(06-28-2012, 10:20 PM)Marci Wrote:

(06-28-2012, 09:42 PM)chark Wrote: Thanks for responding. You are so right about figuring out our triggers. It is really hard though because sometimes I will "use my words" (haha its like I am the 6 year old), and let him know in a very calm way that I cannot have him jumping on me or trying to hug or squeeze me, but he won't listen. Then I warn him I will be getting mad very soon, and then its too late and I am yelling. I really hate yelling but when the switch goes, its a flood gate. I think also because he is getting so big and strong that it is more challenging for me physically. I think it is just hard because when I try to talk about it with people most people don't have any real clue what I am talking about.

Can you find ways to redirect your son when he needs sensory input?

The best $60 I ever spent was for a mini trampoline for my son, and when he starts on his sensory "escalations" I send him to his trampoline for 10 minutes and he comes back much better able to cope. Talk to the OT about other exercise devices that might benefit your son. Right now my son (12 yr old) wants a treadmill for jogging, so we're watching online ads for a used one.


Maybe you and the OT together can assemble a sensory kit for your son, with things like OT putty, squeeze balls, a jump rope, etc. that he can use for the input he needs without stressing you.

Also, I don't mean to sound judgmental, but telling a child you're about to get angry is usually counterproductive. Generally that statement means you're really already angry and trying to manipulate someone into appeasing you, and I've never seen it work on kids. I have seen that strategy generate great resentment in people on the receiving end of it. "No" needs to mean "no" and for a kid with SPD I think giving an absolutely consistent message is critical. I do know how hard that is, because I too parent a child with SPD. He also has multiple medical problems, which makes every day just that much more challenging.

Thanks for responding. I love the idea of the mini tramp! I have talked to the OT about what can work at home, but I haven't found anything that seems to be able to distract him from me, or something he likes better. But he does love tramps so that may really work. Thanks also for the advice about the communication. We definitely need to find dialogue that works for both of us. Its a long road ahead of us!