What are the symptoms of SPD in an infant? My 8 month old does some odd behaviors that make me worry. I looked up an infant/toddler spd checklist and a good number sound very familiar. He HATES bathes. Screams violently when bathed. (I've tried co-bathing, showering, in the sink, everything!) Hates diaper changes/clothing changes. Hates the feeling of grass on his feet. Cries with some loud/bright light toys. Had "colic" Diagnosed with severe reflux, had bottle aversion. (which eventually got over) He is a very picky eater, and can't tolerate solids well. Gags/coughs on cereal if its even a tiny bit thick. Needs EXTREME movement to fall asleep. Lots of bouncing, singing, ect. Doesn't sleep well. Unpredictable sleeping patterns. Still needs swaddled. Severe separation anxiety. Tolerates NO ONE but me. Not even DH. Sometimes he cries for hours and is totally inconsolable. There are other things too. Does this sound like spd or just normal infant behavior? Should I mention it to the ped at our 9 mo well-baby?
Also: : I had a baby when I was 15, who I gave up for an open adoption. He has now been diagnosed with SPD and is on the spectrum. My DS has a different daddy. And let me clarify the "seperation anxiety" I know thats normal at this age, but DS has always been that way. It was actually worse a few months ago. I tried leaving him w/ my MIL at around 3 months, thinking he would calm down after a bit with her. He didn't, he screamed the whole 1 1/2 I was gone. (I never left him with anyone agian)
Yes, I would mention it. The separation anxiety would be normal at this age, but I would question the others...
It sounds very similar to my son who has SPD and autism. Don't let the autism aspect scare you as the two don't always go hand in hand. I knew my son had SPD at about the age your son is. It can never hurt to ask and have early intervention do an evaluation. My son's pediatrician at the time absolutely refused to acknowledge anything might possibly be "wrong" so don't always take their word as gospel because sometimes they are wrong. Hopefully you can find the answers to what is going on, if anything.
I can't speak for spd, but my son did have some issues and still does with foods. We just backed off and tried about once a week with solids until he didn't gag. He is 3 now and will gag on some foods, especially if he has decided he doesn't like it. He even made himself throw up with the gagging while at school eating noodles that were too soft.
As for the DH situation, I understand that it is common about this age. One thing to try, get an oversized shirt and sleep in it for a week, then let DH wear it while holding your little guy. This way, your scent is on daddy. It has been known to work and was recommended by the nurse who ran the new mom's group at St. V's. in Portland. This is a good way to introduce a lovey, too. It worked great with my son and he carries his Teddy around everywhere.
Try a powdered probiotic for the reflux. My kids had it too. We started my son on Bifidus at 2 wks. I fingerfed it to him, or you can put it on your nipple to be sucked off. I prefered the finger feeding and it tamed things considerable. You might also try a Naturopath. Ours did wonders in relieving the reflux, night terrors, and some of the sensory issues.
Good luck to you. Some of these things just take time with some kids.
Hi M. -
I am the mother of a child with SPD..never ignore your gut and the first born is the hardest! We didn't have a clue until my second child came along and the comparisons started to come to focus. The symptoms you are describing are mixed. Some do sound very normal but others sound like classic SPD. Always mention to your PED b/c a good one will listen to your concerns and take them seriously. IE is the key for SPD and you need to have it diagnosed early to start OT and other therapies if necessary. Make a special appointment with your Ped, take the checklist in and voice your concerns andsee what they have to say. You can also contact - The Sensory Processing Foundation they have a website and contacts to help you in your local area.
Good luck!
My daughter had extreme separation anxiety as early as 3 months, she was sensitive to clothing (she got SO hot in onsies) at 3.5 months old and she had reflux, trouble bottle feeding and but we changed formulas, and I just felt like a "special" mom b/c my baby loved me best. She didn't even like to be left with my DH either...
