Sensory Integration and Our Son...

I remember the day I took Jackson to our family practice doctor and explained all of the behaviors he was exhibiting in school. After a lot of talking (45 minutes and Jackson hadn't even fidgeted once!), he asked me what I wanted for my son. In my head, I honestly didn't know what we were dealing with - whether it was Sensory Integration (SI) or fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) or reactive attachment disorder (RAD), autism or if he was just behind, developmentally - which of course he was -he was institutionalized for 2 years of critical brain developing years!

So, I asked our family physician for a referral to a pediatric occupational therapist as a result of my research and learning that occupational therapy (OT) was the most effective treatment for children with SI. And, there you have it! We've completed a sensory profile of Jackson and had the results interpreted....and, my gut instincts were pretty much spot on. Jackson has delays in most areas and exhibits almost all behavioral and emotional reactions as a result of not being able to process the information that his senses are giving him. A mother's instinct is always right!!! We are waiting an appointment to begin intense OT sessions - which I think he will thrive from and help him to understand.

We've been able to forward this sensory evaluation to his teacher and the OT through the school system to offer advice and suggestions to help him adapt at school. They've implemented little things: routine, taking him to the library when there is a lot of chaos in the room, reminding him that the bell will be ringing soon, accepting that it's okay if he doesn't "sit" down like all of the other children during circle, and giving him hugs to reassure him, even when he's mad. And, well, they've seen a significant change! Granted, he's not the traditional, well-behaved 6 year old, but I wouldn't want him to be!

So, if your child is acting out at school or wherever it may be, you may want to look up the signs of SI online and visit with your doctor and school! I'll continue to update you on what we learn through OT.