Sensory Processing Disorder article - washpost today

[Anonymous]

Why not address the root of these problems, and not just the symptoms? Why not learn how to create a more supportive home enviornment that can reduce the symptoms? What efforts at home have already been tried?

I’m the PP you’re responding to. Perhaps you missed it in my lengthy post but we met with NIH researchers, dev peds, psychologists, OT/PT/SLPs and not a single one could identify a single ‘root’ cause of SPD symptoms our kids were exhibiting. In my extensive research, I couldn’t find any information on what the ‘root’ of these problems other than it is neurological. Are you saying you know a professional who could identify the “root of these problems”? Please share.

As far as creating a supportive home environment, do you think people haven’t already tried that before seeking professional help?

Again, I ask, if you don't think SPD is a 'real' disorder, what do you suggest be done with those symptoms that are life impairing but for which there isn't enough evidence for a different diagnosis?

[Anonymous]

I regret trying! It was expensive. I believe in "mission creep" for OT. My ds has MERLD. The OT that shares space with the SLP tried to get me into OT. He has a speech problem. She tried telling me he was low tone and had sensory issues. His preschool (which has an inclusion program) always told me he was fine with everything but speech. I agree with other posters that feel SPD is not a disorder but rather a component of another issue'

I'm wondering if your DC is still young. Does he have an IEP? Unless your preschool staff are OT/PTs, they are not qualified to determine whether a child has hypotonia or sensory issues. It may be they saw no sign of it or, more likely, what they saw had no impact on his ability to 'access the curricula' but that doesn't mean a child doesn't have those issues. The perspective of school staff is limited to the educational realm, not whole life. One of my kids has hypotonia and fine motor challenges. He received OT services through the school as well as private OT. He was discharged from school OT services whenl his handwriting was legible and he could write on a line. We continue private OT because he's still unable to tie his shoes or button his shirt. But, for the purposes of school, he's fine. I have it in writing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Why not address the root of these problems, and not just the symptoms? Why not learn how to create a more supportive home enviornment that can reduce the symptoms? What efforts at home have already been tried?

I’m the PP you’re responding to. Perhaps you missed it in my lengthy post but we met with NIH researchers, dev peds, psychologists, OT/PT/SLPs and not a single one could identify a single ‘root’ cause of SPD symptoms our kids were exhibiting. In my extensive research, I couldn’t find any information on what the ‘root’ of these problems other than it is neurological. Are you saying you know a professional who could identify the “root of these problems”? Please share.

As far as creating a supportive home environment, do you think people haven’t already tried that before seeking professional help?

Again, I ask, if you don't think SPD is a 'real' disorder, what do you suggest be done with those symptoms that are life impairing but for which there isn't enough evidence for a different diagnosis?

1. How many hours have any of your specialists spent in your home enviornment, engaged in quiet observation?
2. What measures have you tried at home? For how long? Who guided and supported you through the process?

[Anonymous]

^^ np here. How are you supposed to pay for professional to give you that help at home if you have no recognized diagnosis??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Why not address the root of these problems, and not just the symptoms? Why not learn how to create a more supportive home enviornment that can reduce the symptoms? What efforts at home have already been tried?

I’m the PP you’re responding to. Perhaps you missed it in my lengthy post but we met with NIH researchers, dev peds, psychologists, OT/PT/SLPs and not a single one could identify a single ‘root’ cause of SPD symptoms our kids were exhibiting. In my extensive research, I couldn’t find any information on what the ‘root’ of these problems other than it is neurological. Are you saying you know a professional who could identify the “root of these problems”? Please share.

As far as creating a supportive home environment, do you think people haven’t already tried that before seeking professional help?

Again, I ask, if you don't think SPD is a 'real' disorder, what do you suggest be done with those symptoms that are life impairing but for which there isn't enough evidence for a different diagnosis?

1. How many hours have any of your specialists spent in your home enviornment, engaged in quiet observation?
2. What measures have you tried at home? For how long? Who guided and supported you through the process?

You're deflecting. You've said the 'root' cause of these problems should be addressed and I'm asking you who can identify the root cause. With your questions, you seem to be implying that you are that expert. What are your qualifications and where is your peer reviewed research regarding the 'root' cause of SPD and how can the 'root' cause be addressed?

In response to someone theorizing that making SPD a 'real' diagnosis would make it insurance worthy and enable people to get treatment, you said

A diagnosis should be recognized when there is some scientific basis for recognizing it as a distinct disorder, not so parents can get insurance to pay for their child's "treatment". SPD is a symptom, not a disorder.

I've asked you what should be done with those symptoms that are life impairing but for which there isn't enough evidence for a different diagnosis? Should those symptoms not be addressed? Asking me what we've done at home is not a response to that question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Why not address the root of these problems, and not just the symptoms? Why not learn how to create a more supportive home enviornment that can reduce the symptoms? What efforts at home have already been tried?

