at the singing), and we have had success -- at least with auditory stuff -- with the listening program, which seems like a load of bunk but actually has worked for us. as for staying with things, our dd has adhd -- and her distractibility is due to that. certainly behaviorists can help with cuing, but the disorganization that comes along with an attention problem may require a more comprehensive approach. if adhd is your problem, the folks at stixrud might be able to help.

good luck.

[Anonymous]

Other then the social skills group, is your DD getting any other interventions? Certainly OT would help with some of her sensory issues. We, too, had some success with the Listening Program (I know the jury is still out on that) as well as How Does Your Engine Run. Our OT adapted it, making a book for DS and we use it to help him with self-control and better understand what he's feeling and why. He's got ADHD/LD and has SPD. I've also heard really good things about the In Step programs. It was too expensive for us but I understand they have a parent's group that meets when the kids have sessions. http://www.insteppc.com/about.shtml

[Anonymous]

Where are you looking-what area? I do know of someone who is good with anxiety issues who used to practice I think in Bethesday and now is possibly in Centreville (need to check).

[Anonymous]

Kids with OCD should be checked for P.A.N.D.A.S., especially with so much non-symptomatic strep around.

I agree that OT is more likely to address the need for the behavior.