Sensory Perception?

Alycia - posted on 12/03/2010

and the previously suggested brushing therapy is one of the excersizes I was referring too, but have an OT teach it to you. The brush and amount of pressure used are very important. In regard to the pressure our OT told me that there is a very fine line between calming them and causing more problems with the same strokes.

Alycia - posted on 12/03/2010

My daughter (her name is Carrie too :) ) has sensory issues, primarily her cues are sounds, but for a while it was touch as well... OT has helped a lot for her to get over it, but we've learned to go around things she doesn't like and OT will teach you some excersizes to do with her that help calm her so that things don't bother her as much

Theresa - posted on 12/03/2010

thank you for letting me know there is a group just for mothers that have children with sensory intergration disorders...I have been looking..thank you

Fern - posted on 09/21/2010

OOPS, forgot to tell you there is a group here on Circle of Moms called Moms of Sensory Processing Disorder Kids, you might want to check it out. You will find other moms who have kids with this disorder who can offer a lot more info and support than the parents that don't deal with this!

Fern - posted on 09/21/2010

You can start with brushing therapy, which has helped my son a lot. Try giving her things to sit on that are soft and smooth like a memory foam cushion with a microfleece cover. You should buy clothing that doesn't have tags, scratchy lace, etc. You don't want to do anything that overstimulates them.

Lynn - posted on 09/21/2010

I agree with Amy. Definitely ask her doctor for a referral to an OT place for an SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) evaluation.



My older son (9) has SPD. I've found that the best thing to prevent the meltdowns for him is to talk him through everything and let him know ahead of time what's going to happen. For washing and combing hair, I will tell him, "I'm going to wet your hair down now. It's just water." "I'm going to put the shampoo in your hair now. Close your eyes." "I'm going to pour water over your head now. Keep your eyes closed." Then I count the number of times I pour a cup of water over his head to rinse the shampoo.



He also had a hard time with sudden loud noises, so I would warn him, "I'm going to turn the vacuum on now. Cover your ears."



In the morning, when I wake him up for school, I'll tell him, "I'm going to turn the light on, close your eyes."



To him, all these sensations feel like an attack. The better I'm able to prepare him, the better he's able to handle whatever it is.



Even socially. He has trouble in large crowds and lots of anxiety. (We could never go to Chuck E. Cheese for years.) My husband has a big family, so even family functions are scary to him. I tell him, "There will be a lot of people there, but you know Aunt Patti and Uncle Dave, and your cousins. Dad and I are staying too, we won't leave."



ETA: I love The Out-of-Sync Child! Great book! Definitely recommend reading it. On Facebook, I joined the Sensory Planet group, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Support Group.

Cindy - posted on 08/26/2010

My adopted daughter has always had sensory issues too. I did the O.Therapy when she was a baby. She still has problems, she's almost 4 in Dec. She has really curly hair. I just try to distract her w/something when I brush her hair. I do it as fast as I can. Bathing is a struggle too. I just do it as fast as I can while sing or laugh about something funny. It's not easy, but kids w/sensory issues just feel a lot different than normal kids do.

Tina - posted on 05/10/2010

If anyone is on Facebook, there is a group that has just been formed for parents of children with sensory processing disorders. A friend of mine has started the group, hoping it is a way for parents to exchange information and resources on sensory processing disorder. If you're interested, search for "sensory processing disorder" on facebook and you will see her group. It's only a new group, so she's hoping to from a lot of other parents on their experiences, what's worked, what hasn't, and any books or therapy programs that may be of benefit.

Alyn - posted on 05/07/2010

HI--I totally agree with Sarah and Jody. I love that book, helped me figure out what was going on with my son a few years ago--I then was able to find the right place for a diagnosis and help. Good luck, it does get better...

Jody - posted on 05/07/2010

Hi Carrie. I agree with Sarah on this. The Out Of Sync Child provides alot of information that will help you. An evaluation by an OT experienced with sensory integration is a great choice, if possible. I work at such a clinic in Michigan & the kids who receive therapy make great strides. You can go to www.spdfoundation.net and search for therapists in your area who specialize in sensory processing disorder. Good Luck!

Brenda - posted on 05/06/2010

My daughter has a few sensory issues. My advice is to go with it, and be prepared. For instance, she hates having her hair combed, so we keep it shorter. ( I wanted a girl with long hair that I could brush and braid, etc). We cut tags out of clothing if we need to. I skip buying anything that might seem itchy. I can use tape on her dance costumes that might feel scratchy. I don;'t insist she eat mashed potatoes, the texture makes her uncomfortable. I offer an alternative. However she LOVES feeling different textures with her hands, so stickiness rarely bothers here. I think it's interesting how every child can be different within their issue.

Sarah - posted on 05/05/2010

Well Carrie, you will probably get lots of replies saying much the same thing, which is that the therapy for this is Occupational Therapy. A book I would highly recommend to you is The Out of Sync Child. I read it when my son was about three and it was like light-bulbs going off over my head every chapter. It explains the whole neurological system the body has for processing and how some children's systems can be slower than others to develop, be out of whack, and so on, and what you can do to help it get where it needs to be. The best thing to do for her I think is to get her evaluated and then see what sort of therapy, if any, she could benefit from You don't say how old she is but it is likely that if she's under 4 there is Early Intervention in your state which would make the evaluating and then therapy free. Your pediatrician can give you a prescription to get her evaluated. It's how we got our son started. He had issues with sensory integration but unlike your child he needed more input instead of not wanting to be touched, he'd squeeze himself into small spaces, press against other children, bang his head, etc. It had all sorts of ways of manifesting itself.

Augusta - posted on 05/04/2010

Grandma Linda... great idea for Carrie! I already do that with my little one, Charlie 11 months, will start doing it with older daughter!

Grandma Linda - posted on 05/04/2010

Well it sounds like you need to get in touch with first steps program! I also have a child that will not touch certain things. He is starting to do better with first steps intervention! You have to just introduce him to things slowly...they also have a brush to brush the skin,I have one if you want it..You have to put it in each limb and put a little slight pressure and go down the limbs about five times each....

Augusta - posted on 05/03/2010

Hi Carrie! My daughter has the same issue with her hair being washed, combed, or anything to do with her hair being touched! I did not realize it could be a sensory perception issue!! Maybe we can collaborate together to get some answers!

Iridescent - posted on 04/27/2010

Request an Occupational Therapist do a sensory evaluation. They'll determine what the problem areas are, and methods to help.

Melanie - posted on 04/27/2010

My son has sensory issues in his hands. He doesn't like dirt or anything messy on his hands as soon as he does he gets so upset that we end up reaching for the baby wipes just to calm him down. What our Occupational Therapist suggested is that when he gets messy take the long route to wash his hands and distract him along the way. Maybe you could let her brush your hair and then try hers but take small steps. Try to ease her into things like a little at a time. I would also suggest deep massage. So maybe rub her hands or her back slightly harder than normal not hurting more supporting and letting her feel comfortable. It's to calm down a stressed child by using deep movements on hands or back/shoulders. I hope i have helped xx