Sensory Integration Dystfunction

Has she been evaluated for CAPD (central auditory processing disorder)? SID often results from CAPD, and CAPD can cause behavioral and socialization problems as well. You can find audiologists who specialize in CAPD in your geographic area at http://pages.cthome.net/cbristol/

A CAPD eval is usually covered by medical insurance. If you call the audiologist’s office, they can usually tell you how to go about getting coverage through your insurance company.

Mary

Mary, Thanks for the reply. I believe she was tested at the beginning (for various things). From what I’ve learned about SID, I would agree with our OT that it seems to be at the root of her problems. I just got The Out of Sync Child today. I realized that what I’m looking for is information on the psychological/emotional effects of this disorder. I need help with things like: How do I get her up and going in the morning without almost immediate overload to her system which results in crying, posturing, yelling on her part (a really good start to our day!), and how to transition between academic subjects so she doesn’t lose her motivation in frustration. Math is particularly hard and anything that requires writing because it tires her out so quickly (her legibility is fine but she labors too hard). Tips on what’s worked with other families are welcome!
Blessings, E.

Hi,

Oh boy do I recognize this letter. I could have written it. OK, these are some of the things I do with my son. We start the day with brushing, before he even gets out of bed. This gives him the stimulation he needs and it also forces us to take time to calmly wake up and begin the day talking instead of screaming. Schoolwork is not easy. Success has definitely bred success for us. Positive strokes are very important. My son does his best when he feels good about himself, something that takes a lot of work and patience on my part. In addition, we start by doing OT at home. We put on accoustic style or inspirational music (this helps to create a positive mood) and do physical work. This usually involves using a huge ball I picked up at Toys R Us. His OT uses one. The ball isn’t cheap, it cost $30 but, it’s the best $30 I’ve ever spent. I let him sit on the ball while he does his schoolwork if he wants to. I’ve also found that, in our case, flexibility is key. As you know, sitting at a table with pencil in hand is tough for these kids. Now, don’t get me wrong, we still do this; many times, this is the only way to do the work. However, if there is another way, use it. For instance, for spelling, we use felt letters and take turns building words with these. He did not want to do cursive writing this morning so, we put it off until tonight. Instead of making him sit there with pencil and paper writing small letters, I broke out his big blackboard and had him write his letters as big as he could. It worked wonderfully, he continued to write past the amount that I had given him. After we were finished, we sat and drew giant circles on the blackboard, switching hands as we went and just talking. The best thing I have ever done is something I’m sure you’ve already done. I turned the TV off. He and his sister are allowed to watch a certain amount in the morning and again at night but, during the day, they have to find something else to do. This can be playing, drawing, playing outside, whatever they want, as long as it’s not sitting in front of the TV. Oh, we also got him started with archery and with fishing. Both of these sports involve upper body use and force him to concentrate and have patience. Sorry this is so long. I hope it helps.