Hi there, My son was recently diagnosed with SPD and we have begun OT. I am trying still to get over the guilt of not trusting my instincts earlier and getting him evaluated when he was younger. He recently turned seven and is getting the help he needs now. He is an amazing boy, very smart, academically advanced, but struggles socially due to needing to pace in a room when things get too busy or emotionally reacts with tears when asked to make split decisions or shift gears in school quickly. Transitions are his downfall. So, while he academically excels, the kids are not so kind and it's a small small school. It breaks my heart to watch him isolated so much from his classmates because they think he is a baby or weird.

I still struggle with feeling I have let him down watching him struggle these past few years ignoring that little voice telling me something was different. I trusted doctors saying he would outgrow his pacing and arm flailing and sensitivities. I finally ignored them and got him evaluated but I still cry over feeling I failed him as a mom through pre school and kindergarten.

That's my story. I have this wonderful boy who never ceases to amaze me. He is articulate, imaginative and so full of love and curiosity for all things scientific.

So, is there anyone out there who:
1) lives in Twin Cities and knows of a parent support group or play group with boys 6-9 years old who are struggling or have struggled with SPD and the school challenges

2) once their children were evaluated and started going through OT, have found that they too (the parent) struggle with SPD and how have you dealt with that?

Thanks for listening. I have been wanting to write but afraid to do it.