I’m the PP you’re responding to. Perhaps you missed it in my lengthy post but we met with NIH researchers, dev peds, psychologists, OT/PT/SLPs and not a single one could identify a single ‘root’ cause of SPD symptoms our kids were exhibiting. In my extensive research, I couldn’t find any information on what the ‘root’ of these problems other than it is neurological. Are you saying you know a professional who could identify the “root of these problems”? Please share.

As far as creating a supportive home environment, do you think people haven’t already tried that before seeking professional help?

Again, I ask, if you don't think SPD is a 'real' disorder, what do you suggest be done with those symptoms that are life impairing but for which there isn't enough evidence for a different diagnosis?

1. How many hours have any of your specialists spent in your home enviornment, engaged in quiet observation?
2. What measures have you tried at home? For how long? Who guided and supported you through the process?

Are you the Stanley Greenspan groupie who used to try and guilt us because we wouldn't quit our jobs to spend most of our waking hours doing Floortime with our DCs? I'm getting a sense of deja vu.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Why not address the root of these problems, and not just the symptoms? Why not learn how to create a more supportive home enviornment that can reduce the symptoms? What efforts at home have already been tried?

I’m the PP you’re responding to. Perhaps you missed it in my lengthy post but we met with NIH researchers, dev peds, psychologists, OT/PT/SLPs and not a single one could identify a single ‘root’ cause of SPD symptoms our kids were exhibiting. In my extensive research, I couldn’t find any information on what the ‘root’ of these problems other than it is neurological. Are you saying you know a professional who could identify the “root of these problems”? Please share.

As far as creating a supportive home environment, do you think people haven’t already tried that before seeking professional help?

Again, I ask, if you don't think SPD is a 'real' disorder, what do you suggest be done with those symptoms that are life impairing but for which there isn't enough evidence for a different diagnosis?

1. How many hours have any of your specialists spent in your home enviornment, engaged in quiet observation?
2. What measures have you tried at home? For how long? Who guided and supported you through the process?

Are you the Stanley Greenspan groupie who used to try and guilt us because we wouldn't quit our jobs to spend most of our waking hours doing Floortime with our DCs? I'm getting a sense of deja vu.

Why respond and avoid addressing either question?
I did once met him, but no, I don't promote floor time for grown adults. Do you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Why not address the root of these problems, and not just the symptoms? Why not learn how to create a more supportive home enviornment that can reduce the symptoms? What efforts at home have already been tried?

I’m the PP you’re responding to. Perhaps you missed it in my lengthy post but we met with NIH researchers, dev peds, psychologists, OT/PT/SLPs and not a single one could identify a single ‘root’ cause of SPD symptoms our kids were exhibiting. In my extensive research, I couldn’t find any information on what the ‘root’ of these problems other than it is neurological. Are you saying you know a professional who could identify the “root of these problems”? Please share.

As far as creating a supportive home environment, do you think people haven’t already tried that before seeking professional help?

Again, I ask, if you don't think SPD is a 'real' disorder, what do you suggest be done with those symptoms that are life impairing but for which there isn't enough evidence for a different diagnosis?

1. How many hours have any of your specialists spent in your home enviornment, engaged in quiet observation?
2. What measures have you tried at home? For how long? Who guided and supported you through the process?

You're deflecting. You've said the 'root' cause of these problems should be addressed and I'm asking you who can identify the root cause. With your questions, you seem to be implying that you are that expert. What are your qualifications and where is your peer reviewed research regarding the 'root' cause of SPD and how can the 'root' cause be addressed?

In response to someone theorizing that making SPD a 'real' diagnosis would make it insurance worthy and enable people to get treatment, you said

A diagnosis should be recognized when there is some scientific basis for recognizing it as a distinct disorder, not so parents can get insurance to pay for their child's "treatment". SPD is a symptom, not a disorder.

I've asked you what should be done with those symptoms that are life impairing but for which there isn't enough evidence for a different diagnosis? Should those symptoms not be addressed? Asking me what we've done at home is not a response to that question.

ALL symptoms SHOULD be addressed. I mean that as an ACTION activity. Not sitting around and talking about it and prescribing more meds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Why not address the root of these problems, and not just the symptoms? Why not learn how to create a more supportive home enviornment that can reduce the symptoms? What efforts at home have already been tried?

I’m the PP you’re responding to. Perhaps you missed it in my lengthy post but we met with NIH researchers, dev peds, psychologists, OT/PT/SLPs and not a single one could identify a single ‘root’ cause of SPD symptoms our kids were exhibiting. In my extensive research, I couldn’t find any information on what the ‘root’ of these problems other than it is neurological. Are you saying you know a professional who could identify the “root of these problems”? Please share.

