Ants in the Pants

I'm bored of seeing my previous posts-can you agree? Well for just about a week now instead of my normal computer routine (check the bank accounts, pay online bills, read blogs, search for great homeschooling ideas, shop, eBay) in addition I've been searching for information on Sensory Processing Disorders.

I've been busy seeking out information on any sort to find out what may help us with Logan. Logan is fine, but as some of you know him, he has a silly, adventurous, get up and go, stubborn, mind of his own that makes his blue eyes and blonde hair have a purpose.

So in my quest to find out information on the web, with the help of friends and family and a great book "Sensational Kids" by Lucy Jane Miller-things are beginning to make sense. I've sent in the paperwork to get an evaluation by CPSE (Committee on Preschool Special Education). And in the meantime giving him a "sensory diet" to help in the meantime until we are able to get more clear cut answers. And if his evaluation comes back fine or borderline, I feel like this can help his ants in the pants until we figure out a better plan.

So I came across this information on a really great website http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com:

Ever wonder why your child does the things he/she does?

While sensory is just one component and Logan exhibits several from other categories, he mostly shows signs in sensory. Take a look at some of the "flags".
Sensory

If a child is...



Very busy, always on the go, and has a very short attention to task
Often lethargic or low arousal (appears to be tired/slow to respond, all the time, even after a nap)
A picky eater
Not aware of when they get hurt (no crying, startle, or reaction to injury)
Afraid of swinging/movement activities; does not like to be picked up or be upside down
Showing difficulty learning new activities (motor planning)
Having a hard time calming themselves down appropriately
Appearing to be constantly moving around, even while sitting
Showing poor or no eye contact
Frequently jumping and/or purposely falling to the floor/crashing into things
Seeking opportunities to fall without regard to his/her safety or that of others
Constantly touching everything they see, including other children
Hypotonic (floppy body, like a wet noodle)
Having a difficult time with transitions between activity or location
Overly upset with change in routine
Hates bath time or grooming activities such as; tooth brushing, hair brushing, hair cuts, having nails cut, etc.
Afraid of/aversive to/avoids being messy, or touching different textures such as grass, sand, carpet, paint, playdoh, etc.

...an early childhood intervention/developmental therapy referral may be appropriate.

NOTE: sensory integration/sensory processing issues should only be diagnosed by a qualified professional (primarily, occupational therapists and physical therapists). Some behaviors that appear to be related to sensory issues are actually behavioral issues independent of sensory needs.

Now this is just ONE area-there are a ton more worthy of looking at. But I've now become one of those parents! To quote from the website again: When parents first find out about sensory processing disorders, their reaction usually comes as; a "flash", a "light bulb moment", the "Aha!", "So that explains it!", "Oh, so now I understand!", "Why didn't someone tell me about this years ago?"

And to top it-this is just the tip of the ice burg. We are heading in the right direction-I feel it. I will be sure to keep the blog update with information on our progress. And at the least give other families a glimpse at SPD and perhaps gain valuable insight into a day in the life of being Logan(or your family). So here is her list:

Imagine if:



You could see obstacles in your way, but you could not make your body move the direction you wanted it to to avoid them.


You felt like someone had given you a shot of Novocain in your backside so you couldn't feel if you were sitting in the middle of your chair and you fell off 3 times during this training.


Your clothes felt like they were made of fiberglass.


You tried to drink a cup of water from a paper cup, only you couldn't tell how hard to squeeze it to hold onto it. So, you squeezed it too hard and the water spilled all over you. The next time you didn't squeeze it hard enough and it fell right through your hands and onto the floor.


Every time you tried to write with your pencil, it broke because you pushed too hard.


The different smells in this room made you utterly nauseous.


The humming of the lights sounded louder than my voice.


You couldn't focus your eyes on me because everything and everyone in the room catches your attention and your eyes just go there instead.


The lights are so bright you have to squint, then you get a pounding headache half way through the presentation


Every time someone touches you, it feels like they are rubbing sandpaper on your skin.


You could only sit here for 15 minutes and then you had to take a run around the building or do 20 jumping jacks so you could sit for another 10 minutes before your muscles felt like they were going to jump out of your skin.


People's whispers sounded like they were yelling.


The tag in the back of your shirt makes you feel as uncomfortable as you would if a spider was crawling on you and you couldn't get him off.


You wanted to write something down but it took you at least 5 seconds to form each letter. You can see the letter in your head, but your hand will not go in the right direction to write it.


You had to pull the car over 3 times on the ride here because the motion makes you sick.
These examples may sound extreme but for some with sensory processing disorders they are not.


The website again-is helpful in looking at what it feels like to have SPD. Some examples from multiple sensory components, not Logan in entirety, but many.

I'm super charged by this information-and all in his favor-I can't stop giving him great big bear hugs. Mark seconds on that.