I'm REALLY WORRIED: Please "talk" to me about children with Sensory Processing Issues/Disorder

[Anonymous]

My 3.5 year old DS is exhibiting some signs that I think may be sensory processing issues/disorder. He is very sensitive to smell and sound. He is not potty trained for bm's. He doesn't handle change very well and is VERY sensitive. This morning he didn't want to wear his swim shirt because it was too tight around his neck. He used a pacifier to self-soothe until he was almost 3 (pediatrician didn't seem concerned, so I wasn't concerned about the paci). The shirt thing has NEVER happened before. He has never said something was itchy or felt weird, so it may be that he just didn't like the feel of the "wetsuit" type shirt.

If he does have SPD or something like that, what do you do? Do you see an OT?

He has a new baby brother so I don't know if that is exacerbating things. When do you worry or seek help?

[Anonymous]

Sorry OP, that sounds really stressful. You might want to post on the Special Needs forum, you'd probably get more responses from parents who've been there. I think early intervention can do wonders, as well as determining what the triggers are.

[Anonymous]

My 3.5 year old also hates his swim shirt, so I would not take that too seriously. If he demonstrates other issues, then talk to your Ped.

Not being potty trained would be the biggest issue in your list of concerns at this point, I think

What sort of sensitivity to smell and sound does he show?

[Anonymous]

They're weird at that age. I wouldn't read to much into the swim shirt thing. Mine found every hat "too itchy" at that stage and would have a huge fit anytime I tried to make him wear one. He also couldn't handle a haircut until he was almost 5 (though the dentist didn't bother him). He hated the hair in eyes and the itchiness...he would have a tantrum anytime we tried to cut it or the barber or cartoon cuts, etc.

Add in the new baby and he is going to be 'off' for a while until he adjusts. His whole world has just been rocked.

[Anonymous]

Special Needs mom here --

I don't think a one-time incidence of not liking the feel of his shirt sounds like a disorder. Sensory sensitivity is noticeable constantly, over time, whenever clothing of a certain type is put on the child or clothing at all.

Many young children have trouble with transitions, and 3.5 is still an age when boys have problems with training with #2. None of this sounds to me too much out of the ordinary.

What I suggest is a talk with the pediatrician. Write down these things, or, print out this email and bring it along. Talk about each subject until you feel better or until you have some ideas of where to go from here.

[Anonymous]

My niece has SPD but it was obvious even as an infant that there was something wrong. My brother and SIL started her in speech and OT at about 20 months old and it made a world of difference. Now you'd really only know if you knew her well ... if you didn't, you'd just think she was kind of a quirky, precocious 6 year old.

This does not sound like SPD based on my experience, but if you're concerned I would call your ped. HTH.

[Anonymous]

I think you seek help if his "sensitivities" are interfering with daily life or his development. And being thrown off by the new baby would surely exacerbate any child's sensitivities, as generally anxiety would. If you feel like your child's issues remain or are increasing, you might want to read The Out of Sync Child. You might want to read it either way if you are concerned--it is a very helpful book that can give you many suggestions and ideas to help any kid with sensitivities.

[Anonymous]

Definitely talk to your pediatrician with a list of your concerns. I had "diagnosed" my 3 year old with sensory issues then took her to our pediatrician who concurred and referred us to a dev ped who diagnosed her with something totally different. So basically, don't rely on the internet if you're worried

[Anonymous]

I believe many children don't develop a strong sense of smell until 3 years old or later, so it may be that his smell is just coming online and he's noticing it!

My daughter has SPD, and like other said, it was evident from birth.

If *you're* worried, it's always worth consulting a professional.

[Anonymous]

In general, pediatrician's don't make too much of SPD and think it's overblown (I have an SPD child so I can say this from personal experience). The best thing to do is actually to have an OT do an evaluation if you are concerned. The most a pediatrician would do is send you to an OT but in all likelihood, they would be more likely to say it is all normal behavior (which I would guess you have some reservations about if you are posting here). It is not unusual for the sensitivities to increase at times of stress (i.e. new baby) or even maturity since they are suddenly more aware of what exactly is making them feel uncomfortable and perhaps have the language to express it which they may not have had before. At any rate, if you are concerned, I would definitely go to an OT. At best, they will put your mind at ease and say everything is fine. At worst, they will identify the problem and work with you to develop strategies to deal with the sensitivities. From personal experience, I can tell you that OT can make a world of difference and the kids love going. My typically developing child begs to go every time. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I have a child with an ASD and a typical child and this sounds like my typical. I think you are probably overreacting, maybe stressed with the new baby. I wouldn't want to wear a tight, itchy shirt either, would you? There is nothing in your post that sounds like a red flag for anything, except your anxiety level seems very high. Relax. Its really hard on the oldest when they get a baby sibling. Ride it out.