SPD

Well, I just kind of jumped into this month of blogs and didn't start from the beginning. I knew if I did that, I wouldn't get started at all! (Hence the lack of blogs last semester!) So I thought I probably should back up a bit so these latest blogs on treatment and diet make sense. :-)

Early last semester when we started working with ECI, Ian was given a series of evaluations. He failed the nutritional screening due to not eating several different foods and avoiding whole food groups. He also tested about a year behind in speech (which I had previously posted about) and qualified for further evaluation with an occupational therapist (OT). He did, however, pass the MCHAT, a test that evaluates for autism, so there are no worries there.

When we started working with the OT, she was able to identify a few different sensory issues that Ian was dealing with. The official terminology for the way Ian's brain is wired is Sensory Processing Disorder. That basically means his brain doesn't always process sensory information in an organized manner. Ian falls into the category of sensory seeking - he constantly craves extra sensory input and will engage in vigorous (and sometimes reckless) activity to get it. After spending some time with Ian, most people will remark that he is the busiest boy they have ever seen, or that he is ALL boy. It is often exhausting trying to keep up with him and his need for constant activity.

Fortunately, if noticed and treated early (ages 3-5), SPD can be easily treated and the long-term effects are minimal for children like Ian. (Other types of SPD can be more severe and have different long-term impact.) From Day 1, we have prayed that we would not miss overlook anything Ian needed or not know how to help/teach/train him for lack of information. I really believe that prayer has been answered already! We are ahead of the curve on finding out about SPD and getting started on treatment options. We've already seen a huge difference in his behavior and have found some really good strategies for dealing with the times he gets sensory overload.

One aspect of being a sensory seeker means Ian LOVES having blankets and stuffed animals piled on him. What kid doesn't, right? But Ian especially loves it and needs that stimulation more than the average kiddo. I try and remind myself of that when I have piled umpteen million stuffed animals on him for the 8th time in one day!

Ian is a trooper for sure! We love our little boy and are thankful for all we have learned about how he is wired so we best know how to help him.