Diagnosis for the first time in an older child

My son is 14 and a half, i have always felt that there was something wrong with how he reacted to everything from the beginning of his life. He was always a very unhappy,unsettled baby and as the years have gone on i have noticed so many differences between himself and his brothers, and other children. No-one has ever taken me seriously and i began to think i was just a neurotic mother 'reading too much into things', however he has finally been assessed as he is struggling in secondary school and he definitely has this disorder.




I am extremely fearful for him though as every bit of information i can gather emphasizes on early diagnosis being the key to successfully treating him. Is it too late to undo all the damage that we have done by not understanding him better when he was going through all his obstacles, is the damage done already. I really hope not. Anyone who can advise me would be very much appreciated.



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Jul 20, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		12 year old son..looking for help
by: Anonymous

I was wondering what made you bring in your 14 yr old and what kind of behavior you were noticing. My son is 12 and I am not sure if he is having sensory problems or is just being a stubborn, emotional preteen. He has recently had 3 major meltdowns in the past 2 weeks, clothes all of a sudden must have been shrunk, because they dont feel right anymore, takes forever to get dressed, stands in the shower for hours any suggestions? thanks.
May 13, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		i understand
by: Anonymous

Although i found out early that my child has spd, i understand exactly how you feel about not being heard as a mother. Unfortunately others have made me feel like a neurotic mother as well. I am struggling just to keep her in speech therapy with the school system, no one seems to fully understand how my life is completely controlled by my daughters sensory issues. I wanted to let you know that your not alone in having felt that way.

also i wanted to encourage you to read more of the postings. someone who had been diagnosed around the same age as your son answered one of the questions and that person talked about doing just fine.

goodluck
May 08, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		SPD Diagnosis
by: Anonymous

I am very sorry to hear it took you 14 years to find out that "mother's know best". Mother's do have the right instincts.

I have 4 yr old son who we finally have a diagnoses of SPD (we went from at 2 yrs old autistic, PDD to at 4 yrs old SPD). It was a long journey.

My only advise to you is the Star Center in Colorado (www.starcenter.us). They are the experts in this field. If you can't take your son to this center, at least contact them and see if you can find an OT trained at this center for sensory issues. Not everyone OT is specialized in sensory issues.

We have been assessed by an OT trained at this center and are receiving therapy from her. However, I do know that Star Center recommends intense therapy sessions for a short period of time and then let the child develop/adjust.
As you may have heard neurologist differ in their opinion whether therapy does help or not, but I can say for certain, it has helped my child.
May 06, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		it is never tooo late
by: Anonymous

My grandson has sensory issues..he is 4 yrs old.....we have caught it early however he is still NOT talking....we just keep talking to him....now that you know the problem just start to attack each issue knowing that he is not being stubborn, mad or a bad kid...know that he has this disorder and find all the ways to treat each incident with love, calmness and great big hugs!!!!! it really does make them feel protected and physically it releases endorphins, happy feelings into the body...god bless and know you are NOT alone..

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