Poor little guy! I wouldn't wait until a 9 month check up. You are obviously worried & trust your intuition. There are much more to babies than a diagnosis can explain. It sound like something is definately bothering him. We take our son to Portland Family Homeopathy & the doctor has helped us realize what was bothering our son (he can't digest wheat well & was getting overstimulated). I'd go take him in asap so you can figure put how to help your little guy feel better. Good luck!
My son has SPD, and your little guy sounds just like mine. It wouldn't hurt to mention it and get an evaluation by an Occupational Therapist. OT's treat SPD, and check around to find a really good one! Our therapist has truly been a blessing! With a good therapist, SPD is totally manageable, so go with your instincts and ask for a referral at your 9 month appointment.
It does not sound typical, but I would not try to diagnose yourself, just ask (and insist) on a referal from your pediatrician. Remember that he is very young, and though he may get a diagnosis now, it will probably not be reliable and may change, as many issues look simular, and there could be other explanations for many of the things that he has going on. I would hope that you would get a referal to an OT first, and get help with the feeding issues asap. tolerating solids and practicing moving and chewing food are essential practice skills for clear speech, so you are on target to get this checked out now. Just be open to the idea that your direction, and his needs and diagnosis may change as he ages.
An appointment with a developmental pediatrican is the most comprehensive thing you can do, it may take a very long time to get in, so you can go to an OT first. Speak to the pediatrician, get some referals, and never, never wait with development.
M.
it cant hurt to mention it, i would just to be on the safe side. my sons doctor probably thinks im a worry wart, but that my baby and ya maybe i am a litle paranoid, but oh well. hes my first and im still learning! if its not spd he may be able to help you with his behavior. i hope for the best!
It is not typical infant behavior. Follow your gut. Talk to your pediatrician, but if you are not satisfied, find a specialist. My son was the same as an infant. When I talked to my pediatrician about these behaviors, he basically made me feel like a bad parent. Move to new city, new pediatrician, and a year later he received a diagnosis. You should try contacting your state's birth-to-three program.
Good luck,
C.
He's a baby who wants to be held and loved. One of my grandsons had to be held while he slept. He became a problem at pre-school and in school. Now that he is 8 he's bright, top of the class and has many friends.
He's still tough but that is his personality.
Maturity takes care of many things. Not everything is a three or four letter diagnosis.
My daughter (not his mother) would not take a bath until we insisted. Her son needed to be driven in the car to fall asleep and then moved from car to bed.
Everybody in our family is some or another lettered condition. This includes nieces and nephew.
We never medicate our children. Music may soothe him. In which case play it for hours and hours. Whatever he likes.
Smart kids are a better deal than dumb ones but they are a big investment in time and energy.
Also we use homeopathic remedies we get from a licensed homeopath. That is a good form of doctoring.
Updated
He's a baby who wants to be held and loved. One of my grandsons had to be held while he slept. He became a problem at pre-school and in school. Now that he is 8 he's bright, top of the class and has many friends.
He's still tough but that is his personality.
Maturity takes care of many things. Not everything is a three or four letter diagnosis.
My daughter (not his mother) would not take a bath until we insisted. Her son needed to be driven in the car to fall asleep and then moved from car to bed.
Everybody in our family is some or another lettered condition. This includes nieces and nephew.
We never medicate our children. Music may soothe him. In which case play it for hours and hours. Whatever he likes.
Smart kids are a better deal than dumb ones but they are a big investment in time and energy.
Also we use homeopathic remedies we get from a licensed homeopath. That is a good form of doctoring.
My kiddo has SPD, and aside for the separation anxiety (which to me sound normal for the age), I would definitely bring ti up to your ped. Ask for a recommendation for evaluation. Our OT is fantastic and has done wonders for our kiddo (and has made us feel a whole lot better, too!)
Sounds relatively normal. Actually, it just sounds like he needs you and your attention. Why is he crying for hours? That isn't normal. If you can resolve that, most of the rest will probably resolve too.
