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I don't know where to post this so I'm trying a couple of areas. I remember about a year or so ago there were quite a few posts about sensory processing issues and I thought there was a specific place for these posts, but haven't been able to find it.
My son, just turned 2, may have sensory processing issues. We meet with the OT on the 30th for an evaluation. What can I expect from the evaluation? How do sensory problems manifest themselves? I know this can be a long list and specific to the individual, I'm just trying to get a grasp on the whole subject.
Z was exposed to drugs inutero, cocaine, tobacco, and alcohol from what we know. He is speech delayed, his receptive speech is pretty high but his ability to speak and form words / sounds has been delayed. At 2 he has about 10 words, 5 of which he uses on a regular basis, the other 5 sometimes. We can go an entire day without him making an actual "speech" sound other than crying / whining. I have noticed that in the last couple of weeks he's really made strides on his speech, 2 new words and he's making the sounds for the names of a few letters. He just doesn't do it regularily. He may say "book" one day and then not repeat it for a week.
He also still walks on his toes primarily, especially if he's not wearing shoes. I didn't think much of it, but his speech therapist mentioned that it may indicate sensory issues. He's very advanced physically, walked at 11 months, can run, jump,climb, do puzzles, manipulate small objects, yet can't use a fork and spoon, plus the toe walking. I've noticed that he needs a lot of transisiton time when moving from one activity to another and if he doesn't get he can go ballistic. One extreme to another as far as mood goes. He also HATES long sleeves. I noticed this past winter that he pulled and cried when I put long sleeve shirts on him and he eventually got used to it and was ok when I put them on. Fast forward to our 100+ degree temps and he's been in short sleeves for months. I tried to put a long sleeve bathing suit top on him the other day and he freaked out, pulling at the sleeves trying to get them off and crying.
I guess I'm not exactly sure what I'm asking...for those with experience, does it sound like he might have some sensory issues or is this typical spirited 2 year old behavior? What can I expect of the evaluation? If he does have sensory issues, what can I do to help him? Any suggestions on websites or books? I'm just at a loss right now.
I can appreciate your situation. I work with a fair amount of kids who have sensory issues, and it can be challenging. While it is hard to know what effect the drugs/alcohol had on him in utero, I think it might also be important to consider any sort of history of trauma that the child experienced. If there was a history of trauma, there are some effective play-based therapies that might be of use. In terms of the OT, I imagine that he/she will try to understand what types of sensory overloads your child is experiencing. It will be important to incorporate such things into his environment. Here are some ideas for how to manage sensory overloads. I hope they are helpful. [url=http://www.suite101.com/content/unique-ideas-to-soothe-sensory-overload-in-children-a301500]Unique Ideas to Soothe Sensory Overload in Children | Suite101.com[/url]
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