Asperger's - advice needed re: diagnosis

[athomeontheprairie]

I have 4 children. One of which is a veryintense little boy. Normal. But intense. Yesterday we met with a therapist with the hopes they would be able to help us tone down the intensity. I had 2 of my other children with us, and because of their age they were not allowed to stay in the lobby.

 

DD8 was in the meeting. She was her normal self. At one point the two oldest went to the restroom, while they were gone the therapist asked if she'd been evaluated for Asperger's. No. But I've wondered off and on for years. 

 

As a little girl she had violent, intense outbursts over nothing.

 

She has a look that reminds me of others I know that are on the spectrum.

 

She misses lots of social cues

 

She doesn't easily understand personal space.

 

She occasionally stutters

 

She has nightmares at least once a week.

 

She has a difficult time staying on task. Needs frequent explicit reminders.

 

 

 

This therapist said outloud what I've wondered. Her speaking it makes me think I really need to pursue it. Hearing it out loud (though to be clear, she did not diagnose my child in 5 minutes, she asked if we had and encouraged us to have her evaluted after asking some questions about her), not just inside my head, was like a switch- almost like all of our struggles with her aren't "normal" and there's a real reason we've had difficulties. At the same time I'm wondering how this was missed. She has regular doctor appointments. She saw a play therapist weekly for 18 months. How could this have been missed? Is it something I should persue? What does a diagnosis mean for her? for us?

 

Please help me think this through. And please be gente. .

[maize]

Hugs, it sounds like a full evaluation with a neuropsych or developmental pediatrician is in order. Your dd may or may not qualify for an autism spectrum diagnosis (aspergers is no longer used as a diagnosis) but it does sound like there is something going on (ADHD is one other possibility) and it would be best for everyone to get all the information you can.

 

As for not being diagnosed earlier, anecdotally I know of many kids on the autism spectrum or with other issues who were not diagnosed until they were older. The line between "within normal parameters" and "outside of normal parameters" is quite a blurry one and sometimes a child gets by because those around them are able to accommodate their challenges; diagnosis may not be sought until those natural accommodations are no longer enough.

[maize]

By the way, I have received comments from a variety of people over the years about at least three different children of mine possibly being on the spectrum/exhibiting spectrum like behavior. So far none of them has a spectrum diagnosis, though we're still in the process of evaluations for some. Many of the behaviors that put a child on the autism spectrum are also present to one degree or another as part of other disorders (ADHD, SPD,...) or can occur on their own without in the aggregate meeting the criteria for any specific disorder.

 

Only a thorough evaluation can give you the answers you need.

[Kat w]

Aww honey, sounds like you've done what you could have been doing through the years. Play therapist etc.

 

Most pediatricians from what I understand through my own experience and my friends experiences.... Don't catch ADHD. asperfers, the more subtle ' diagnosis' if you will.

 

I agree with Maize, get her evaluated by a nuerophsych . could be ADHD. there are better medicines our now for that , that help the children stay on task, modify behavior etc.

 

I was right there with you. I did not want it to be aspergers. I knew something was wrong, didn't know what and for what it's worth. Even if you had been shouting from the rooftops at school or where ever, I think my child had aspergers or ADHD, they would not been rushing to a diagnosis.

 

She's only 8 and my friends with girls, those little girls can be master diguisers of their systems often times over compensating in other areas or 'find a way around'their symptoms being obvious.

 

I don't think this is uncommon a lil one your daughters age or even older, just starting to seek a diagnosis.

 

It really could be ADHD. the professionals my lil guy worked with said....I don't know...but were going to treat the symptoms . and it doesn't sound like your daughter has alot of symptoms. I've seen ADHD kids or children with senory issues do the same thing.

 

My son had alot more symptoms and was seeing a plethora of therapist, was in spec. Needs preschool for 3 yr. And nokne wanted to discuss any form of aspergers until he was around 7 ish. Don't remember exactly but about that time frame.

 

Just get her evaluated. Ask the woman you saw yesterday for a referral.

 

I don't have experience with a developmental pediatrician, I do with a nuerophsych . that's where I would go especially since her symptoms seem to not be glaringly obvious.

