Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - okay, listening to folks, it sounds like i could take an incremental approach for the sensory sensitivity (therapy sessions/etc) and then do a psych exam, if there are still bigger issues…… i guess i am feeling very divided and that $5k is a lot of money for a diagnosis/ w/o treatment etc??! I appreciate all the thoughts here as it is a lot….

You could also schedule a standalone behavioral evaluation with a BCBA to address meltdowns if that’s a concern of yours.

Or with a child therapist experienced in PCIT.

Anonymous wrote:OP here - okay, listening to folks, it sounds like i could take an incremental approach for the sensory sensitivity (therapy sessions/etc) and then do a psych exam, if there are still bigger issues…… i guess i am feeling very divided and that $5k is a lot of money for a diagnosis/ w/o treatment etc??! I appreciate all the thoughts here as it is a lot….

You’re not made of money. As a parent you need to make financially sensible choices as well as be attentive to your kid’s needs. If you cannot afford OT because you spent $5k on an assessment that told you your kid should get OT, how does that make sense? If you are concerned about academic impacts or autism start the assessment process at school. For the sensory stuff you can find an OT next week.

Anonymous wrote:OP here - okay, listening to folks, it sounds like i could take an incremental approach for the sensory sensitivity (therapy sessions/etc) and then do a psych exam, if there are still bigger issues…… i guess i am feeling very divided and that $5k is a lot of money for a diagnosis/ w/o treatment etc??! I appreciate all the thoughts here as it is a lot….

You could also schedule a standalone behavioral evaluation with a BCBA to address meltdowns if that’s a concern of yours.

OP here - okay, listening to folks, it sounds like i could take an incremental approach for the sensory sensitivity (therapy sessions/etc) and then do a psych exam, if there are still bigger issues…… i guess i am feeling very divided and that $5k is a lot of money for a diagnosis/ w/o treatment etc??! I appreciate all the thoughts here as it is a lot….

Anonymous wrote:My DC fit this profile at this age. We started with OT which helped but know that progress is extremely incremental. We eventually did a neuropsych at age 8.5 and then meds. You really cannot “self diagnose” unfortunately. But if sensory issues are something that is happening now start there and see what happens. Know that it’s can be a long road but my child now is a teen and thriving in all aspects of life (a PITA teen lest you think I’m painting too rosey of a picture, but doing really really well).

There is a wide gulf between “self diagnosing” and spending thousands that most families do not have on a huge battery of tests. I am continually confused why people here believe that things like autism can only be dx’d by shelling out thousands to CAAT or whatever

Anonymous wrote:OP here -after encouragement here - I've scheduled an evaluation. the price is jaw-dropping but I think it is better to get a thorough screening, and get some clarity. If it is nothing, I've spent some money and have peace of mind and know I was just paranoid. It if it something, I'm not wasting time on finding resources/therapies to help....So I guess it is a win/win (minus the price tag). Maybe in part I am afraid of what a fine tooth comb scan will find....

You’re doing the exact opposite- wasting time and money on an evaluation instead of getting your kid directly into therapy that helps. You’ve been sold something you don’t need to pay for. The issues you describe are actually quite common and have effective therapies - and I hate to break it to you but your $7k evaluation is just going to recommend the *exact same therapies* that you could figure out your kid needs right now.

Anonymous wrote:OP here -after encouragement here - I've scheduled an evaluation. the price is jaw-dropping but I think it is better to get a thorough screening, and get some clarity. If it is nothing, I've spent some money and have peace of mind and know I was just paranoid. It if it something, I'm not wasting time on finding resources/therapies to help....So I guess it is a win/win (minus the price tag). Maybe in part I am afraid of what a fine tooth comb scan will find....

It’s insane but you will good having a plan as to what you are dealing with

My DC fit this profile at this age. We started with OT which helped but know that progress is extremely incremental. We eventually did a neuropsych at age 8.5 and then meds. You really cannot “self diagnose” unfortunately. But if sensory issues are something that is happening now start there and see what happens. Know that it’s can be a long road but my child now is a teen and thriving in all aspects of life (a PITA teen lest you think I’m painting too rosey of a picture, but doing really really well).

Anonymous wrote:Why is this sensory sensitivity only an American issue? You don't see this kind of thing in Russia or China ...

How would you know in a communist country?

OP here -after encouragement here - I've scheduled an evaluation. the price is jaw-dropping but I think it is better to get a thorough screening, and get some clarity. If it is nothing, I've spent some money and have peace of mind and know I was just paranoid. It if it something, I'm not wasting time on finding resources/therapies to help....So I guess it is a win/win (minus the price tag). Maybe in part I am afraid of what a fine tooth comb scan will find....

OP here, thank you all, this is so helpful. This is a true journey of learning, and I appreciate your compassionate and candid responses.

As a parent, trust your gut. If something feels off, testing can’t hurt if you can afford it. Either you’ll get a diagnosis and helpful recommendations or you’ll get some reassurance. It could be autism or it could be anxiety or ADHD or a combo. More information is always helpful. DD is now a young adult but when she was that age she was very sensitive and struck me as stubborn. I saw her as mildly anxious. No teacher ever expressed a concern even when I asked and she had plenty of friends. But by 4th/5th things were harder for her socially and she was became harder for me to parent. She began therapy for anxiety and in 6th grade was finally diagnosed with ADHD. I wish I had evaluated her sooner so we could have supported her better. I have two other kids with other disabilities and have learned to trust my intuition.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why is this sensory sensitivity only an American issue? You don't see this kind of thing in Russia or China ...

OMG please go back under the rock you climbed out of.

Of course Russia and China have these issues.

But you are MAGA and want a facsist dictatorship like North Korea because you are too stupid to learn or think for yourself.

Please limit your TDS comments to the politics forum.

Had similar issues with my DS and got the full eval. Turns out the diagnosis was anxiety and largely stemming from his then-preschool's disciplinary approach which made him feel like a "bad kid." Got him into OT and changed schools, and two years later it's like we have a different kid.

Anonymous wrote:Why is this sensory sensitivity only an American issue? You don't see this kind of thing in Russia or China ...

OMG please go back under the rock you climbed out of.

Of course Russia and China have these issues.

But you are MAGA and want a facsist dictatorship like North Korea because you are too stupid to learn or think for yourself.