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Disagreeing with many others here. Because many of the kids here on this forum have special needs, they assume kids with SPD also have another special need or a diagnosis. However usually only a small window of kids with SPD behaviors are diagnosed with anything else. As a matter of fact, most parents don’t even realize their kids have SPD until they start seeing someone about anxiety. Because kids with sensory issues tend to exhibit signs of anxiety.
I think seeing a therapist about the anxiety, mentioning her SPD issues (sensory seeking or sensory avoiding or a mix) will help her get on track. If the therapist notices anything anything else then you can look into a neuro evaluation. But if your child’s teachers or pediatrician are not seeing any ADHD signs or other signs, I think going in for an expensive evaluation is a waste of time. If she is that social, independent, and works well in school, I think you are just looking at some anxiety related to sensory issues. |
You got this part wrong. We assume this because it is the consensus of the medical profession. Sometimes the consensus is wrong, but usually it's your best bet. |
Op, sorry I misquoted you, "She used to BEG to stay home alone, has always been my independent fearless child. Bikes off with neighborhood kids, etc.. Besides the one month last year, this is such a sharp contrast. Now she calls to get picked up from play dates earl. Asks if I can pick her up from school." I still think with al the references to sensory issues and anxiety that you should get a neuropsych eval for ADHD. The teacher isn't qualified to diagnose anything and ADHD looks different in girls. This probably isn't a phase. |
Why would you think ADHD? OP describes anxiety (which can also present with being oversensitive/sensory avoidant -- that's how I am as an adult). OP describes zero symptoms related to focus. Think horses, not zebras. Therapy with a therapist specialized in anxiety and OCD is a good first step. |
As an adult I have clinical anxiety and definitely had sensory issues as a child. Definitely related. I still am sensory sensitive! Cover my ears when ambulances pass, etc. I think the more important question is how any sensory issues interfere with life. They never interfered with my life -- they just make me uncomfortable, but are easy to accomodate. The anxiety is the real issue. |
Parent of a girl with ADHD and anxiety. This does not sound like an ADHD girl. More likely she has underlying anxiety that manifests under stress. Probably something changed in her life that is causing her stress, either an environmental change, or her own growing awareness of things she didn't notice when she was younger. If so, then a few months of CBT should help. If CBT doesn't help, then maybe add medication. A detailed assessment by a therapist should be able to clarify things. Not time for a neuropsych unless the therapist identifies issues beyond what OP has described. Although teacher's can't diagnose, they do see a lot of kids and statistically, they will get one ADHD girl every two or three years. Good teachers can identify problems that indicate ADHD and may recommend an evaluation, but of course they won't offer a diagnosis. |
^^ Oh and as a PP suggested, some possibility of OCD due to the unusual hand movements. Anxiety and OCD often occur together. |
| We can arm chair diagnose all we like of what it sounds like. Gee, maybe the op could get an evaluation--a real one this time and not one for "spd." |
OP is already going for an evaluation. We are just offering some perspectives that hopefully are helpful to her. |
| Sounds like preteen separation anxiety disorder. If she is already a sensitive child and starting to become aware of the terrible news lately, it could affect her this way. |
You might be the least helpful person on this forum. Does it make you feel better about your own life to shame people with sarcasm? It’s been less than a month ongoing. She met with the teacher and is taking her to see a therapist. There is no need to go immediately to a neuropsych eval. |
A neuropsych won't be immediate. It's not like you can schedule them like a manicure. The op describes ongoing issues for year starting with seeing a need to get her "evaluated" for SPD at age 4. She doesn't know what she's looking at and neither do any of us. No one can diagnose your kid over the internet. That's the point. |
She is going to a therapist for an evaluation. If you had a sharp pain in your shoulder, I'd say go see a doctor, not get an MRI. If you had the pain for 5 years, I'd still say go see a doctor. It seems like your point is really that everyone should spend $4,000 on a neuropsych or wait six months to get it under insurance at Children's, but in no case should someone spend $200 to get some professional advice before doing either of those things. |
Getting professional advice is fine. Intake appointment for a psychologist/therapist will run about $400 and around $200 per appointment. They don't "evaluate." |
Nobody can diagnose her kid over the internet, but we CAN share our own paths towards diagnoses (or not) and the kinds of professionals that we saw. But the posters (like you) who have a one-size-fits-all mentality and jump down throats if somebody isn't doing it their way, are not helpful. |