 

It really could be ADHD, SENORY, so, don't let your mind rush to aspergers and just start a notebook of how she's acted through the years. My notebook has been invaluable to me.

 

Big hugs. :)

Even if she does have aspergers, there are so many therapies to help now and...she's still young. Lots you can do :)

[PeterPan]

Data log EVERYTHING she does for a month.  It's going to be a total pain the butt and stress you out.  Whitewash nothing, gloss nothing.  Every repetitive behavior, noise, refusal, talking to the backs of heads, whatever.  Use Siri or whatever it takes to get it done.

 

Then find somebody in your community who got good evals and get names.  

 

Then get on the waiting list.

 

You want someplace that specializes in ASD.  Don't say oh well this jack of all trades.  No, go straight to the places that does JUST ASD.  Because girls are trickier than boys.  

 

There was a lot we were putting up with that I thought he'd outgrow, thought was because he was a boy, thought was this or that.  The DSM is a bunch of crap right now.  You're going to have to deal with the symptoms and get interventions, irrespective of whether they call it ADHD + SPD + social delay or whether they call it ASD.  What changes is who pays for it, how much service is available, and whether an OT or SLP can handle the social issues, or whether you need to step up to a behaviorist and ABA.  

 

You did the right thing with the information you had.  Now you have more information and you'll step it up.  I think you're right to listen to your gut, and yes this is how it comes, with these moments of Oh my lands clarity.  So just don't with it and don't be bashful or make excuses.  Log behavior, so they can SEE what you're dealing with.  Data lets them quantify.  Otherwise you get stuck with these crap stupid questionares and subjective opinions.  Take in DATA.  You are the one who is with her the most, so you need to provide data.  A-B-C, antecedent (what was going on), behavior (what she did), consequence (what happened as a result or what you did, what the response was).  And it takes time, because you can end up needing to record multiple things for one incident!  It's complex!  

 

And it's not that you *have* to do that, but it can help.  It can help *you* see if you're kind of overwhelmed and losing track or not realizing how much stuff is occurring.  When I started data logging, really seriously data logging, and got really serious about it for 3 weeks, THAT is when I realized we needed help.  Before I was just so snowed, with the constant barage, I didn't realize how much we were dealing with, kwim?  And girls DESERVE to be diagnosed.  Just because they have some biological protective mechanisms that make it express a little differently or less doesn't mean they don't deserve interventions and diagnosis.  You deserve the PEACE that can come with appropriate interventions and tools.  Think about the *stress* on the rest of your kids to be dealing with this undiagnosed, untreated situation, kwim?  That's another thing I finally had to grapple with, that I HAD to get some better interventions, because it's about more than just that dc.  Everyone in the family is being affected by the meltdowns, refusals, rigidity, and tension it's creating.  

[Mom28GreatKids]

We are taking my guy to a dev ped that specializes in ASD in Jan. Honestly, me, our ped, SLP, and OT are pretty sure he doesn't, but with potential Apraxia and SPD, we have to check. I would definitely get an eval. Honestly, I am a big proponent of following mama's gut. It sounds to me like you already know. So now, do what you need to do to get her the help she needs to become whom she is meant to be. Only you can do that. Hugs to you.

[PeterPan]

We are taking my guy to a dev ped that specializes in ASD in Jan. Honestly, me, our ped, SLP, and OT are pretty sure he doesn't, but with potential Apraxia and SPD, we have to check. I would definitely get an eval. Honestly, I am a big proponent of following mama's gut. It sounds to me like you already know. So now, do what you need to do to get her the help she needs to become whom she is meant to be. Only you can do that. Hugs to you.

