Sensory Integration Disorder

We have more answers. During our last visit with the psychiatrist, Dr. U, he gave Bob and me an Asperger’s questionnaire to complete, separately. I completed mine at the office while he was talking with Mya, and Bob completed his at home. Neither of us knew what the other had listed for our answers, so it was an honest test that showed how we each view Mya and her behaviors. I had anxiously been waiting for our visit yesterday.

Based on what Bob and I answered, he doesn’t think she has Asperger’s, but he did say that one thing we both scored her very high on, was sensory. He believes she has Sensory Integration Disorder (SID). This could explain why she doesn’t like to be hugged; it could explain why she’s a picky eater. It could explain a lot of things.

What happens next? The school OT (occupational therapist) will evaluate her for sensory integration. He said using the school OT would likely be the quickest, least expensive way of having her tested. And, being done in the school system, it will give records that may be helpful in the future.

Since SID is a neurological disorder, she can do OT to help her overcome the sensory issues. He told me about a place, here in town, which comes highly recommended.

Also, he added, working on the SID may help with the anxiety. He gave the example: Imagine her being at school all day, worried to death that someone is going to touch her, or hug her, or maybe there will be a loud noise. For a kid that already has anxiety, this can be torture on a daily basis.

We talked about the meds. I had told him before that the first 2 weeks on meds were amazing. She was a completely different child. She actually went to the board, at school, twice in the first week. The third week, we took a nose dive. He explained that the dosage may need to increase. Again, I expressed my concerns about the meds, and wasn’t sure if being on meds is the right thing to do. He assured me the meds were a good thing to keep her anxiety at bay. Okay. We go this Friday to the family doc to see what he says about dosage. I’m still very nervous.

Since I started this post, and put it on the back burner, we have discontinued our visits with the therapist. We’re still waiting for the evaluation from the OT, and depending on what that shows, we will decide how to proceed from there. The medication dosage remains as it is. I told the pediatrician we would see how things go once school has started. So far, Mya is doing great, she loves her new teacher, and has come home in a good mood every day. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

TTFN