We also had Wyatt's 4 year check recently, and when we discussed a few of the obstacles we've been dealing with lately, his doctor said, "I'm concerned." Part of me felt vindicated, and the other part was devastated. I knew we couldn't keep bumping along the way we were, and as I've mentioned before, we do have a referral for an occupational therapist to get further diagnosing, but still. It feels a bit crushing as a parent.
Because I've been talking about SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) a lot lately, I thought I'd explain it a little more thoroughly in this post.
Sensory processing (sometimes called "sensory integration" or SI) is a term that refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. Whether you are biting into a hamburger, riding a bicycle, or reading a book, your successful completion of the activity requires processing sensation or "sensory integration."
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD, formerly known as "sensory integration dysfunction") is a condition that exists when sensory signals don't get organized into appropriate responses. Pioneering occupational therapist and neuroscientist A. Jean Ayres, PhD, likened SPD to a neurological "traffic jam" that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information needed to interpret sensory information correctly. A person with SPD finds it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses, which creates challenges in performing countless everyday tasks. Motor clumsiness, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, school failure, and other impacts may result if the disorder is not treated effectively. (from www.sinetwork.org)
I believe Wyatt deals with Sensory Over Responsiveness (or defensiveness) in that his body over-reacts to certain senses (some children are under-responsive, or sensory seeking. These children often don't respond to hot/cold changes, seem to be unaffected by pain, some chew on things, suck on fingers, etc to constantly feel something orally, just for example.).
There are a few categories he fits into:
Auditory Defensiveness. Children with auditory defensiveness have difficulty tolerating loud noises and/or are easily startled by loud noises. They may be fearful when subjected to certain sounds. They may try to avoid situations in which there will be noise, such as shopping centres. They are irritated by appliance noises (we found this to be especially true with the vacuum and blender).
Vestibular or Gravitational Defensiveness. Children with vestibular defensiveness hate going upside down or sideways, they may have difficulty using stairs, elevators and escalators. Some experience motion sickness (which we haven't, thank goodness) and vertigo. It's not unusual for some children to avoid swinging and sliding. This same insecurity can be exhibited while in the water, some children do not want to learn to swim and floating can be frightening for them.
He also touches on tactile defensiveness. I read this quote on the SPD support website: "They may act like their life is being threatened when being bathed." This is bathtime in our house. Children with tactile defensiveness may also avoid crowds because of the unexpected touches that may occur. Wyatt certainly dislikes crowds, could be the noise, could be the amount of people, could be people bumping into him that bothers him.
This just touches on SPD, but these are the issues that we, as a family, are dealing with. Some days are fine, other days are really bad. I'm looking forward to our appointment so that Josh and I can learn ways to help Wyatt cope with some of these things that overwhelm him. It's easy to get frustrated. It's hard to imagine what is so terrifying about a 4 foot high slide. But we are finding some ways of helping him on our own. For example, if there is a loud, startling sound, if we can show him what is making the noise, it can help prevent a meltdown. This doesn't always work though, as I found out when a front end loader was picking up benches after the Corn and Apple Festival downtown. When I pointed it out to him, he began to shake and asked to go home. Mind you, Corn and Apple itself was mostly a disaster with him. In the days following the festival, when we would drive downtown, he would ask when they would take down the signs. He clapped (!) the day he noticed they were gone.
Anyway, I hope that answers some of the questions - I know I sure don't have all the answers myself, but I think this gives a glimpse into Wyatt's world.
Thanks for sharing more about this. It must be very difficult for Wyatt, and for you as a parent. I hope your meeting with the therapist goes well and that you're able to get the tools to help him out.
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