 

Ok, I'm a little weary today and don't mean to be grouchy, but do you realize how WRONG these people are when they go out of their liscensures and go OH YEAH, NO ASD HERE...  I mean, seriously.  They are NOT SEEING the entirety of the picture.  They see one context, one situation, one hour a week.  I just totally flipped out our OT this week, because she FINALLY saw ds as he really is.  She knew he had a diagnosis and she knew she was seeing enough that he ought to be put as ASD for his disabling condition in the IEP (something the school disputed).  But she had NEVER SEEN the really ugly stuff.  And it got UGLY.  He was pulling my hair out, and I mean OUT, and throwing things and refusing to get in the car.  I thought he was going to bolt, and where she lives (and with how fast he is) I wasn't sure how I'd get him.  It was AWFUL.  And she had NEVER, in 6 months, seen the REALITY of what we deal with.  He's like that at least every other day.  But oh no, never ever ever like that for the OT. 

 

He's also never done that with the SLP.  He just goes in there and smiles.  He's getting interaction and getting what he wants.  He gets great games.  What's not to like?  He's been there a long time and knows the routine.  When we got our diagnosis, the SLP was flabbergasted.  She just so did NOT WANT it to be ASD.  You don't understand the conflicts, how emotional they are with these kids they're attached to.  They've poured YEARS into the kid and then somebody says the adorable one has an additional disabling condition.  She doesn't want it for him any more than *I* do.  But she is not here all the time.  She sees slivers.  

 

Our questionaires were not reflective of his full range of behaviors, because none of the people were with him enough to have experienced the range of his behaviors and challenges.  I don't know how dev. peds do things.  I know they're supposed to be a good option.  I know what finally helped us was when somebody would really sit down for hours and just TALK with us about it and let things come out.  And he spent HOURS with ds eliciting behaviors and looking at things.  Not one hour.  We had one psych place that spent an hour and would thumbs up/down about staying.  Like really, you're going to conclude that in one hour??  And maybe you can, but maybe I didn't understand what I was seeing.  Like the first psych (the jerk who didn't listen and rushed me) asked if he refused to do things.  I'm thinking yeah, but doesn't everyone?  I was so snowed in our situation that I couldn't back up and realize that other people didn't have to physically PICK UP their kid and haul them, undressed, out the door to go to classes.  I just thought it was normal, not noteworthy.

 

Well anyways, I'm on a rant.  We finally have a behaviorist who has confirmed the ASD.  We're finally getting help and (hopefully!) the scholarship rolled over to the better scholarship to give us funds for interventions.  We're finally going to get the ABLLS and get the language things and whatnot tested to make sure we're catching everything.  And it, well I don't have a ladylike verb for how much it upsets me that practitioners would go out of their speciality and say things that DISCOURAGE people from getting proper evaluations.  It's CRAP.  It's wrong.  Our SLP should have told us THAT DAY, the very first day we walked in the door, to get an EI eval and get the ASD question going.  Because it was obvious THEN.  We just didn't realize what we were seeing.  But she WANTED it not to be.  These people are so weary of seeing children succomb to labels and struggle, that if they can get a kid that seems to pass a screening tool, they're like hallelujah!!!  But if you're the one who DOESN'T get it caught, you won't be so happy about that blow-off in hindsight.

 

Eval more, not less, and eval sooner, not later.

Edited December 5, 2015 by OhElizabeth

[Mom28GreatKids]

OhE, sorry for your rough week. I agree, and every professional we are working with feels the same. When I say none of us think ASD for him, we all still agree that there is still enough going on to seek someone who does ASD all day long, just to be sure.

 

And unfortunately/ fortunately- they have seen the bad stuff. Like every person in the therapy clinic knows his name, has heard our story. We are like famous in a bad/sad way. Like he is the problem client. He has screamed at, hit, and spat at his SLP. I have sat in the hall and cried on the shoulder of one of the ot's (not his). The receptionist almost cried the first day we left and I was smiling instead of crying and emailed me later to tell me how happy she was to see me smiling. It has been that bad. I am sure we have been the subject of many of their staff meetings and collaborative efforts. Ugh.

 

Our second ot session she said, I have heard this has been a really hard two months. She also said this week, I don't see ASD but even if he gets that label, it isn't the end of the world, and it will open doors to Therapy you would not otherwise get. Which is why we are going to the dev ped at Children's where that is all she does. I hear the appointments are like 2 hours long. If he gets an ASD label then we will deal. That is also why I said that the OP should get an eval. No professional in my life is saying I don't see it so you do not need an eval. Quite the opposite actually.

