Is it SPD?

My son is seven years old. He's very smart, very sweet, and a lot of fun. Most of the time. He is having some issues. He's been having them sporadically for several years, but it's gotten worse since we moved in with my boyfriend and his mother. My son likes them both very much, but it is understandably difficult to adjust to two new adults to answer to instead of just mom or just dad (his dad and I separated when he was 1.)




Since he was having these behavioral problems before the move, I doubt if the move is the sole cause. He says he loves it here, that he's glad we came, and is excited about our future with my boyfriend as a part of our family. His behavior is similar to what's described on this site, but I hesitate to jump right in and think he has SPD because he has no problems with sensory input. Although he is extremely ticklish, and a picky eater, (not nearly as picky as I was, though!) he has no other symptoms other than the behavior problems, which are mainly throwing fits and pooping his pants.

He throws fits when he has to do something he doesn't want to do, or when we tell him "no." I'll let him know it's going to happen several times in advance, to prepare him for it, but still, when it's time to change his activity he goes crazy. He'll yell, stomp his feet, and lie about things, saying I never told him he'd have to do it.

Today he even said that I told him I didn't like him anymore. Of course nothing is farther from the truth, but my patience is wearing thin. I thought maybe he was spoiled. He's an only child, being raised by single parents who live on opposite sides of the country, which doesn't even seem to bother him. He's used to major changes, has moved several times, and always adjusts very quickly and easily. Until now. Why? If it's SPD, why doesn't he have any other symptoms?

I don't have much money, no insurance, but if I need to take him to a doctor I will of course, but I just want to know if this could be an option. My son's dad is sure this is what it is, but how can this be when he doesn't have problems with anything to do with his senses?



Comments for Is it SPD?

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May 20, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		SPD is complicated.
by: Anonymous

I have to say that it can be difficult to tell with a child what is sensory and what is not. That word alone can be deceiving. It implies that the senses are impaired,(wich they are) but not in an obvious way. What are the activities that your son dislikes? My daughter for example, hates to wash her hands...seems like she is being a brat to the uninformed, but its a sensory thing. She also hates getting dressed, buckling herself in the car and carrying a backpack as well as many other independent skills needed for everyday living. The thing is SHE IS NOT SPOILED! She would love nothing more than to please me by doing the things i ask of her without difficulty! Perphaps your son is different then my daughter. But I thought my daughter was being lazy and defiant and I was WRONG. Her self esteem was damaged in the meanwhile and I wish I'd understood SPD sooner. Good luck.
May 13, 2010
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by: Anonymous

It is so hard to know for sure without an evaluation. I can tell you from my experience with spd that it's complicated. These children process everything differently, and each child does it in their own way. And there are varying degrees of it. My oldest daughter had it but i did not learn about spd until i had my second child eight years later and in talking with the OT figured out that many of my struggles with child number one were rooted in sensory issues. So i wouldn't be quick to dismiss this as a possibility.

Also the school can evaluate your child but i can tell you from experience that their not always helpful and especially if your child has a mild form of it they will not catch it.

My daughter had therapy through the state until she was three, OT, CBRS, and speech therapy.

The school evaluators looked at me as if i had lost my mind when i explained to them about her spd. And i had to fight to get her into speech therapy with the school.

goodluck
Jun 05, 2009
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by: Anonymous

Hi,

I don't think he has spd, but maybe for him it is one move too much and he is reacting in a emotional way. My neurotypical daughter (cause I have a son with autism) used to pee in her pants and was very upset by the changes she had in her life she was 5-6 yrs. old, my husband was in France for 2 years while i was in usa with kids..due to my sons autism we decided to move over here for services. I would see if you can't get a psychological eval with the school you can ask them to do one....

Hang in there.
Jane

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