Not sure if I'm in the right place. Four year old possible SPD..

Hi there,

Firstly, I apologise if this isnt the right place to be questioning.. I did a little Googling and I can't find many places that aren't autism based. 

Secondly, hello. I am a single, working Mumma to a beautiful four year old boy. He is delightful, funny, excitable, intense and Spirited! He has been in Reception class since September and during this time, it has become quite noticeable to his teachers, there's some issues. 

At first, I'm fairly sure they thought he had ADHD. He constantly fidgets, lack of eye contact, impulsive and easily frustrated, overwhelmed by big groups (but tends to get overexcited, as opposed to wallowing in the corner!) He is also very bright, he goes into the year one class for reading, and spelling / phonics etc.. He has an extensive vocabulary and an excellent understanding. Initially, throughout Nursery (attached to the school) they queried social immaturity and I suspect ADHD!

I have been questioning the ADHD thing, I have done some research, and whilst he ticks some boxes, I don't personally think he has it.

My lovely little man has had a tough few years, he has been very poorly and has numerous problems, including mild low frequency hearing loss as a result of a fever syndrome he has. He has spent a lot of his time in Hospital. 

His teacher involved SENco and they involved a behavioural specialist who came to observe him. He is almost certain he has a Sensory and possibly Auditory Processing Disorder. From what I have read myself, he would be more in the hyposensitive for touch etc.. More hypersensitive to noises.. He struggles to hold a pencil properly and use things like scissors which was brought to my attention by the teacher... 

I really don't know a lot about it, or what I can do to help him stay calm and manage his feelings better. I questioned the relation to Autism, in particular Aspergers, which he shows some tendencies, but his teacher said they aren't concerned about ASD at all. 

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you..

Laura.

Parents
  • Hi -  a lot of your description reminds me of my son.  He has regular occuptaional therapy now.  The initial assessment was just lots of little tasks - all like little games so they enjoy it.  I imagine they will be looking at ways of developing his fine motor skills as you mention he struggles with pencil and scissors.  Don't be alarmed if they send him for physio as well.  My understading is that the fine motor skill problems can sometimes be a result of gross motor problems and developing shoulder muscles can help.  The OT should be able to help with the sensory type problems and give you lots of ideas to try.  Good luck!

Reply
  • Hi -  a lot of your description reminds me of my son.  He has regular occuptaional therapy now.  The initial assessment was just lots of little tasks - all like little games so they enjoy it.  I imagine they will be looking at ways of developing his fine motor skills as you mention he struggles with pencil and scissors.  Don't be alarmed if they send him for physio as well.  My understading is that the fine motor skill problems can sometimes be a result of gross motor problems and developing shoulder muscles can help.  The OT should be able to help with the sensory type problems and give you lots of ideas to try.  Good luck!

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