 

Hoping athomeontheprairie can get an eval and get her daughter the help she needs.

[Kat w]

I know that's frustrating OhE.

 

We've had that here too. Everyone at the school: he's a really good and sweet boy. We don't have any problems with him.

 

Our pediatrician who knows him and us well: what ??? The paperwork portrays him as a saint? As ' the perfect' child.

 

Me: yes. He doesn't do any of this for them.

 

The pub sch. We're with him 8 hours a day and still thought he was an angel.

 

BTW. I never told the p.s. about all he does. I was not going there with them.

 

I did with our private professional s tho. None of them saw it either.

 

It's quite like pushing a huge boulder uphill when noone ' sees it'

 

I started videoing him to have for the specialist . that helped.

 

Sorry OhE. That can be maddening.

Hugs

[athomeontheprairie]

I've read your replies, several times.

 

I feel I've been knocked off balance with her comments and I'm still trying to find my footing.

 

Thank you all for your replies. For your advice, thoughts and for sharing your struggles.

 

OhE, log everything: Years ago, when she was 2, 3 she had HORRIBLE meltdowns. They were a nightmare. I DID log everything. I called the doctor and met with our pediatrician (It's the only time I truly felt helpless, I did NOT know what to do. It's also the only time I've called the doctor for a non-medical-behavioral issue). She took the list I'd made and said "it's normal". (Nope sorry, screaming for 2.5 hours because I wouldn't let you play in sheep poop-nope not normal.) When I was blown off there I went to our local school's AMAZING special ed department and talked with a counselor. While she gave us both good advice (she worked with her for 18 months) it didn't "fix" things, but things got better. We seldom have meltdowns anymore. And NOTHING on the scale that they were occurring.

 

What do i log? Before, when she had fits, it was easy to log. Now, everything seems so subtle... Do I log that look she just gave me? Or was that "normal" behavior? What about when she is playing with the little boys and I think she's just inside his personal space? Is she, or is that normal too? What behavior's do I log? How do I know I'm not inventing symptoms?

 

 

My ds2 has a IEP meeting next week (where he will likely phase out of the program.) one of the ladies at this meeting runs the ASD/Autism room for our school. She already knows we'll be talking about my dd in addition to my ds. Suggestions on what I need to be asking?

 

Let's pretend she DOES have ASD, how does the diagnosis change things? What will change in our day-to-day lives?

 

 

 

 

[Kat w]

I personally think all those questions, I'm sure you were already planning on it, but write all those down to ask her as well. I'm sure she knows what services are offered through your county and how to access those and to get evaled.

 

I came to a point like you, where he progressed like your lil guy, and I was

In the same boat as you. I asked them. Thsts really good you have a good spec needs teacher and the asd person you already have a meeting with.

 

I'd ask them both and write down their responses after you leave. Don't do it there , they have a tendency to become right lipped when we do thst lol.

 

I just thought the other day the same thing. What behaviour or lack there of is important to document.

I just dump it all on paper outta my head lol. Helps me too . kinda like journalling too. The way we used to keep diaries as girls :)

 

That's what I do. And it has helped imminensely .

 

Now, I'm seeing him instead of meltdown ourltwardly, I think he's internalizing it and shutting down.

 

Went for a med check the other day. Lobby was full lines , ppl, no empy chairs. I asked them to call us outside when they were ready for us. I knew this would be a wasted trip otherwise . I journaled or documented however you term it, while they played in the grass.

 

Jus, roll with it is what I do and write any changes. It's hard to see the changes tho when your the frog in the pan and they slowly turn up the heat. We as parents sort of acclimate and you don't even realize. Hey. This is bad.

 

That's why having seemingly insignificant things for me has helped.

Me or a trusted professional, I would never let anyone but one of them have access to my notebook except one. She has been with my boys from very early on and has become a friend.

A fresh eye can maybe see some things we don't.

[Kat w]

The asd or anything else diagnosis. ....it will help you qualify for certain therapies either they the public school system or private with ins. Or both.

