2 Year Old with Sensory Issues

Hi K.,
My son has always had sensory issues. I noticed the same things at that age. He was very picky about clothing, no tags on shirts, comfortable clothes, ect. When he reached 41/2 or 5 he began displaying agressive behavior towards other children. No matter what I did or said, how I disciplined him, nothing seemed to work and I was frustrated. This past spring I took him to a therapist and she diagnosed him the first day we met with Sensory Integration Dysfunction. I didn't like the term dysfunction as if there was something wrong with him, but I read the book she reccommended, The Out of Sync Child and it helped so much! I felt like there were finally some answers to all of our frustration. We started occupational therapy in May of this year and within a month I noticed a huge improvement. My son is not as sensitive to clothes. I can get him to wear underwear and socks! He can go into resturaunts and crowds without total meltdown. He still has senitivities, but is learning how to manage them and how to read his own cues.
I would reccommend reading The Out of Sync Child and looking into OT. It has done wonders for our family. I know how frustrating it can be to have a child with sensory issues. Feel free to e-mail me if you need to talk and would like to connect more on this issue. ____@____.com
M. S

I would follow the doctor's recommendations. Sensory issues can seem minor but can lead to lots of other problems as they get older. I think it would be best to find ways to help her cope (other than just wearing sweat pants every day) so she doesn't have a major meltdown. I think there are some pretty simple interventions you can do to help her with sensory integration.

I think I would go the program route- it is only going to be an aggrivation til you get it solved. I imagine this is a daily battle wearing both of you down, not very nuturing for the relationship. Since they can't always express what they are feeling I'd go the program routine, see what is under it.

I have experienced something similiar with my 4 year old. Ever since he started wearing shoes, he has issues with his socks and shoes. They have to be just right or he seems extremely uncomfortable and he takes them off. Also, each year it is super difficult to get him to wear long pants instead of shorts. He rolls up his pants the entire winter and jeans are out of the question. Before, I thought it was just a control thing, but now I think it is really a question of comfort. Especially since he is the same way at day care. I will be interested to see what others say and whether the sensory program would be something we should look into too. I have never heard of such a thing.

If you had a doctor advise you to go through a program for a developmental issue then you should have jumped on that yesterday. Sorry to be blunt, but pediatricians are notoriously out of touch with these kinds of needs, so if they see something you should not wait. Sensory issues can stand alone but more often than not they are part of a bigger picture issue. Sensory issues may just be a pain for you right now, but it is very uncomfortable for her, and it will cause many issues at school once she gets there. The biggest advantage that you have going for you is her young age, so don't waste that by waiting because she looses.

I assume that you were referred for occupational therapy, which is a good start, but if you ever wondering about anything else, you should have her evaluated by a developmental pediatrician.

M.