Hi everyone. I'm not 100% certain on whether or not my son has SPD or autism even. I'm looking for answers and hoping some of you may be able to enlighten me!

My son will be seven in October, he's beginning 1st Grade in September. He's always had difficulty learning new things unless he was absorbed by them. Going into Kindergarten he knew very little academically and with the luck of the gods his Kindergarten teacher was able to have one on one time with him and he learned leaps and bounds. Unfortunately he's still not learning at the normal level for kids his age and his teacher and I requested an IEP meeting.

All is actually going smoothly with IEP, but as the summer has progressed and he's seen more specialists I'm noticing some quirks that I hadn't really thought unusual before. His school psychologist suggested taking him to a developmental specialist to be tested for autism, but I whole heartedly believe he has SPD.

He's not withdrawn and generally loves playing with other children, but sometimes he pulls away from everyone and wants to be completely left alone. He is over affectionate. He's a major hugger, the sort of bear hug that knocks you to the ground. He touches everything...especially when we're out!

He is bouncing, jumping, spinning, or running 60% of the time. The other 40% he's sitting engrossed in a tv show or playing with toys! He obsesses over certain toys, characters, or shows. Not like the typical kid obsession, like the sort of obsession that makes you want to pull your hair out if you hear another word about power rangers or beyblades!

He's constantly jumping and crashing into my furniture, walls, and floor...purposely. I tell him to stop, he's says ok, then seconds later he's doing it again as if I never said anything....and he does it over and over again! He prefers being upside down too....not sure, just seemed odd.

He can't run or skip properly and still demonstrates difficulty pedaling a bike, but can do it. He eats almost anything, as if nothing actually has a seperate taste. He overstuffs his mouth then chews, generally and suprisingly not choking! He wrestles with his sister and dog often a little too rough, although he is quick to apologize if he hurts anyone.

He is really light sensitive, getting headaches and watery eyes if he is in contact with a bright light or wakes up with a tv on. He HATES temp tattoos and face painting, refuses either completely! He does like finger painting though!

So these are a few of the things I'd always thought were just his quirky behavior, but now concerned may be SPD undiagnosed and causing difficulty in his ability to learn at a mainstream level. Does anyone have any input as to where to begin and/or if you believe he exhibits the signs of SPD too?

Thanks