 

That's been my experience. Plus, the therapist can know more what to target work rathan than this is what we generally do kinda thing

[PeterPan]

http://www.ocali.org/project/challenging_behavior_video_series

 

Maybe some of these videos would help you sort it out?  #3 is on behavior logging.  

 

Right now the ps uses SPD, which is not in the DSM, to pull off a huge chunk of ASD symptoms and say see, not ASD.  I don't really know what's left.  You could ask.  (ADHD + SPD vs. ASD)  

[SnMomof7]

I am not an expert at this. We are just now around half-way through a diagnosis process for our 9-yo DD. It's never too late :). Our DD sounds similar in many ways to yours, our psych tech told me straight up after our first visit that we are looking at an ASD diagnosis of some sort, it's just a matter of determining severity.

 

I guess I'm saying that I would pursue it. HFA can be subtle, especially in girls, but clearly you can tell that something is off :). We always could too, but thought we were dealing, and that DD was just DD. Well, she still is, we just hope we'll all understand her better, deal better, and help her live up to her full potential in the future through the whole process....whatever that ends up being.

[SnMomof7]

We are taking my guy to a dev ped that specializes in ASD in Jan. Honestly, me, our ped, SLP, and OT are pretty sure he doesn't, but with potential Apraxia and SPD, we have to check. I would definitely get an eval. Honestly, I am a big proponent of following mama's gut. It sounds to me like you already know. So now, do what you need to do to get her the help she needs to become whom she is meant to be. Only you can do that. Hugs to you.

Our DS3 also has suspected apraxia/SPD (particularly noise related). I'm going to have to jump in here. He doesn't have many other typical ASD markers, but do you think those two are enough to start diagnostic procedures?

 

Sorry to OP for my thread-stealing behaviour.

[Mom28GreatKids]

Jennifer Bogart- There are some here who would say emphatically yes. Only you know for sure. You might have outside pressure to seek evals (we did). I think it is worth considering or at least to keep in the back of your mind. I think a good question to ask is what would a dx change? We were already in ST and OT addressing the speech delay and the sensory issues. We are still doing that. It is hard to figure out, that is for sure.

[PeterPan]

Our DS3 also has suspected apraxia/SPD (particularly noise related). I'm going to have to jump in here. He doesn't have many other typical ASD markers, but do you think those two are enough to start diagnostic procedures?

 

Sorry to OP for my thread-stealing behaviour.

Apraxia almost never occurs in isolation, but it can also be misdiagnosed.  First I would get proper diagnosis.  A PROMPT expert can sort that out, no problem.  Look for someone who is certified, if possible.  The PROMPT Institute has a provider locator.  A lot of people live in that iffy land where the therapist suspects, can't say.  An experienced PROMPT therapist can demonstrate it and be definitive.

 

As far as other things going on, your SLP, ped, etc. should be doing ASD screenings.  Obviously it's a thing to screen for.  Some of these things become more obvious with time.  When you say SPD but especially background noise, you mean you went to an OT and got a diagnosis?  Or you're just seeing it?  Because if you say background noise and speech delay, I'm asking about the hearing and APD.  So I'd be getting to an audiologist who specializes in APD who can start that conversation.  They won't test fully till 7, though they can run a bit of the screening at 6.  I'm just saying that's something I'd be checking.  I took my ds in before his psych eval (newly 6).  

 

How is he doing with the Signing Time?  Is he using the signs?  My ds watched tons of Signing Time but didn't initiate and use the signs.  How he uses the language he *can* access is very telling.

[kbutton]

I have a child with ASD and another child with auditory problems, apraxia (mild), and CAPD--he has some sensory issues around noise and around oral stuff (he has oral motor problems in addition to apraxia). I don't think it's unusual for sensory issues to go hand in hand with a particular motor issue or other processing issue and not always be autism. He doesn't really have global sensory issues. We aren't sure that we've uncovered all my littler guy's interesting problems, but he is not like my son with ASD much at all.

 

I don't think it hurts to start asking questions and noting behaviors (date, circumstance, etc.). 

[fdrinca]

I just want to offer  :grouphug:  :grouphug: .

