S.L. asks from Dallas, GA on October 30, 2008
Sensory Integration Dysfunction
We recently had our 8yr son (3rd grade) tested for ADD/ADHD by a psychologist because we and the teachers for the past 2 yrs saw a lot of focusing / attention problems. Other then he's attention problem he is a very good kid. Makes A's/B's and is never mean or hyper. They did several hours of testing and from the results think he has Sensory Integration Dysfunction which can sometimes be mistaken for ADHD. They determined he is a verbal learner and cannot visually learn at the same rate as his peers. They want him to have occupational therapy. Has anyone gone through this before and what should I expect. TIA
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J.M. answers from Spartanburg on October 31, 2008
We are going through occupational and speech therapy for my son right now. He is just 16 months old, but this type of therapy is wonderful if the child has a different learning style. It has helped me understand why my son is not grasping how to say certain words or why he doesn't want to do certain things. It is very good that you are getting a handle on this and identifying his learning style. It will really benefit him. Even though my son is still young, I have learned so much (through occupational therapy) about how he processes things.
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M.H. answers from Atlanta on October 30, 2008
Hi S.,
I do not have a child that was ever diagnosed with SID but my youngest was diagnosed with ADHD and my best friends child was diagnosed with Autism. All three of these conditions have a similar problem; the neurological system is not working properly. There are so many things that affect the neurological system that I suggest you start removing them one at a time.
I detoxed my house and removed the synthetic chemicals and my daughter's ADHD diagnosis was removed. My friend's son only has Autistic behavior now when he spends the weekend with his father who has a house full of toxins. She detoxed her house over 2 years ago and her son has been mainstreamed into the public school system. There are other things you can do but this is a simple fix and improvement begins immediately.
Just to bullet a few other things:
*Eat organically so he is not consuming pesticides, preservatives, antibiotics and hormones. They contraindicate just like pharmaceuticals do and do neurological damage.
*See an upper cervical chiropractor so you are sure that the nerve impulses are actually getting to the brain.
*He needs to be using the bathroom after every meal. If he does not have a bowel movement to remove toxins after every meal, the toxic buildup will lead to more neurological problems as well as create new diseases. (EVERYONE needs to "go" as many times as they eat a meal!)I can suggest a colon cleanse that he might actually like.
*He needs to be on a good absorbable multivitamin that insures he gets his nutrition. (Be careful as some do more damage than good.)
My daughter that had the ADHD recognized the fact that she was learning but couldn't regurgitate the information to me when I was schooling her. She has since thanked me because she said I "un-jumbled her brain."
I would love to talk to you and help if I can. This is not an expensive process. Please don't start any medication until you are sure that this is not being exacerbated by his environment. SID did not exist a few years ago. Neither did Autism, at the rate it is increasing.
God bless!
M.
1 mom found this helpful
J.I. answers from Myrtle Beach on October 31, 2008
My daughter was recently diagnosed with sensory issues although different then your son. We go to OT with her. Next Step is the facility we take her to and I think it is the best in the area! They are wonderful there. I would encourage you to read Sensational Kids by Lucy Miller. Very good book. I actually gave my copy to someone because she wants to put her daughter on ADHD meds and I think she is dealing with this! Good luck with finding out more about this and getting your son as much help as he needs!
K.L. answers from Atlanta on October 31, 2008
My daughter had sensory issues and went to OT at 3 years old. She was sensitive to loud noises, the unexpected, sudden changes, touch, and food textures. They did a variety of activities with her using food, through play, etc. It was really a neat experience and interesting to see how they worked with her. She enjoyed it and was always happy to go.
H.C. answers from Macon on October 31, 2008
Hey S., I actually do not have any experience with what you are going through. I do however have a suggestions on how to cope with your son's problems. My mother has been making weighted blankets for a while now. After her retirement, she wanted to keep helping people and this is what she decided to do. In many lives, weighted products have been a life saver. They provide a natural calming effect. Please visit her website & see for yourself what she has to offer. Take care!
L.Z. answers from Atlanta on October 31, 2008
My dear friend's son has SID, and he is like a different child after a year of OT, speech, and music therapy. He is happier, and doesn't get frustrated or overstimulated like he used to. OT is a great thing for kids with SID. Don't freak yourself out--he's going to be great.
C.D. answers from Columbus on November 07, 2008
Hey S., I just saw your post and read the responses looking for something else. If you haven't contacted Mimi H, do that. I would tell you the same thing! Contact me also if you'd like. I am a social worker who has worked with all those "diagnoses" and I also had a child diagnosed by the public schools as ADHD. I shoulda been diagnosed also - I learn very differently than most of my family and friends, but we were able to figure that out just be paying close attention to what works and what doesn't. My "ADHD child" received a scholarship to college, has made good money professionally, is now 37 and runs his own successful business. We're both very smart, no brag, just fact. Don't let them scare you. They're just names. And in my experience, especially in the school system, name-calling hurts the caller more than the callee.
J.M. answers from Spartanburg on October 31, 2008
We are going through occupational and speech therapy for my son right now. He is just 16 months old, but this type of therapy is wonderful if the child has a different learning style. It has helped me understand why my son is not grasping how to say certain words or why he doesn't want to do certain things. It is very good that you are getting a handle on this and identifying his learning style. It will really benefit him. Even though my son is still young, I have learned so much (through occupational therapy) about how he processes things.
M.J. answers from Charleston on October 31, 2008
Please try chriopractic! It could help him SO much and is the least invasive therapy you can try for him:) Best of luck! Mimi offers great advice with detoxing the home too, it has such an impact on our health!
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