Does this sound like sensory issues?

My girls will be 3 in July and I'm wondering if the one twin has sensory issues. Here are some things she does that do not seem right to me....

Cries/whines over the following...

-too bright outside
-too windy
-hands are dirty/sticky
-tantrums while washing hair
-afraid of the pool...only wants an inch of water in it. Today I took them to the pool at the Y and she cried most of the time and wanted to go home
-cries/whines 90% of the day if she doesn't get her way
-lots of tantrums
-hits and pushes her sister and my husband and I
-the list could go on...

What do you think?

Thank you,
Kelly

 

Kelly, I don't really know but there is a sticky in the 2-4 forum about early intervention and issues etc. at the top of this forum. Check it out and it'll give you some ideas since it's so late and not as many people are online right now! :hug:

 

My son Jackson does things like this, and we have suspected sensory issues with him since he was itty bitty. The doctor says he's just a sensitive kid, but in the realm of normal. Have you talked to the doctor about her at all? Maybe occupational therapy could be beneficial?

 

My one son is a sensory child and while what you describe is not the things my son struggles with, your list does fall into that. I don't find that the peditrians are very helpful. You have to find the help on your own and have him evaluated. Occupational Therapist who believes in sensory (Yes, there are ones that don't or who aren't up to date on these things) is your best bet. Some others may have more information for you but I may be in the boat where I actually have to get a DX to continue to get him services once he turns three and I am not quite sure where or how I will have to do this when that time comes if he doesn't qualify for the next part of Early Intervention.

Hang in there. It is hard. Have you read any books? I know there are a couple out there that may help you. Music therapy and wearing a weighted vest has done wonders for my son!!!!

 

I would say they are probably within the realm of normal, but like another persons pedi mentioned, it could be that dd is a little over-sensitive. Is she going through any tough emotional changes? My DD did this for a while after DS was born, but it went away on it's own. On the other hand, it certainly can't hurt to have a OT eval her to check, and even if it's not a significant disorder, they can still work with her on some of her oversensitivities. I'm a ST who's worked with many OT's, so that's my 2 cents based on the times I've worked with them, but I'm certainly no expert.

 

Hey Kelly-

I just wanted to let you know that we have a new Mental Health forum for Childhood Mental Health Disorders. i just posted something about Sensory issues over there.

I will PM you the password. Check it out if you are interested.

 

QUOTE(mel&3 @ Jun 26 2009, 06:14 PM) [snapback]1370159[/snapback]
I would say they are probably within the realm of normal, but like another persons pedi mentioned, it could be that dd is a little over-sensitive.

Ditto this. All of those things could be normal for the age, but it's a question of degree. If you feel that she's just not happy or if these issues are really interfering with your lives, it would be a good idea to get her evaluated.

My DD Sarah has a lot of the same behaviors/issues (especially the first four), and I've often felt that she is more sensitive than average, but still within the normal range. She seems quite happy at daycare and (mostly) at home without much special treatment other than a little extra-careful handling now and then. Go with your gut.

 

I work in early intervention and one of the books most recmd by OTs is "The Out of Sync Child"
Here is the amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Out-Sync-Child-Recog..._pr_product_top
I know most libraries have this book also.

HTH
Tracy

 

Some of the things you listed are similar to issues one of my girls has and she was evaluated by EI for sensory issues. They determined she does have sensory problems, but it wasn't enough to have her treated.

 

the first 4 apply here too. The bright sun hurts my sons eye b/c he has a cataract. DD has sensory issues in her hands that come & go. The wind bothers them b/c they are wimps IMO. And washign hair? forget about it.
For the hands, there are 2 exercises that work WONDERS for us, which EI recommended. Take her hand, and give a high five about 12 times in a row; as if you are almost slapping it semi-hard. Repeat to the other hand. Then do another set. Pretend you are doing "pat a cake, pat a cake." etc. When we do this in the AM, my daughter has NO sensory issues at all for a few days. (when she does, she won't touch play do, lotion, paint, won't wash her hands, won't touch food, etc.)
Hope this one helps!~