Can SPD Be Brought On By Injury?

by Keturah
(Portland)

My child is 5 months old, and has been developing normally, she just began rolling over, has good control of her hands, and can focus on small objects. She knows her name, and smiles often. Because of eating problems we took her to a cranial-sacral specialist (highly recomended), and now she is showing signs of hyper-sensitivity such as startling easily due to noises, extremly sensitive to light touch, often touching new textures and quickly letting go, once a cuddly baby she now pulls away from mommy and no longer likes kisses. She is sensitive to touch everywhere and does not like to play patty cake or interact with mother as much any more and sadly smiles less frequently. Could this be a result of adjustments, or does she have SPD? What steps should I take from here?

The SPD Help Line Answers...

Keturah,

The technique of cranio sacral therapy is non invasive and is very gentle touches or tapping, and I have not personally ever heard of any adverse reactions such as this degree of hypersensitivity as a result of this therapy. A consult with the specialist regarding this possibility might be warranted. Note: Children under 7 years of age require a practitioner experienced and trained to work with pediatric clients.

It is possible that trauma of different types can bring upon the onset of SPD. Also dietary changes, allergies and/or food intolerance may also mimic some of these behaviors and symptoms. Any recent illness or possible reaction to vaccinations?

Barring any of these underlying problems, my thought would be to have her evaluated by a developmental pediatrician and possibly an OT who has Sensory Integrative experience and begin therapeutic intervention to address the problems you are seeing now. I do wonder if the initial eating problems were sensory related and you are seeing more issues as our SPD children grow. In other words, could she have had under sensitivities that frequently go unnoticed until we begin therapy, and neurological changes bring them to the forefront?

Regardless of what triggered this hypersensitivity, it will need to be addressed therapeutically, I think. And the longer she waits, the worse it could possibly get. My honest advise is to seek further evaluation and treatment. To find information about how to find an OT experienced in Sensory Integration, read How To Find An Occupational Therapist For SPD AND What YOU Need To Know Before Starting Sensory Integrative Therapy.

Hope this helps.

Anyone else have any input regarding SPD and cranial sacral therapy? We would love to know.

Michelle Morris
Administrator, SPD International