Hi, Does anyone have a child that has been diagnosed with Sensory Integration Disorder. We were diagnosed 18 months ago, after a disastrous attempt at 3 yo preschool. My son became aggressive and had many other problems. We lasted 6 days in the program. He also began severely stuttoring during this time. We took him to see a Speech Therapist, who at that point saw symptoms of Sensory Integration Disorder. We were tested by an Occupational Therapist and went to OT sessions weekly for a year. Many symptoms have improved and he is now successful in a different preschool, but I am continuing to wonder when things are sensory related versus behavioral. I am concerned with starting Kindergarten in the fall. The OT believes because of the sensory issues, my son misbehaves to get out of activities he feels are hard.
Does anyone alse know about this? I wonder if this is the new diagnosis for ADHD behavior..... When it is OK to be just an "active little boy" - it all seems so confusing sometimes.

By Gammiejoan on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 - 03:30 pm:

Elizabeth, look on the left side of the page and click on "Keyword Search" under "Search Board." Then you can type in "sensory integration disorder" after "Search for." This will bring up many discussions we have had regarding sensory integration disorder. My six year old grandson has the disorder. I would love to discuss it with you, but I will have to wait until later as I am babysitting his three year old brother now. I will get back on here later in the evening.

By Tink on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 - 04:33 pm:

Hi Elizabeth. My ds has high-functioning autism, although sensory issues are, luckily, few and far between now that he has been in ABA therapy. I am always questioning how much of his behavior is related to his autism and how much is just being a kid. There are several other moms that have children with these same problems. Joan has a good suggestion that you look up some of our other discussions on this. You'll get some great feedback and, of course, if you still have questions, fire away.

By Elizabeth704 on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 - 09:08 pm:

Thanks for the idea of the keyword search (obviously, I am new to this site). It did help to read some of the previous discussions.

How much (if any) of this information do you share with the school when starting Kindergarten? I had not planned on offering any info up front - but I wonder about things like art class when they ask him to put his hands in paint, dough, etc. He may not cooperate. I would love for them to understand why but of course, you hear horror stories of these "disorders" on their education records and the problems it causes. My son is high functioning so most activities he will be able to do well. The problem is when he doesn't, it looks like a behavior problem.

Sorry for the worrisome mom behavior. Kindergarten is stressing me out much more than my son - ugh!

By Tink on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 - 10:27 pm:

We chose to tell the school what issues my son had but he has more all encompassing problems with socializing. So far everyone has been very supportive but I am learning that we are the exception rather than the rule.

You have a few different options, I think. You can choose to just tell the teacher and see if she/he is receptive to alternate activities, like using a paintbrush, using tools with the dough, etc. Or you can formally tell the school and develop an IEP with the school. This will guarantee that they have to comply with some kind of modification for him. This will be in his record and may lead to some of the stories you've heard. Or you can let him start school without telling anyone and wait and see what happens. The downside to this is that if he reacts to a sensory issue, he may be labeled as a problem child before you have a chance to explain.

Kindergarten was a tough decision for us last year. My son's therapy program has a general rule of not starting a child until they are six but my ds has an IQ over 130 and I knew he would be bored senseless, if we waited another year. We started him this year and I'm so glad. He's still bored (lol) but he is fitting in really well. If you can make a decision that rests easy on your heart, you've found what will work best for your child. Parenting is always a challenge but our kids can certainly make some of the tough decisions that much more difficult. Go with your mommy instincts.

BTW, all of this is just from my experience which is not much yet. There are lots of moms here that have had much more experience with their children and school systems.

By Lauram on Wednesday, February 2, 2005 - 11:22 am:

My son has lots of dx including both sensory and ADHD. School is VERY hard for him- but things are much better (he's in gr 2 now). My feeling is be up front with the school- that way you are both working together. Have you read the Out of Sync Child? It's great!

By Kaye on Wednesday, February 2, 2005 - 03:55 pm:

I always tell his teacher, right before school starts, BUT they rarely listen to me. But after a week or two when they get to know my son, they call me and want to talk. A big part of his sensory issues are auditory and he really acts out. Of course the teachers can't see at home where it is quiet he is fine. I figure it is better to be honest. We have a little issue with labeling, but officially he has no label so they place him well.