Regression when learning new skills?

[rwilk]

Is it normal for a child to regress when learning new skills?  DD is dyspraxic, and was really done well with OT. She's finally able to put on her shoes about 60% of the time, and is almost able to get on her own shirt.  Plus, you know, jumping and getting close to hopping. She's close to figuring out how to spit. Hooray for progress.

 

But, it feels like as she progresses in some areas, other things are getting worse.  Her sensory difficulties are increasing.  She started flapping her arms again. She started chewing her hair. 

 

Is this normal?  Is it a sign that skills are moving too fast for her? As a side note, there's a lot of change going on in her life---I'm expecting a baby in 2 months, and we are moving across the country in 3.  

[Mom28GreatKids]

I think this is quite normal. Often they can have a big regression in one area while they are making leaps ahead in another. My DS has been making some language leaps lately, but has started chewing and biting every thing and everyone incessantly. Sometimes he will get really fussy before he gets something new. I would agree that she likely is picking up on the big changes coming as well. Small things can throw them off, so big things like new siblings and moves can really trigger behaviors. Hugs as you navigate all the changes ahead with her.

[PeterPan]

Congratulations on your progress!  That's good stuff!  

 

Has she had complete evals (psych, etc.) or only OT so far?  My ds symptoms like that rotate, and some of those can be more than SPD.  Might be time for fresh evals or a psych eval to get things sorted out.  

 

If she's having trouble spitting, she has oral apraxia?  Verbal?  

[rwilk]

She's had PT, OT, SLP, and psych evals.  She regularly sees a psych, OT, and SLP----OT and SLP are through the school though, so they are done for the year.

 

We aren't sure what the spitting issue is exactly.  It's similar to her potty issues.  Since she can't see what's going on inside her own body, she doesn't control it properly.  We've finally got her to spit large-ish foods like cheerios, but she still has no control for softer foods or liquids. 

Congratulations on your progress!  That's good stuff!  

 

Has she had complete evals (psych, etc.) or only OT so far?  My ds symptoms like that rotate, and some of those can be more than SPD.  Might be time for fresh evals or a psych eval to get things sorted out.  

 

If she's having trouble spitting, she has oral apraxia?  Verbal?  

 

[PeterPan]

The spitting is the motor planning, the praxis.  So she has it overall and it's showing up in her speech, in her oral motor planning.  You can look for PROMPT.