(05-16-2013, 04:24 PM)Tuttleturtle Wrote: How are his people skills?

I know they mentioned PDD to you as a place to look and that lead to you SPD, but really, reading that list of traits, it really said to me to look into the social part of it, because that list of traits looks closer to what I'd expect from someone with an ASD than someone with SPD.

SPD is a possibility, but from what I've read SPD doesn't look quite the same as ASDs without the social parts mentioned and that looks more like the ASD without the social parts mentioned to me.

An OT evaluation would probably be a good idea, but I'd want an evaluation for an ASD first personally if he's not normal developmentally on the social parts.

His social skills are actually very good. He has an easy time making friends. That's why I'm reallly thinking it's more (if anything) SPD. He does go to play therapy (we pay out of pocket for an intern) and she has mentioned she noticed some sensory issues. She was going to videotape him yesterday, but couldn't get the camera to work. So, I'm hoping she and her supervisor will make observations that could be helpful. Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it : )

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(05-16-2013, 03:54 PM)Amyc03 Wrote: My son has many of the same challenges. Anywhere that has large crowds can be a challenge. Whenever we go to the store I put him in the cart for a little while to let him adjust. Whenever he is deeply focused he chews on his shirt(not even realizing he is). Adjusting to school was huge. We realized that in K there is sooo much activity in the classroom that he couldn't handle it. He was put in a desk near the class, but in his own space. This helped. During recess he would be settled in a place to play and could move onto the playground when he chose. He began speech therapy and behavioral IEP. This has also helped. He can communicate where more people can understand him. In first grade it was an adjustment period. The teacher set up a quiet spot where he could go at any time he felt a meltdown coming on. There are also other teachers who will allow him to come to their class to keep routine( substitutes there or drastic change in routine). It helps a lot to have a relationship with your child's teacher and others that are in contact with your child. It makes a huge difference. I have found a natural supplement called Focus for kids that helps him. He tells me it feels like it helps with his control. He has violent meltdowns with yelling and stopping and throwing. During these times I make sure not to yell. I give him a few minutes so that he will hear me, then tell him to go to his room in his cocoon. This is a blanket that he wraps himself in to block all stimuli from him. After a little while he will ask me for a very tight hug which he says helps him calm down. It's not always that simple and at times I have had him go in and out of a meltdown. I always remind myself that he is not a bad child, but a very unique special gift. That he is my constant challenge to be a better mom and person. I am constantly learning with him. I wish you well in your adventure and discovery. Pre plan all things you can. And communicate with him.

We have been trying to be more patient as we are becoming more aware of how different he is than other kids. We also are trying not to "feed into" his meltdowns. That's my biggest challenge with him right now. You offered some great tips already. I'm going to try some things you've mentioned doing with your child. I will definitely check out the Focus supplement. I can tell you that his Kindergarten teacher is soooo amazing. She's young, a new teacher, but she really cares about her students and has been so patient with us and our son's situation. Thank you for your help. I feel so much better getting this advice from other parents who really understand what I'm talking about.

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(05-15-2013, 10:15 PM)LAC1961 Wrote: Welcome. Some of your son's symptoms sound like SPD, but not all of them. Have you ever done an SPD checklist? It may be worthwhile to do one to put your own mind at ease. You're right that it is not an approved diagnosis, but some of the symptoms of SPD are diagnoses in and of themselves (see my daughter's diagnosis below). Perhaps it would be a good idea to have him evaluated by a developmental pediatrician, who would be able to identify symptoms that may indicate a diagnosis other than SPD or in addition to SPD. Here's a link to the symptom checklist on this site: http://spdsupport.org/resources/symptoms.shtml
It isn't unusual for kids with SPD to have other diagnoses. My 5 y.o. daughter has an SPD diagnosis of dyspraxia. She also has ADD and speech apraxia. All these diagnoses are related to her neurological system. She was also tested for some genetic disorders than can produce similar symptoms as SPD, but they were negative. A developmental ped could determine if he's a candidate for genetic or other testing.
There are lots of things that could cause the chronic diarrhea. A friend I met online has a son with this problem, and he has fructose malabsorption. Others I know are gluten intolerant or dairy intolerant. The diarrhea problem should likely be evaluated by a gastroenterologist.
I know this can be overwhelming, but you will find a lot of support and encouragement here. Keep at it.

Thank you! We have tried going GF and dairy free for a while with him with no success. I've never heard of the fructose malasorption and he LOVES fruit. We'll have to read up on that. I have checked out the SPD checklist and he has alot of the symptoms, but not all.