 

It's amazing how we can look at children we have loved and nurtured for years, only to realize in one moment their truth and then wonder how we'd missed it all along. 

[Storygirl]

When my son was three, we as parents had a lot of questions. We got a few answers during early intervention, but we always felt there were underlying issues that were unexplained. At age 9 we took him to a NP for testing and got more answers. But after a time, we still felt the picture was incomplete. At 11 he has been evaluated by the schools, and we have additional information. But we still have questions, so we are making an appointment at an autism clinic.

 

It has been an ongoing process for us. But I will say, looking back, that I wish we had listened to our uneasy feelings more when he was younger and done more about it back then. Even if it meant being more insistent with our pediatrician. We really liked him, but he tended to say, "I don't see that kind of behavior during his visits with me" and I would walk out of the appointment without having gotten help or referrals. What I really needed to do is set up an appointment with him JUST to talk through everything that was going on at home and all the symptoms we were seeing, instead of tagging my questions onto the end of his annual checkup. I needed to speak up more and insist on getting help.

[Guest]

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Edited February 10, 2016 by Guest

[SnMomof7]

Jennifer, if you're going through the process with your oldest and also getting some evals for your youngest, there's nothing wrong with also ruling out the ASD angle. Is your daughter on a waiting list or has the process already begun? Just saying that if you have a waiting list for evals where you are, it might be a good idea to get him on the list. I can't see how ruling the possibility out could hurt!

Theres a bit of a waiting list :). DD is around 1/2 way through the process, or will be soon - we are 3 appointments in now. I'm definitely going to talk to our psych tech about him. He desperately needs an OT referal now that we are underway with speech.

[Guest]

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Edited February 10, 2016 by Guest

[SnMomof7]

Apraxia almost never occurs in isolation, but it can also be misdiagnosed. First I would get proper diagnosis. A PROMPT expert can sort that out, no problem. Look for someone who is certified, if possible. The PROMPT Institute has a provider locator. A lot of people live in that iffy land where the therapist suspects, can't say. An experienced PROMPT therapist can demonstrate it and be definitive.

 

As far as other things going on, your SLP, ped, etc. should be doing ASD screenings. Obviously it's a thing to screen for. Some of these things become more obvious with time. When you say SPD but especially background noise, you mean you went to an OT and got a diagnosis? Or you're just seeing it? Because if you say background noise and speech delay, I'm asking about the hearing and APD. So I'd be getting to an audiologist who specializes in APD who can start that conversation. They won't test fully till 7, though they can run a bit of the screening at 6. I'm just saying that's something I'd be checking. I took my ds in before his psych eval (newly 6).

 

How is he doing with the Signing Time? Is he using the signs? My ds watched tons of Signing Time but didn't initiate and use the signs. How he uses the language he *can* access is very telling.

We are just past our first speech appointment, hopefully things will become clearer for us as time goes on in regards to the dx. The nearest person who does PROMPT is a couple of provinces away and probably speaks French since it's Quebec. That's a couple of days away, so not really realistic.

 

Hearing tests on this little guy are hard. He has a lot of issues about having his head and ears touched. He only made it part way through his pre-speech hearing test. They said his hearing looks good (I know this isn't what you're asking or recommending) but we'd have to come back when he's older to get the rest done.

 

It isn't background noise, it's mostly mechanical noises - toilets flushing, furnace running, water pumps turning on, vacuums etc. intense movies, both babies crying can do it as well.

 

He isn't toilet trained, resists diaper changes without a routine he does with his dad, and often doesn't come to/eat at mealtimes unless he gets his pre-meal setup done just right. He overfills his mouth then needs to empty out (daily), and has recently begun to strongly resist bathing. Elevators terrify him.

 

Erm. I guess I'll talk to our psych-tech.

 

The SPD is a self-dx. I need to get him a referral to OT.

 

He LOVES using his signs. I'm learning new things about him every day :). Apparently his favorite color is orange, and he really wants to use the orange cup (just like other kids his age - I wrongfully thought he was super patient and easy going because he wasn't able to communicate this stuff before). He's also asking me to do pretend play with him now that he can sign some.

