SPD Support Forum

I'm feeling overwhelmed at the moment. I have a 5yr old diagnosed with Non verbal learning disability, although I am certain he has Aspergers. I have also noticed he has a lot of sensory issues happening. While I try and find a good OT for him, I doing my best to read and implement activities at home...but, Im overwhelmed. When t home, I feel it's easier to gauge what is happening...he is being very physical = he needs some heavy activities or deep pressure activities to help calm him. But, in new situations like going to the airport, or out a restuarant, I find he exhibits all sensory problems. He gets really hyped, pushes, hits his brothers, runs away, is really loud. How do you start to work out what strategy would work in this situation? Or do you do EVERYTHING? ie, deep pressure hugs and pushing the stroller etc. is he experiencing a sensory meltdown? Even since a tiny kid, if he had unexpected visitors, he would react very similar - he would get really hyped, loud and physical. I would take him into his room and 'start again' as we called it. Squishy hugs, read a story, and then go and say hi. Id love to know your thoughts on what on is happening with my kiddo, and how best to respond, because we he reacts like the I get really overwhelmed and flustered and don't know how to help. Thanks heaps

sounds like you have SPD / a problem. not your son.

Tornado max, I don't really have any advice for you, not having to deal with a child with SPD (I'm the one that has it), but I completely disagree with Esmee.

Hope OT helps.

1. I completely disagree with Esmee.

2. If you know he has difficulties with things like new situations, don't wait for the overload to start, start beforehand. Make him do things that give him propioceptive input beforehand, because that seems like its something that helps.

3. See if an explanation of the situation before it happens helps. Plans! Expectations! Knowing what's going to happen so we can deal with it.

4. While you're going, then add another level of sensory input immediately as you're going. If he does well with sound, then have the proper music, if with touch, then proper fidget toys. Have those there BEFORE the problem starts.

5. When the problem starts, if it was me personally deep pressure without a question. Catch it fast, and apply deep pressure.

6. The "start again" idea sounds great! The squishy hugs, story, and then go say hi, sounds like a great plan for those situations.