Can SPD be linked to premature birth?

My son was premature, born at 25 weeks. He is now 10 and struggling at school.



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Jun 27, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		yes it can
by: Anonymous

Hi! I'm an OT- the vestibular system is the last to develop in utero- so whether you were on bedrest, or born prematurely can affect it.

Also as a NICU infant is generally held by the parents less, has less movement in a mother's arms and less head position changes, that affects the vestibular systems development.

Tactile wise- they have to endure medical procedures, equipment, and less human touch. Often they aren't given borders for arms and feet or they are swaddled tightly including their hands (for fear they will pull out tubes sometimes) so that they cant self soothe by bringing their hands to their mouth.

NICU personal are focused on saving their lives- rightly so- but development wise it can affect a lot.
Jun 25, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		I've wondered...
by: Madeline

I've always wondered the same thing, seen as I was born prematurely and I've had sensory issues all my life. My mother always talks about how they're linked. So I think they are but it would be a good thing to ask your son's doctor
Jun 25, 2012
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by: Anonymous

My son was born at 31 weeks and has many sensory issues. No one in the NICU ever mentioned sensory problems while we were there for 6 weeks. He has problems w/ proprioception, vestibular and tactile. We didn't know they were sensory problems until he started preschool. Every doc we saw prior to said it was low and high tone.

Many preemies have sensory issues- think about the noise, tubes, etc they endure while in NICU. Early intervention is key but I'll say my son was in early intervention until he was 2 1/2 and no one ever mentioned sensory processing disorder
Jun 25, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Premature bitrh
by: Lyn

Hello. I have 3 sons. All of them are born full-term. but my second son has so many tactile issues. Maybe its best to ask your doctor or pediatrician. Good luck!

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