Sensory Intergration Dysfunction.. ?

Question

My daughter has Sid. She is a "crasher" and an avoider, the flip flop like anything, and she is also extremely hyperactive. Some of the occupational therapy things help but most don't because she can't focus on it and because she flips back and forth some of the interventions are contradictory. She is affecting the whole family negitivly. We are near to seeking medication for her, she has been doing OT for nearly 3 years, and it is still not much better, and Yes we have changed therapists. I've spoken to doctors, educators, and any one else i could think of. Nothing is giving her a functional day. We have done brushing, therapy ball, coping skills, deep pressure, figgits, chewy tubes, heavy work, motion sickness bands, guided play, timing, and probably a few other things.

I am seeking answers from people who know what Sid is, please note that she is not ADHD.

My question is... Does any one have any new suggestions, or have luck with a medication that does not make the Sid worse?

Answer 1

I have no suggestions on medication. Have you read the book " the out of sync child"? they have a whole series of book about SID. I read "the out of sync child" and realized that my younger child is a gross motor seeker with tactile defensiveness from the shoulders up. The book gave me a lot of insight on what makes him tick. If it bothered me I would have tried to research some of the coping strategies, bu t*t is not too hard to deal with right now.

You might also want to check the Superduper catalog at www.superduper.com and the abilitations integrations catalog at www.integrationscatalog.com  Both catalogs have all kinds of things you can buy for a "sensory diet"....you never know what might work for her.

Keep your chin up...I know it is very hard to be in your shoes. Both my boys have their "sensory issues" but  have no other major disabilities. that is one thing to be thankful for :)

Answer 2

What has made the most impact with my son has been a gluten free/casein free diet. If you haven't tried that yet I would give it a shot. It has really worked wonders with my little guy. Other than that he responds well to swimming and any kind of water play, lounging in his beanbag chair or using his weighted blanket. But the diet has been a lifesaver.

Answer 3

I am an OT and have a few questions/recommendation.

Look for someone providing the Alert Program, "How does your engine run"  teaches the whole family about sensory modulation and will help teach your daughter how to recognize and regulate her arousal levels.

Second- have you done a consistant sensory diet at home?  There are many hours in a day and therapy is only a few of those a week- the home program is where it is at.  

Finally, you have done and are doing a lot.  Are there other emotional issues (bi polar)?  Medication may help the attentional issues, but will not treat the underlying sensory issues.