[SnMomof7]

Oh my.. you have had quite a few more little ones since I remember from the K-8 board! Congratulations on your twins :)

Thanks :). We were expecting #6, and it was 6 AND 7. Quite a surprise and a bit of a journey of its own :). They were sharing a placenta, were pulled early by c-section after extensive monitoring, and one was diagnosed with a kidney issue in-utero that may eventually need surgery. They are really adorable and much loved here :).

 

Anyway, I'm feeling all dx-ed out this past year. It's been tough.

[Guest]

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[Guest]

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Edited February 10, 2016 by Guest

[SnMomof7]

You have most certainly had your hands full! Sorry to hear about the challenges you had to face with your twins and the kidney issue :grouphug: Glad to hear they are both well otherwise though :)

 

It was really good coming across you again after all this time :) You may have figured out who I am (I have changed my forum name). If not and you want to know, PM and I'll tell you :)

 

Thanks, it has been a bit overwhelming for the past 1.5 years to be honest!

 

How mysterious! I will have to PM you :). I have gone for board breaks now and then throughout r years. We are in Nova Scotia right now, we have had OT suggested for DD2 already, but I'm not sure if/how MSI covers it. Oh, how I hear you on the hair! Little man is getting shaggy again and it's definitely a two person job :).

[Guest]

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Edited February 10, 2016 by Guest

[Mom28GreatKids]

Ok Cricket, now you have me wondering. I am back after about a 5 year board break also with a new board name. I spent lots of time on the k-8 board back then and then life got in the way. I see lots of familiar names on here.

 

Jennifer, your little guy sounds very much like mine, especially the diaper changing. He screamed from the time I changed him in the hospital to the time he potty trained in December. Goodness gracious. He also hates baths, haircuts, and getting dressed, and some big noises. Those are his defensive sensory issues. Pretty much everything else is sensory seeking except a few oral things that are probably due to oral Apraxia. He is my 8th so I really relate to where you are.

[Guest]

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Edited February 10, 2016 by Guest

[SnMomof7]

Jennifer, your little guy sounds very much like mine, especially the diaper changing. He screamed from the time I changed him in the hospital to the time he potty trained in December. Goodness gracious. He also hates baths, haircuts, and getting dressed, and some big noises. Those are his defensive sensory issues. Pretty much everything else is sensory seeking except a few oral things that are probably due to oral Apraxia. He is my 8th so I really relate to where you are.

You are my big-family, homeschooling, little guy with suspected apraxia and spd issues online friend! It's a unique kettle of fish :). Despite being here for a long time, I am very new to the LC boards corner.

[SnMomof7]

I seem to remember when you moved to Nova Scotia. You moved there right? I thought it was Nova Scotia but wasn't sure if I remembered correctly! I usually have a pretty good memory and we had interacted several times on the K-8.

 

I have no doubt it's been overwhelming! Your kids are all pretty young in age, add to that twins and the other challenges... :grouphug: Hope you have a good support system!

 

OT should be covered through medical if there are some physical issues, I would assume. I'm not sure but for SPD, we weren't covered here. Our developmental pediatrician did not even give us a referral and I told him the issues, which were more pronounced at the time (my youngest had just turned 4 a few months prior).

 

Desensitization is a good process for things that are sensory stressors. I have used it successfully quite a bit here, even on myself. It's a process of course so it takes time. Many books and sources for autism, anxiety, phobias etc. mention it.

Yes, we moved to NS just before our first son was born, almost 3.5 years now :). Our supports aren't awesome and that's all on us - we have a really hard time asking for help :/. I'll look into desensitization - any book recommendations?

[Mom28GreatKids]

Jennifer, ha ha ha. Yes, I would say we are about one in a million. It is an interesting club to be a member of. Glad to find commroderie and support here. I also have been around the boards for a long time. I was Marie in Oh and left around the time my #7 was about two. I only came back this fall with this new dx, so I too am new to the LC boards.

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Edited February 10, 2016 by Guest

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Edited February 10, 2016 by Guest

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Edited February 10, 2016 by Guest