Finally...Confirmation!

Phew! It's been a busy month since my last post! The twins have been working hard in second grade, and so have I! We finally had their Occupational Therapist meeting and it went really well! After our discussion, she helped me realize that they not only have SPD but they are completely opposite in their disorder. Austin is a sensory seeker, which I knew, but William is a sensory avoider. It all makes complete sense (no pun intended)! No wonder they annoy each other so much and it feels like some days are successful and some days I feel like I take a step backwards. Here is some background information on what these two types really are. 

Sensory Seekers

Avoiders tend to get labeled as 'fussy,' 'sensitive,' 'picky,' or 'spoiled;' Seekers are often considered 'behavior problems,' 'hyperactive,' 'difficult,' 'stubborn,' 'coddled.' Many of us parents have been blamed, or told our kids need more discipline. From having 2 boys without out SPD and two with it, there is a difference . They are also commonly missed diagnosed as ADHD, when in actuality they just need to burn off their energy in a positive way. Here are some things that you might see a sensory seeker doing:

• Spinning

• Climbing too high

• Climbing everything

• Crashing into things (people, furniture, walls)

• Mouthing/licking inedible things (furniture, toys, body)

• Chewing inedible things (clothing)

• Eating excessively 

• Constantly wrestling with siblings

• Touching everything

• Playing with food

• Eating messily

• Overstuffing their mouth

• Eating spicy/hot foods

• Under-responding to pain (‘shakes it off’ quickly)

• Dumping out toy bins just to look at everything

• Engaging in excessive sensory play (mud, water, soap, etc.)

• Jumping

• Pushing

• Running barefoot

• Chewing on their toothbrush

• Not sitting still at their desk

• Falling out of their chair for no apparent reason

• Seeking loud noises (turns up TV, battery toys against ears, vacuum.)

• Failing to monitor their own volume (you constantly say, “Stop yelling!”)

• Smelling everything, even bad smells

This is not a comprehensive list, but it is a starting point.

Sensory Avoiders 

Sensory Avoiders are probably what comes to mind when people think of a child with sensory issues: The child with his hands over his ears. But, there is more to it than that.  These are children can have sensory challenges with even the basics in life: eating, dressing, bathing.   The sensations from day-to-day living can interrupt an Avoider child's functioning, and make it nearly impossible for them to learn or socialize appropriately.  Here are some things you might see an Avoider doing:

• Picky eater (prefers one texture or basic flavors)

• Covers ears at noise (hates vacuum, blender, hand dryers)

• Avoids touch (not a ‘huggy’ or ‘cuddly’ kid)

• Hates tags/seams in clothing

• Won’t wear shoes (or prefers only one shoe type)

• Avoids messy activities (mud, sand)

• Avoids art activities like painting or playdoh

• Walks on toes

• Doesn’t engage in playground activities (climbing, swinging, etc)

• Hates a wet/dirty diaper/underwear

• Dislikes having people too close

• Refuses to take a bath/shower or play in the sprinkler

• Hates water on their face

• Hates/Refuse to brush their teeth

• Complains about smells

• Complain that normal light is too bright (wantings to wear sunglasses)

• Over-responsive to pain (everything hurts!)

• Avoids/refuses stickers/fake tattoos

Although most kids tend to fall primarily on one side or the other, many kids have experiences in both avoiding and seeking. And there are more examples of both Avoider and Seeker behaviors on the Red Flags for SPD checklist (http://www.spdfoundation.net/redflags.html). If your child is not diagnosed with SPD, but has many of these behaviors, please seek an occupational therapist.  

Sensory issues are on a continuum: Some kids avoid nearly all sensory stimuli, and some kids seek excessive amounts of sensory stimuli. And many kids do a combination of both, depending on where their ‘arousal’ level -- is like a constant balancing act to get the input just right. I am excited that they will both be receiving services, in class support as well as being pulled out to work one on one with an OT in the areas they individually need. I also feel good knowing the sensory diet I've started with them is a good a good starting point.  Now,  I can focus in on each area and provide just the right type of sensory needs for each.  I know this  is just the beginning, but at least I have guidance and  confirmation  of my research in helping my twins.