Aaron

I've been putting this off, because I've been struggling to fully grasp this myself. We have a diagnosis for Aaron.

I finally got an appointment with a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, and we took him in for an evaluation three weeks ago, and then immediately started therapy (we've been to three weeks of therapy now). Aaron has Sensory Processing Disorder (also called Sensory Integration Dysfunction). He falls into the "seeking" category.

This is how it was explained in his evaluation:
"Sensory Seeking/Craving: It is normal for all children to seek sensory information as they grow, learn, and try to master new challenges, however when it extends beyond normal motor/movement activity and the child is actively seeking/craving sensations it can be concerning. Examples of this include: being in constant movement, taking excessive risks, i.e. climbing too high or moving too fast without regard for safety, liking to crash/jump or climb on furniture, or rough housing, finding ways to make noise with objects, seeking out vibration, licking or mouthing objects, liking strong flavors and crunchy foods. These children often are labeled as "thrill seekers, risk takers, and sometimes the trouble makers" as it is difficult for them to sit still and attend in a socially appropriate manner which makes outings and school difficult."

Those who know Aaron, know that summary describes him perfectly.

His OT said this is hard-wired into Aaron. A handout she gave me, further explains:
"Dysfunction occurs within the central nervous system...Because a child's central nervous system is still flexible or "plastic", young children respond well to sensory integration therapy. Plasticity means that the brain function is not yet fixed; it can be changed. Sensory processing disorder is very common in children and is often misdiagnosed as a learning disorder, ADD or ADHD. Unfortunately, it is a misunderstood problem which affects a child's behavior, coordination and movement, attention to task and the way they learn, appropriate socialization with peers, and their self-esteem."

In the summary of his evaluation, (after listing out everything that is wrong with him), it says: "The above areas of challenge will in turn, impact his overall organization of behavior and ability to attend to tasks to complete various activities across all settings independently, especially as the demands get increasingly more challenging in higher level grades. In addition, as Aaron ages he will likely start comparing himself more to his peers, thus these areas of weakness will further impact his self-esteem. Occupational therapy is strongly recommended on an individual basis 1-2 hours per week in a clinic based setting."

"Through structured exposure, practice and repetition in these areas, prognosis for overall success will improve. Aaron has excellent potential provided he receives the appropriate therapeutic intervention he needs. Occupational therapy services focusing on the above deficits, while incorporating his areas of strength will allow Aaron to further develop the skills necessary for him to succeed to his optimal potential in all settings."

So, we are scheduled for an hour of therapy every Monday at 2 in the afternoon, and they are hoping to find a second time they can fit him in later in the week (they think he would really benefit from going twice a week). His OT said to plan on a year or two of therapy before he's "cured".

I'm so relieved to know what's wrong, and to know that there is help for him. But, this "help" comes at a pretty steep price. Insurance basically doesn't cover any of it, and his OT charges $150 an hour. Once a week will be a strain on our monthly budget, but when we start going twice a week, it's going to really be challenging. Of course we'll find the money to get him this help, but I think I may end up with an ulcer before too long (money causes me huge stress). And, his appointment time is right during Owen's naptime, and I have to bring both Owen and Nate along with me each time (there is a waiting room upstairs with toys for little kids, so they can play while we are there). It's just one more thing to add to our already busy schedule.

Aaron LOVES his therapy. It's a big gym full of "sensory" activities--ball pit, climbing wall, swing, trapeze bar, mini trampoline, etc. It's basically an hour of play time for him. I worried he would feel self conscious about having to go to "therapy", but he thinks it's only because he has a hard time holding his pencil the "kindergarten way", so he doesn't see that as too big of a deal. And the therapy is so much fun, that he thinks he's pretty special that he gets to do it and the other kids don't.

This week one of my friends watched Owen and Nate for me while I took Aaron to therapy, so I could sit down in the therapy room and observe and take notes. I was able to come up with lots of things that I can do at home, so I'm feeling good about that. I also got some recommendations on books to read to try and understand all this more. Mostly I'm just really overwhelmed by it all.