Jennifer Christopherson - Mother

by Jennifer
(Eagan, MN USA)

It is a crime that this is not a DSM recognized disorder. This is the ONLY diagnosis that fits my child and, yet, I tolerate others so that my child can get the services that he needs. Why can't we just call this what it is? It breaks my heart that we must hide behind other diagnoses to get special education, occupational therapy and speech therapy. I/We am/are not ashamed of our child and his issues, why doesn't the medical community support our child and our efforts to do the very best I/We can for him?



Comments for Jennifer Christopherson - Mother

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May 25, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Misdirected anger
by: Anonymous

The only crime is that the people who are advocating this disorder are not doing the type of research needed to GET the disorder into the DSM. Their feeble attempts at research so far have not done much to substantiate their claim that the disorder even exists, let alone whether or not they know how to treat it, and this is coming from an OT with 20 years experience! I continue to marvel at how my colleagues are getting rich by duping parents of kids with behavior problems or other disorders into believing their child has a sensory disorder with no research to back it up, yet somehow manage to deflect the blame for not doing proper research onto the schools, insurance companies, and DSM-V committee. Wise up, parents, and direct your frustration where it belongs!
Feb 06, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I hear ya!
by: Anonymous

My 16 year old who was recently diagnosed was kicked out of school for three days for a tantrum she had when a boy touched her and she "threatened" him telling to leave her alone or else, even though she is not aggressive, but just wanted her space and not to be teased. At that point we were still working on getting her into a program at school and she was suspended because we had no way to protect her. We finally got her a 504 at school but in order to do that we had to ask our psychologist to document only her anxiety and call it generalized anxiety so she can qualify! The thing is that this program does NOT address her physical challenges in PE and other things we could not include in her 504 because of the diagnosis given!
Mrs.H
Jan 14, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Keep Trying, You aren't Alone
by: Anonymous

Jennifer,

I'm a Special education teacher, and I have had parents turn to me with stories similar to yours. A child doesn't fit our identifications, but something is atypical. What do we do? We fit them in the closest we can to provided support for them. It's not perfect, and often frustrating for everyone involved. I just want you to hear that we are trying. We are all in one big system sometimes, led by doctors and therapists who are far removed from our daily interactions and our students. We (educators) want to give your child what they need, but we can only work IN the system. If we leave the system, who will support free public education?

Anyway, keep hope. Keep yourself strong. Keep advocating for your child! It will make a difference some day.
Jan 01, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		keep puhing forward
by: Anonymous

I also am angry,because of this 14 years of not having answers,tests always 1/2 and 1/2 just say what it is spd,,,,it is horrible not being able to have a shrink recognize the truth and work on the whole lets separate her quirks into a million category that fit non completely
Jan 01, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		can not ignore SPD
by: Anonymous

I understand you. the sofference of children SPD is real,an appeal at the comunity medical. to support for the dott LUCY MILLER until SPD is included in the DSM V.
Dec 31, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		agree
by: Anonymous

I totally agree! We had to use autism as my son's diagnoses for his IEP when that isn't the case. It is frustrating!
Dec 31, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		more sensitive
by: Anonymous

It is inhumane in a society that is considered civil , and ignore the suffering of many children.
Dec 31, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I HEAR YOU
by: Anonymous

it's true and I feel your pain as well. My child has ADHD and my pediatrician went as far as to want to pin another diagnosis on him like PDD just so he can get school services-crazy isn't it?-he is going to a developmental pediatrician in June-my theory-if it's just a label that will get my child services i'm ok with it but it's clearly wrong.
Dec 31, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		include SPD DSM V
by: Anonymous

Hello jennifer,

I join your cry of pain for the indifference of the medical community. At the many testimonies of the suffering of children with SPD which can not be treated wit therapy. In Europe we are still behind , no one knows SPD.

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