Child Diagnosed with SPD

Hi J. - I'm an Occupational therapist who specializes in SPD. The Out of Sync Child books are great. Also, definitely look at getting her OT, but be sure it's with someone that specializes in sensory processing. If you want to contact me directly feel free! I'd be happy to answer any questions!

Hello J.,

I wanted to let you know about an amazing program right here on the Cape for children and adults with sensory problems. I know a few families who have taken their kids here who have autism, delayed development and other sensory issues and have had great success. It's called The Dynamic Listening Center is located in Yarmouth, MA. Susan Danton is the contact person. Their number is ###-###-####. You can visit their website at www.capecodlistening.com

Best of luck!
K. Acton
Nutritional Micscopist
Alkaline Health Coach
Osterville, MA
###-###-####

Some great books for this are "The Out of Sync Child" and its' sequel, "The Out of Sync Child Has Fun". Very parent friendly and practical. I am not sure where you got diagnosed or what you are doing for therapy, but OTA in Wakefield/Watertown is amazing at working with this, as well as Project CHILLD in Beverly, and they accept some insurances.

Hi J. -

I have a 5.5 yr. old son with SPD - it is a fascinating but frustrating thing to experience. Be happy that you know this now. Best advice - get her into OT right away. The sooner you can find methods to help her, the better. My son benefits greatly from therapy and the school also uses the same techniques there to help him throughout the day.

When I look back at how far we have come with this, I am amazed all over again at the changes in him. He still has a long way to go but we know it will continue to get easier for all.

Good luck!

Hi J., My youngest has SPD. As soon as you can get your daughter into OT do it! A couple of things we found helpful were to
*look into a "Yoga for kids" class. We did that for 3 years (starting at age 4) and it was super helpful in teaching self soothing techniques and getting in tune to "what your body is telling you".
*karate class was good for this too, lots of self control and meditation techniques.
*Public pools can be REALLY tough. Although the water can be soothing: the change in temperature, feel of a bathing suit or clothes on a semi-wet body and the noise are too much to process for kids with SPD. Save the swim lessons for later.
*check out the clothes at Gymboree, they have french seams (internally covered) on their shirts.
Oh so much more... please contact me directly if you want to talk more.
It's not the end of the world, just a shift in thinking. :)

Go to a good occupational therapist that specializes in SPD. Also find support in your area. In MA every town should have a local special ed parent advisory council (SEPAC) and they would help lead you to some support or also check in with the early intervention in your area.

in fact your child's Dr. should send a request to the public schools to have you child evaluated and they should offer services for free. Be careful thought becuase not all OT's ebrace sensory intergration. Best to use the services the school offers and suplement with a very good OT who can oversee what they are doing. Good luck. You can check out local support groups in the Framingham area by going to the local SEPAC at www.f-sepac.org

Hi J.,

Early Intervention just left my home for SI disorder. They came today just for paper work though & will be back on December 4th to evaluate my son. They made me feel better about it although we don't know for sure until December 4th if he has it or not but they are pretty sure and so am I he does. He is 23 months old. Please feel free to e-mail me any questions about my sons SI or what have you! I have been reading a book as well that has helped me understand SI a little better too! It is called the Sensory Smart Child but the one Early Intervention recommends is The Insynch Child or something like that. My personal e-mail is ____@____.com feel free to email me anytime!

my oldest was diagnosed with SPD at 3 yrs. As he as gotten older, his symptoms have diminished greatly, but he is still sensitive in many ways. He received Occupational Therapy (via the NK school system at 3 yrs) and has gotten a great deal of benefit from participating in karate (he goes to Oceanside Martial Arts in Exeter). Check out the store, "The Sensational Child" on Ten Rod Road in NK (http://www.sensationalchild.org/) for more resources.

My son has SPD he is 3 1/2. Diagnosed approx at 2 years old. If you have any specfic questions please feel free to ask. I also have an fantastic OT in Canton, MA if that is anywhere near you.

M.