My daughter, my frustrations..........

Brandi - posted on 10/07/2009

What I've learned about the school districts is that they aren't great at getting things diagnosed, but work better with diagnoses. What I mean is that you'll be better off to get her diagnosed by someone outside the school...a neurologist, Occupational Therapist, her pediatrician, whomever. Unfortunately the schools don't have anyone qualified to make an SPD diagnosis, but they should be willing to make accomodations for your daughter once she is diagnosed. Then you can go back to the school and say, "We have this new diagnosis to add to her IEP." What services/accomodations do we need to add to help her achieve? Good luck!

Tiffany - posted on 09/25/2009

My son is 2 1/2 and his development has been fallowed by the health department since before he was born. The health department has done some testing and would like me to take him to a pediatric occupational therapist for a sensory evaluation. I do not think insurance covers this. I also have people say he is just a little boy or he will grow out of it. He goes to a mother's day out 3 days a week and is great there. So, they will not do anything, they have said, " children are like that with their mothers." It is frustrating. You may try the occupational thapist and see what they say.

Shelly - posted on 09/24/2009

You are not failing as a parent, first of all. It's very clear to me from reading your note, that you care very much and are a good parent.

That is disappointing to hear about her school's reaction. I agree.. shame on them! They need to be more careful about who they hire as principal.

Some of my family and friends were the same way about my son (age 5) with the "he'll grow out of it", "it's just a phase", "he's just a boy" attitude. His Dr actually told me that "he will outgrow it". But others were asking me if he was autistic or had some other issue. I decided it would be better to find out for sure than to sit there and wonder. So I got some recommendations from other homeschooling moms, and took him to an Occupational Therapist. She gave us the diagnosis of SPD. It was a relief for me, knowing that he did have something that we could put a name to, and that there were things that we could do. I also, STRONGLY recommend reading "The Out of Sync Child" by Carol Stock Kranowitz. I have read the book a couple times (just loaned it out to the YCM director at our church), and am taking notes! It's a great resource, but more importantly, find an OT in your area who can give you a diagnosis, and help you decide a course of treatment.

I pray that you find the answers you are looking for... Children are a gift, even when things are difficult.

Heidi - posted on 09/23/2009

I have found that putting things in writing, such as "I request that my child be evaluated but a psychiatrist or occupational therapist by ______(date)" is usually effective for schools. They just seem to try to do as little as possible.If it is not demanded they won't do it.

Tracy - posted on 09/11/2009

I understand how you feel. My daughter just turned 8 and for the last 6 years we have turned everywhere we could think of for help. Early intervention and her school told us they found nothing wrong. They believed she had ADHD. Several doctors made diagnosis of ADHD, ODD, and even PDD. They had her medicated and when I realized the medications actually seemed to be making her worse I tried to talk to the doctor who walked away from me. Needless to say I took her off of the medications myself and continued to look else where for help once again. In July we took our daughter to an occupational therapist for an evaluation who diagnosed her with SPD. To our surprise she has made remarkable progress in such a short time. Instead of throwing violent tantrums for 1-2 hours she may throw a bit of a fit for maybe 10 minutes...huge difference. An OT saved our little girls life, maybe they could do the same for yours.

Sherri - posted on 09/02/2009

First off, shame on that principal! What is wrong with people these days? Anyway, I know what you mean about thinking you are messing things up. My daughter is 8 1/2 and I JUST got the diagnosis, went through the "it's just her age, it's just her", but it didn't get better. The best thing you can do is educate yourself, read "The Out of Sync Child". Keep trying to find a pediatrician who will LISTEN. Contact a local OT group and get a recommendation for a pediatrician who specializes. That's how I found my daughter's pediatrician and it really was better to have that confirmation. Don't listen to the school or your family. STart with finding a pediatrician and take it from there. It does help relieve some frustration when someone thinks you're NOT crazy. My family still gives me the look, but now my daughter is in OT and is really learning how to deal. Check out this website also http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.c... it really helps. (as for the food thing and water- appease her for now. just let her know you are listening to her and that does help. she's probably just as frustrated as you are and doesn't know how to voice what's going on.) good luck!

Sandy - posted on 08/22/2009

I went to my family doctor and after some routine testing he referred my to the developmental and Behavior specialist in our area. There is usally a waiting period to get in, but there is where I got my twins Diagnosed with ASD. Also, they were attending speech therapy and I talked to them about my concerns, they were tested there too, for sensory issues, and now get OT weekly. Keep asking..demand help...start with the medical doctors and don't give up until someone gives you the right referrals.