As far as creating a supportive home environment, do you think people haven’t already tried that before seeking professional help?

Again, I ask, if you don't think SPD is a 'real' disorder, what do you suggest be done with those symptoms that are life impairing but for which there isn't enough evidence for a different diagnosis?

1. How many hours have any of your specialists spent in your home enviornment, engaged in quiet observation?
2. What measures have you tried at home? For how long? Who guided and supported you through the process?

You're deflecting. You've said the 'root' cause of these problems should be addressed and I'm asking you who can identify the root cause. With your questions, you seem to be implying that you are that expert. What are your qualifications and where is your peer reviewed research regarding the 'root' cause of SPD and how can the 'root' cause be addressed?

In response to someone theorizing that making SPD a 'real' diagnosis would make it insurance worthy and enable people to get treatment, you said

A diagnosis should be recognized when there is some scientific basis for recognizing it as a distinct disorder, not so parents can get insurance to pay for their child's "treatment". SPD is a symptom, not a disorder.

I've asked you what should be done with those symptoms that are life impairing but for which there isn't enough evidence for a different diagnosis? Should those symptoms not be addressed? Asking me what we've done at home is not a response to that question.

ALL symptoms SHOULD be addressed. I mean that as an ACTION activity. Not sitting around and talking about it and prescribing more meds.

Same poster here again. How would you like to identify your "experts"? The person having received impressive classroom instruction, but little or no success history? OR a person your kid's school suggested, with a keen sensitivity to zero in on correct root causes, and recommendations for reduction/elimination of exasperating symptoms?
Last time I made reference to healing as an art, I got flamed because healing is supposed to be a science. Except that so called "science" isn't working so well, is it? Even using meds, it's an ongoing task to constantly monitor the everchanging side-effects of various drugs. So my success lies in my ability to heal children/families as an art. I can't give you a one-size-fits-all solution, and certify a bunch of practitioners to duplicate my process.

[Anonymous]

Same poster here again. How would you like to identify your "experts"? The person having received impressive classroom instruction, but little or no success history? OR a person your kid's school suggested, with a keen sensitivity to zero in on correct root causes, and recommendations for reduction/elimination of exasperating symptoms?
Last time I made reference to healing as an art, I got flamed because healing is supposed to be a science. Except that so called "science" isn't working so well, is it? Even using meds, it's an ongoing task to constantly monitor the everchanging side-effects of various drugs. So my success lies in my ability to heal children/families as an art. I can't give you a one-size-fits-all solution, and certify a bunch of practitioners to duplicate my process.

Oh-kaaay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Interesting. I never bought into the SPD thing. My child had sensory stuff going on but I went first to a developmental pediatrician. We do OT after a diagnosis and in combination with other things, but I wouldn't have imagined going to just an OT for therapy first since I guess I just assumed sensory stuff was part and parcel of a bigger picture. In our case, it was ADHD and the diagnosis was not in the least surprising.

I agree with this. WE got a worthless diagnosis of SPD after a well-known "SPD expert" saw our family and DC for only 30 min. asking questions. THen our referring pediatrician had to hound the specialist for 3 months to get the "SPD" report. She was disgusted and threw it away. Another expensive course of testing not compensated by insurance. There are truly too many whackos in this field who want to find a diagnosis everywhere in everyone.

[Anonymous]

Oh, supposedly SPD kid did fabulously well later on in life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Interesting. I never bought into the SPD thing. My child had sensory stuff going on but I went first to a developmental pediatrician. We do OT after a diagnosis and in combination with other things, but I wouldn't have imagined going to just an OT for therapy first since I guess I just assumed sensory stuff was part and parcel of a bigger picture. In our case, it was ADHD and the diagnosis was not in the least surprising.

I agree with this. WE got a worthless diagnosis of SPD after a well-known "SPD expert" saw our family and DC for only 30 min. asking questions. THen our referring pediatrician had to hound the specialist for 3 months to get the "SPD" report. She was disgusted and threw it away. Another expensive course of testing not compensated by insurance. There are truly too many whackos in this field who want to find a diagnosis everywhere in everyone.

Wondering what background the so called SPD expert had?

[Anonymous]

I've asked you what should be done with those symptoms that are life impairing but for which there isn't enough evidence for a different diagnosis? Should those symptoms not be addressed? Asking me what we've done at home is not a response to that question.


ALL symptoms SHOULD be addressed. I mean that as an ACTION activity. Not sitting around and talking about it and prescribing more meds.

No one on this thread is talking about treating SPD with meds. Why are you? Off your meds?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since an OT is not a doctor, they shouldn't be diagnosing anything. How convenient that the "disorder" they diagnose is treated only by them.

Rest assured though, once a pharmaceutical company claims they have a drug to treat SPD, it will then gladly be accepted by medicine and included in the next DSM.

There we are.