My dd, who just turned five, seems to be struggling with some sensory issues. We just had her in for a physical, and her pediatrician has referred us to a Pediatric Neurologist. The appointment is this Monday, and I am wondering what to expect. My dd is a sensitive little one, and we like to prepare her, if possible on what to expect. I was wondering if any of you could give me some insight into a typical neurological exam. I'm thinking the doctor will mainly want to talk to Dh or I, and I'm hoping we won't have to elaborate too much while dd is in the exam room. Even when she seems busy playing, she hears everything! Do you think it would be acceptable to ask the doctor if dd can go elsewhere with one of us so the other can talk freely with the doctor? She is already feeling like something is wrong with her, and I really don't want to add to those feelings.

Thank you in advance.
Nicki

By Tink on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 03:33 pm:

While we haven't seen a neuro, we've had plenty of other assessments done with other professionals and I think most of them will be fine with your dd being in another room for your talk with him/her. Often, professionals will do a lot of observation during your talk, though, so you may have to answer some questions while she plays by herself so the doctor can watch her and take notes on anything that stands out.

I think there are a couple of moms who have seen a neuro and will be able to fill you in on the particulars of the exam. I just wanted to let you know that there is a reason that your dd is kept in the room for your "interview" time. Good luck and keep us posted on your dd's situation. I certainly understand sensory issues!

By Nicki on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 04:42 pm:

Thank you, Tink. I hadn't thought about the doctor observing dd while we talk, but that makes sense. I'm probably over stressing about the appointment. Being that he is a pediatric neuro, he will probably be sensitive to her feelings and will word things appropriately.

Tink, may I ask how you have prepared your child for these various appointments? Dd heard me mention the appointment to Dh today, and she asked why she is going to the doctor. I have tried to be open with her and explain to her that she is extra sensitive and feels things in a strong way. We've talked about her sensitivity to a lot of noise and crowds of children or people, and how she gets that "funny" feeling when overwhelmed. But I'm not sure what to say about Monday. I'm so worried she'll think she is somehow defective. She's only five, but very perceptive for her age. She thinks about all this stuff, and poor kid, she's a worrier just like me.:-(

Thanks very much, Tink. I'm very glad this board is here. I may be more frequent, and I appreciate the help.

By Marcia on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 09:58 pm:

We have an amazing pediatric neurologist that I've taken 4 of my kids to. He interacts a lot with the kids first, getting to know them and making them feel comfortable with him. He then asks me questions, all the while observing them. It was quite interesting to read each report, because it was obvious that he had great observation skills.

By Nicki on Saturday, October 27, 2007 - 01:37 pm:

Thanks, Marcia. He sounds like a wonderful doctor!

By Amecmom on Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 05:35 pm:

My son saw one. She talked to us, talked to him. Then observed him doing age appropriate things - taking off and putting on socks and shoes, catching a ball, cutting, coloring. We had issues with speech and chewing so she watched him eat. She looked at his hands and watched his range of motion.
She was able to come up with the issues we had been seeing and wrote a report recommending appropriate therapy for him.
Now, this was a neurodevelopmental pediatrician - not a pediatric neurologist, so I don't know if your exam will be different.
Good luck,
Ame

By Tink on Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 07:08 pm:

At the time of Seth's evaluations, he wasn't aware enough for me to worry about explaining the situations to him. He is still evaluated by a speech pathologist and a child psychologist annually and looks forward to their visits. Like you've done with your dd, we've been pretty straightforward with Seth about the ways he is different from other children and he's aware of his diagnosis. We've also played up the strengths that people with autism have so maybe you can put a positive spin on her sensitivities, like she's more compassionate to other shy and easily overwhelmed children or that she's a good listener since she hears everything so well. You know your dd best so play up her strengths in relation to these sensitivities and explain that the doctor might be able to help her enjoy birthday parties, trips to the park, etc. more than she can now.

So he's told that the doctor is coming (assessments are done in the home for this study) and they are going to test how much smarter he's gotten since last year. He'll have some puzzles to do and some questions to answer. I tell him that I know it is a little scary to have people watching him but that he just needs to do his best to do what the doctor asks him to do because that's the best way for him to help the doctor. I hope that helps and I hope you'll feel comfortable coming to this board for support and another perspective on things. {{{Nicki}}}

By Nicki on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 - 01:01 pm:

Thank you so much for the helpful information, Ame and Tink. We were all set to go yesterday when the office called and we had to reschedule. Their computer system had crashed. Lara said she was nervous in the morning as we were getting ready, but then when it turned out we go Friday instead, she was disappointed. I had told her we were going to meet a nice man who wanted to get to know her a bit better and showed her his picture as it was listed on the hospital's site. It really helped me to know a bit better what to expect so I could relax. So often she picks up on my anxiety and gets nervous.
Tink, Lara is really sensitive about people "watching" her perform and it sounds like your son feels the same. She can dance and sing like a little bird when it's just the two of us at home. Once Dh comes in the room to watch, she freezes and usually hides, lol. I suppose a lot of that is age related, but I'm not much better as an adult.:-) I also liked your suggestion to play up the positive side of being sensitive. I need to do more of that with Lara. At preschool, she is always the first to go to a child in distress from being hurt or missing mom. She seems to feel other's pain and wants everyone to feel better.
Thanks again, everyone.

By Lauram on Thursday, November 1, 2007 - 06:59 pm:

We've been to a ped neurologist (actually both of my kids went- one for SPED stuff and one for Lyme Disease). Each dr works a little differently. If you really feel strongly about not talking in front of your daughter, perhaps you should suggest to meet at an appt by yourself (AFTER he/she has met your daughter). I'm not one who worries about that- I am very open with my son about his issues. We have been to zillions of drs (I mean it) and we have had some conversations in private and others in front of him.

Also, sensory issues are usually dealt with by an occupational therapist. Are there other issues that you are exploring? (A lot of times sensory issues are symptoms of other problems).