[o2b30again]

Anyone have any experience with this disorder? We have just moved home our 3 little ones and think that they may have this. I don't like to push for labeling a child but the SW wants testing done before we file subsidy paperwork for the adoption. All 3 have signs in different areas. They have appointments on Friday to see our family Doc to get a referral to be tested. I was just hoping for a bit of advice from the pro's...you guys! The ones who live it everyday.

Our three yr old eats, sucks, chews EVERYTHING! We have started him on gum and that helps a bit. He is a toe walker, hates loud noises (toilet, horns etc) That is some of it. Constantly thirsty. Says he's hungry. Has 2 bites and is suddenly full.

Our two year old also chews everything. Drools a ton and isn't teething anymore. She tends to hug and hold hands really hard. If she is using her body she doesn't know how hard she is doing something...like petting the cat! Poor kitty She really does love him! Some days she is fearless and others hates the play gym equipment.

Our 4 yr old has similar symptoms as his siblings so I won't go into them but they are their.

Any advice on this disorder would be wonderful...Thanks!

[huggableteach]

This is a great book to read (if you have time in between chasing around three little ones.)

The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder, Revised Edition by Carol Stock Kranowitz and Lucy Jane Miller

[trixila]

My 9 yr old son has a sensory disorder. From a young age, he would chew his shirts, put everything in his mouth, and was a biter until he was six. This is a real neurological condition that can be diagnosed and treated. He had occupational therapy for years, which helped. Specifically, he is a sensory seeker. He loves deep pressure, could swing for hours, craves physical contact, etc. There are wonderful theraputic aids that help him get throught the day. He could chew on his special chewy tube for hours. Not uncommon for this to coexist with other disorders; he has adhd. We have a deep pressure vest that is great for helping him self-regulate. I would seek professional help for your children if you suspect. Are clothing tags a problem? There are checklists that help you determine if this a concern. I tried hard not to laugh when his kindergarten teacher told me that he was licking the floor. Typical. These kids receive input through their senses and go about it any way they can. We do alot of stuff at home, like joint compressions and have a trampoline in our basement. You can find tons of information on line. Good luck.

[vegaschristina]

Two of my kiddos have it, and it can be a challenge some days, but I love them to pieces, and it's just who they are.

We have a trampoline in our livingroom, a swing for one doorway, and we're always on the lookout for new toys that will stimulate them in appropriate ways. I second the Out of Sync Child...it's amazing to read a book and realize she's talking about your kid...but she's never met your kid!

Another thought...we all have sensory integration issues...each one of us. If you think about it, we can't handle things too loud, or too cold, too whatever. We all learn from an early age how to deal or compensate. We squirm in our chairs if we've been sitting too long, we tap our feet or fingers. These are both methods of gaining stimulation that we've developed. Kids with an SI label, they're just getting help in learning how to deal.

[humanpitchpipe]

Check out the Guatemalan adoption board on this site. There are quite a few threads on this topic. The most recent being a support thread. I think it is called Sensory Integration Disorder in the threads. I would post a link, but I don't know how - sorry!

[Rubi]

I think that the SW could be right....Try to go to an occupational therapist that has post graduate training in SI. You do get children that seeks more sensory input and others that try to avoid sensory stimulation...These children can have problems with processing the input or with modulating it, ect. I agree on the recommended book...VERY GOOD. There is also a follow up book: The out-of -sinc child can have fun (or something like it?)...the last book gives tons of activities to do for the different type of SI dysorder.

HOPE EVERYTHING GOES WELL

[o2b30again]

This week we went to Barnes and Noble and picked up the books everyone recommended. They are fantastic! I was thankful to have the additional information. It reassures us that even though the children are young that they should still be screened. And just because some of the issues are not sever that they can still be issues. Even the Dr. that signed our referral for the specialist was a bit leery of sending them. My question was, What can it hurt? He thankfully wrote us the referral. He didn't want to label them at such a young age and was fairly certain that they would just outgrow their behaviors. I am really glad that he wasn't above giving us the referral. I will happy if they find that their behaviors are normal but I really think that they will find they need help. Thanks everyone for your input. I'll let you know how our next appoinment goes....cool thing is that we will be seen within 2 weeks!!! Pretty fast considering it is a Therapy Clinic just for children and only 20 min. from home!