Hi everyone, I have arrived here because I have a 5 year old who only a few days ago was diagnosed as having SPD.

I have said since he was very little that there was "something" going on but no one agreed with me. It has taken me 5 years to get to this point. He has other things like food allergies too.

I find it difficult as I don't suffer to understand some of the things that he says about stuff e.g. It hurts when my hair is cut.

Only after reading a bit about it does some of the things he does makes sense but I still kinda feel lost and on the outside.

I really want to understand what is going on and would appreciate any help offered.

Thanks

Welcome!! My daughter is 5 as well, it is a dramatic age already the SPD makes it hard. We have a lot of food sensitivities and allergies too. Do you know what foods your child is having trouble with or are you doing an elimination diet to find out? I really like the book Sensational Kids http://www.amazon.com/Sensational-Kids-C...305&sr=8-1 The Out of Sync child is also a popular one, it's not my favorite because it is so general and doesn't offer a whole lot of ideas for everyday things but still a good overview of SPD. What kind of things do you need help with? Have you found some things that are calming and helpful for your child yet?

Hi and thanks for the welcome. He has been on a diet free of wheat, gluten, soya and up till last December dairy. When he was a baby being weaned his hands and feet use to drip sweat, this was before we took out the foods above.

I just thought he had ADHD and that no one was taking any notice. He likes to do everything at speed even talking. He has been under x2 paediatricians since birth, he was 8 weeks prem.

As I didnt know this is what he has until this week not really sure what calms him down. Everything seems to make him hyper. OT gave him a weighted matt to put on his knee and he used it at the table for dinner, it's the first time ever that he has sat still for the whole meal, he is usually off his seat several times while eating. Am after any info at the moment until I get to see them again.

Hi and welcome! I find that it's hard to understand a few things. Both my sons when they were younger would have severe meltdowns when I clipped their finger and toe nails. It's not something that should hurt. Unless I get a little skin, but I try hard to not do that! But to them it hurt. Luckily, my older son is able to handle it now. My younger son (7 years) is better about his fingernails but still *hates* to have his toenails cut. He still cries every time. I try to have patience and do it in a way that won't hurt. Sometimes we just have to get through it as quickly as possible and just get it done.

Even though I don't understand all that they feel, I try my best to respect those feelings and believe them that they're real.

Yes, weighted blankets are calming. My younger son loves his weighted blanket. Also, doing joint compressions seems to help to calm. I do them sometimes at bedtime if my younger son is having trouble settling down to sleep. I usually just do his legs. Here's a YouTube video that gives an idea what they are: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvtV8owbR3o

Welcome to the group!