Sensory Processing Disorder?

[SweetErika]

Erika, I have a son with autism. When he was much younger {he's 26 now}, Lekotek was very helpful. I would most definitely recommend getting in touch with them.

Thanks for the resource, Glynndah!

I also found this site last night, which is loaded with ideas on toys and tools for SPD, as well as great resources and reminders for us parents. Many of the toys are homemade, or can be put together easily, which is always a bonus since the specialized stuff can be so expensive and toddlers can be so fickle! Our guy has had at least one play tent up for ages, and I just found a tunnel at a thrift store last week for $2, which he LOVES. We'll probably get/make a giant pillow or bean bag for him to jump onto/burrow under. He's crazy about doing all sorts of stuff with my big exercise ball, too, so that's a nice multitasker to have (as is the inflatable Rody Horse he got as a gift - expensive, but portable and he can ride it as well as do pretend play with it).

We'll see what the OT suggests for home play as well, but because he's a sensory seeker and so, so active, we end up taking him out to indoor playgrounds, parks, pools (he likes to jump in, kick, blow bubbles, and I think the feel of the water around him is probably soothing), stores/malls to run through and for trike rides A LOT. If he's not already tired because of a short nap or something, it can be very tough to tire him out enough so he's not into everything he shouldn't be into at home. He needs that big muscle and mental stimulation of moving, seeing, hearing and talking about things to relax. Hopefully it'll come in handy when he's old enough for sports!

 

[bailadora]

Yesterday, they had a huge "therapy" pillow that apparently helps a lot of people with sensory disorders and autism. It even converts into a pillow chair for reading and such. I'm sure they're very expensive, but we might make something like that for our son to at least jump into, tunnel under, etc.

Would something like this help? It looks fairly simple to make. Even if you don't sew, perhaps you know someone who does and who could be persuaded to make it for you.

I'm not sure it's at all like what you were talking about, but it does look like something kids can rough house with.

As an aside - I'm so glad you are getting the help you need for 'lil man. My son doesn't have SPD, but he did have a neuro-processing disorder that severely delayed his speech. We got help through our state's ECI program and then through a year of private speech therapy (oy!). Eleven years later, you'd never know the kid had a problem. When he's arguing with me, I have to remind myself that I WANTED him to talk!

 

[Phaedre]

I'm glad that your appt was useful.

I have found the occupational therapist to be the most understanding about my daughter's issues.

We are working on touch issues at the moment & we have a variety of sensory objects which she is working with. She also has to do exercises on a fit ball every day to improve core strength & we have a pelvic cushion for her to be seated on.