"Every child is different"

by Lisa
(Pa)

If my 4 1/2 year old son could live in his hoodie and sweat pants he would. I try to explain that it is 97 degrees outside and pants are out of the question. He is a very energetic smart boy who I believed just had some quirks to his personality. "Every child is different" I was told.




He loves sand, but hates tags in clothing, shorts, sandles with velcro, and hats, It is a wrestling match to get his hair washed and we both end up getting wet. I have tried to just spray him with the nozzle, but he just screams and tries to hide in the corner of the tub. I know it sounds very traumatic.

He also likes to chew on things such as magnets, his fingernails, a plastic fork, clothing. I have tried the chewies for autistic kids that look like a rubber hammer, but he doesn't like them. He also likes to pile or gather things together and I find unrelated things gathered usually under the beds, behind the couch or chairs or in a corner. I recently noticed in those piles are pieces of paper that he has ripped up as well.

He is also upset when a new surrounding is introduced that has alot of people. When it was time for him to register for kindergarten he would not make in past the inside of the front doors. I went in and filled out paperwork. The principal, teachers, and I all tried to coax him but nothing worked. Is he shy? Insecure?

When people compliment him and smile and everyone laughs he thinks they are making fun of him. I tell him it's because he's just so cute and handsome. He will not wear button up shirts or nice shirts that draw attention to himself because of this.

He does have a speech delay, but his therapist says he is "making slow steady progress". I was also told he does not need OT. He will be starting kindergarten in the fall and I want to know if there is anything I can do to help my son over the summer. He has an 8 year old brother and a 2 year old sister and does enjoy playing with them. He likes all sports, and to color and play.



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Apr 21, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		OT
by: JML, OTR/L

(I am a school based Occupational Therapist)

It sounds as though your son may benefit from OT to assist with sensory regulation. Sensory processing is on a spectrum, with people interpreting different inputs in vastly different ways. Desensitization and educating individuals in ways to assist with regulating the incoming input can help. That said, school based OT must be academically relevant. If his differences are not affecting his school performance in a way that an OT can assist with, he will not be able to get OT at school. There is clinical OT as well, and perhaps a sensory gym would be an option in your case.

Ask your doctor for a script to have your child evaluated by a clinical OT if you are headed that route. (Scripts are necessary for OT services, but unfortunately most doctors do not really know who OTs are or what we do).
Jun 25, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		every child is differeny
by: marjory glasgow scotland

Hi i have a son very similar experiences to you. My son was diagnosed with reduced proprioception around 10% this affects top half of body, arms shoulders fingers , stomach. This is rectified with excersice 10 min every day at school and home. The more the better. He would scream the house down havn hair washed and nails cut. As he got older i noticed more and more. My doctor told me the same he would grow out of it. Even as a baby his hands would cover his ears at loud noise. He would jump if you touched him and he didnt see it coming.

This is just a few things, the one i really spotted was that he was more at home with adults and conversation than children especially his own age.

I had another fight on my hands but finally he was diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder / aspergers/ I dont know if it was relief or what but at least now we could have a diagnosis and get help. Well that was my presumption.WRONG again.

He is at main stream school and is 8 yrs old. Life can be very difficult, but we get their.

My advice to you--- You are that childs mother and no one knows him better than you. Keep on fighting and best of luck.
Jun 25, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Every child is different
by: Lyn

Hello. I am a mother to 3 boys. I am from the Philippines. I agree that every child is different. My eldest son is turning four and is very smart and mature for his age. My second son turning two was the opposite. Diagnosis with devtal pedia is developmental delay w/ autism not ruled out.Often he learns something new and forgets it the next day. So every child is indeed different. But what is important as mothers we make all of them feel special and loved despite their weakness and mistakes or intelligence and strengths. I suggest you consult with your child's pedia or devtal pedia to be sure if an OT is needed. Good luck!

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