Not sure if its spd ?? or me reading too much ??

by shelly
(england)

My 4 and half year old boy is having major problems with his socks and underpants and labels ... he says they are not right, they itch him, and they are uncomfortable to the point where he's screaming rolling around on the floor. My partner and family say that he's attention seeking... I put my sons socks on this morning and made sure the seam was perfect... he then put his arms round me and said thank you mummy I'm not taking this pair off ever... I love you.




So I was on the net looking for some seamless socks for him and came across a blog/post from a lady the same as me... I read and thought god this sounds like my son and her child as spd. He fits a lot of the statements on the checklist. Hes a climber loves to bounce always pushing his look not like a normal child he as to be told more than 3 or 5 times to do something/anything hates having teeth brushed. He as excellent speech but cant ride a bike, he can swim a length of the pool . I'm just so confused. Partner saying now that I shouldn't self diagnose (I'm not I'm just a concerned mum) could any one shed any light for me please. It would be much appreciated.

Thank you all... Shelly.



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Jan 09, 2010
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starstarstarstar 		What therapy?
by: DG

I think it is great for everyone to come on here and share experiences with their child's quirks, foibles and nightmarish behaviour. I think it will help a great deal of parents to know that they are not on their own - however, the only suggestion is that parents should seek a doctors advice and then therapy - but what is the Therapy you speak of? and how does it help, It might be more traumatic for your child to go through therapy than dealing with getting dressed, as difficult and traumatic as that is, and I speak from experience.

I'm not saying the therapy doesn't work or that if shouldn't be considered, but what is it - what is the therapy?

hope someone could enlighten me, and a lot of other parents who may have to consider it?

DG
Jul 23, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sounds like spd
by: Anonymous

Your story sounded similar to ours where our 41/2 year old daughter can't handle tags in clothes (basically clothes in general), shoes, socks, underwear, hair ties, etc... It is a struggle most days. Her symptoms/behaviours change all the time and the severity of her reaction but we feel she has now developed an anxiety disorder associated with this. She is currently seeing a psychologist. We have seen a specialist o.t. but didn't see any improvement. She shows extreme anxiety, fear and dread when it is time to get dressed and it is very stressful for the whole family (more so for her obviously). Other than this issue she is a gorgeous, friendly and caring girl.
Nov 02, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Tips
by: Anonymous

Wow! Sounds like me sometimes when I'm not thinking sensory.

Our mornings are the worst! She is 6yrs. has a pictured / word chore chart that helps her in the morning to do before we go to school. She uses the bathroom to stop getting ready in the morning. 5 or 6 times in the morning. Late for school. An hour and half the worst morning.

She does not like her underwear, and only wears soft dresses or soft skirt with soft shirt. That is great. Pippi Longstocking looking, I don't mind as long as we wear some clothes.

No socks except fluffy soft socks during sliding on floors, but not in shoes. We are still in croc sandals with no socks. We offer but not yet.

Does anyone have a solutions in am to get ready?
We use chewing foods to move her / organize her thinking. Frog jumping, carrying heavy objects, etc. She has some tactile, auditory, and proprioception. We might have to brush again.
Frustrated parents.

Quick story: it took 2.5 hours to get panties, and clothes on. We timed every 5 minutes if not somewhat dressed, we would take a piece of candy from Halloween. She lost 5 big candy and earned 2 candies by putting on her clothes. Exhausted.
Oct 27, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Tips
by: Anonymous

My son is six - and has the same issue with socks, tags, etc. Cut out tags (or buy without) and turn the socks inside out (that way he won't feel that "bunchy" feeling. My advice, above all - be patient. I know it's hard. I find when I really ask what the problem is, it's something sensory - and he can't always describe it without screaming or a tantrum. I also bear hug hum while he is screaming, that will often calm him and tell me what the problem is.

Whatever you do - don't fight back. My mother used to argue with him - b/c she came from the school of "they just should do it." He needs to have a logical reason not to do something. For example, this weekend - we were riding with her. He didn't have his seat belt on. She yelled, he yelled back - and it went on and on. Until I finally said, "Tucker, I need you to put the shoulder belt on. If we were to get into an accident the lap belt would cut you in half, The shoulder strap keeps the top half of your body in place." Then he put it in... no questions, no screaming - nothing. Yes, a bit dramatic - but all he needed was an explanation... not an I told you so.
Oct 20, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		I'm on your side!
by: Jessica

I'm an adult who suffered from Tactile Defensiveness as a child, and wasn't diagnosed until early teens. I'd very very very strongly recommend taking your son to a professional for evaluation. He sounds just like me at that age (socks were the worst!) and I wish my parents had talked to someone about it sooner. You sound like a very caring mom, and if he does have some sort of sensory disorder treatment could help him a ton.
Sep 24, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		highly sensitive child?
by: Anonymous

Just wondered if you'd heard of the Highly Sensitive Child book/website? http://www.hsperson.com/pages/child.htm

Have been going through many of the same issues with my daughter, now nearly 5, and have learned a lot about myself in the HSP literature. Am so frustrated by sleep issues at the moment that I looked to this website, but really my daughter's only positive answers on this site are around the textures, feelings, sounds she's sensitive to, and none of the other stuff. It did seem to start getting more difficult with her at age 4, and still haven't gotten her out of sandals this fall yet.
Sep 22, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		I am right there with you
by: Megan in Dallas

I also read the entire checklist, and second guessed myself. My son sounds like yours. EXTREME problems with socks, shoes, shirts and shorts (shirts and shorts have to be tight) and we cannot wear tennis shoes because he thinks that they are "falling off". Socks are unbearable as well. I will say that I have since stopped trying to make him wear what is outside his comfort zone. Our home has been much more peaceful!

Scheduled to get him tested on the 30th of the month, and I am hoping that professionals can give us some assistance.

Bottom line - God gave us something special to help us discern about our children. TRUST YOUR GUT.
Sep 16, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sounds like it could be SPD
by: Jessi

I think if you checked off many of the symptoms, it is definitely worth taking your son to an OT for an evaluation. Even 'minor' SPD issues can greatly interfere with a person's functioning. It will make both of your lives easier if your son gets therapy. My son is such a testament to the power of OT. He became a completely different child after about 3 months of therapy and after another 9 months is still continuing to improve. Follow your instincts and have it checked out.
Sep 16, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Good Mom
by: Maraiah

Shelly,

I think you are a concerned parent who recognizes things in your son that may suggest something. There is nothing wrong or bad in that. What I suggest is talk to your child's doctor. If he/she totally ignores you, look around for second opinions.
I think you just looking and asking questions shows how wonderful of a mom you are.

It can be a very tough road, but it is soooo worth it; for yourself and your son.

Best wishes and best of luck
Maraiah DeCol
Sandy, Utah
USA

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