Hi, I am Ellie, a new member. Glad to find this group.

I have 5 yr old DS, diagnosed 11 months ago with Sensory Issues, but I call it SPD. He just started Kindergarten. He is amazing, funny, cute, talkative, and I love him so much. He sees a psychologist every two weeks, and her diagnosis for him is anxiety. We went to OT every week for the last year. Then over the summer, we did a picky eater group at an OT, so I took that time off from regular OT. Now, I'm trying to decide when and whether to go back to regular OT. Also the psychologist has suggested a social skills group, but I feel we might be putting too much on his little plate, so to speak, because he only did half-day preschool, and KG is such a big adjustment. His meltdowns after school these past three weeks, have been big and ugly, and I haven't seen these behaviors from him in awhile. So I hesitate to add too many after school activites, even OT - anyone else struggled with this?

Also, I have not told his teacher about SPD. I have not met with her. My understanding was SPD isn't treated with an IEP, unless we have another issue as primary, such as a reading issue, or whatnot. Also, the teacher is new, her first year ever teaching, and I feel I'm not equipped to explain SPD to a new teacher. It must sound weird to someone who has not encountered it. I am filled with anxiety, wondering what sypmtoms and behaviors he is doing in class, but he has been getting good behavior stickers every day.

DS is a combo - seeker/avoider, low muscle tone, sensitive to loud noise and bright lights, does not like changes or transitions, and become overwhelmed in a minute. I always knew something was off, but never heard of SPD until last year. Looking back, it is crystal clear; even in utero, he flipped out madly at fireworks once - so much, we decided to leave. I spend a lot of time avoiding and planning ahead. Wow is this fun to type this to people who get it. I feel none of my friends or family really get it.

I also have twin 3 yr old DDs. I love my family, like art, and quiet alone time, reading, and learning new things. Thanks to every one of you on this site, just by being here, it is validating SPD and I am excited to be here.