How do I get a diagnosis?

by Tammy
(Toledo, Ohio area)

When my son AJ was about 10 months old he went thru early intervention where the occupational therapist told me he might have sensory integration disorder. We thought for a while he had "outgrown" it and resolved the issues. So, e/i quit coming to the house.




Now he is too old to qualify for early intervention, and I think he's still suffering from sensory issues. He is now 4 years old and his tantrums are unbearable. He has no reasoning skills at all. He still hates to have dirt on his hands. Still covers his ears for loud noises. And taking him to church leaves me miserable and exhausted!!!

I don't know what kind of doctor or counselor or specialist to turn to about it. It's making me feel like "crazy mommy". I love my kids, but spanking isn't working and I'm exhausted. Is there medicine for this? Any kind of financial assistance for such a diagnosis... I'm afraid this means I'll have to go out and buy a bunch of new "toys" for him and we just don't have the money right now.... which is partly why I've let this go for so long without seeking professional help.

PLEASE HELP ME!
Tammy



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Aug 01, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Calm Child Herbal Supplement
by: Charlene Ohio

The Calm Child Herbal Supplements can be purchased at nutritiongeeks.com I was buying it at a local Health food store but it is cheaper and you can even get a bigger bottle of the same supplement. This along with OT, and a in your pocket weighted vest has really helped my son. Hope this helps charlene
Jul 31, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Try Herbal Supplement
by: Anonymous

Hi, the herbal supplement "Calm Child" was mention. What is the brand name, and where can I purchase this supplement. Thank You.
Jul 30, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		austism adds
by: Tammy

I hate that those autism adds are right beside my message. My family members have asked over and over again if my son has autism. NO! He most certainly does not. I guess that's easier for them to understand.
Jul 29, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		try herbal supplement
by: charlen

My son was diagnosed with SPD and PDD in March 2009. He is doing a lot better with OT with his tantrums, and self regulation issues. I found this herbal supplement called calm child. It helps him stay more focused and calm in school and at home. This can be googled or you can get it from your health food store locally. It has really help my son a lot. You can give it to them 2-3 times a day and its only 1/2 a tsp. you can also mix it in his juice or favorite beverage. It has worked wonders along with his OT. hope this helps. char113@sbcglobal.net
Jul 29, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		diagnosis
by: Angie

We had to go to an OT to get one but they really don't call it a diagnosis. There really are no medication you can give them unless it helps their anxiety or something else. My son was on prozac for awhile. If you want someone to talk to that knows sort what you are going through. My e-mail is ngldickey@yahoo.com I understand how stressed out you can get.

Angela Dickey
Jul 29, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Good Luck
by: Anonymous

First I would like to commend you on staying persistent for your son. Many parents stop paying attention when a OT tells them their child has grown out of it. No child really ever grows out of it, they only are helped with therapy and that's what we are trying to get people to understand.

If you have a pediatrician that will listen talk to them first. They can more than likely lead you in the right direction to an OT that your insurance will cover. Unfortunately no one can diagnose it, yet. You can go to the spdfoundation.net website and search petition an sign the petition to help get it in the DSM handbook. This is a book that all medical personal go to, to code diagnoses. SPD is not in there.

You can also call your EI Service Coordinator. Even though your son is too old for their services, it doesn't mean they can't or won't help you. Some of the therapist there may do personal therapy on the side and someone there would have to know where you can go. Each state is different on treatment and each insurance company is different on paying for it.

I hope this helps and I hope you can get some help not only for your son but for your family. SPD is not an easy thing to live without no matter the circumstances.
Jul 28, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		OT
by: Anonymous

The same thing happened to us where my son was getting EI and then didn't qualify because his delay was less than 25%. He still seemed like he needed therapy though so we had him evaluated by an OT at a nearby John Heinz and he started receiving OT there. Luckily our insurance helped pay for it. Sometimes the OT could find a loophole in your insurance so that it will be covered. Best of luck!

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