tired mom - hugs!!!

And I hugely second LAC. It doesn't seem to be any 1 single thing that helps, it seems like it's a lot of different things.

If she's seeking I highly recommend a trampoline (even one of the small indoor types usually used for fitness). or a crash pad (you can buy these, but I think if you can just make a pile of blankets and pillows and let her dive/crash into those, that could help. Do lots of deep pressure activities - our OT has a thin foam mattress and will "make a sandwich" with our son, folding the mattress over on him (with his head out the one side). She then rolls a big gym ball over him, pretending to spread whichever toppings he chooses over the "bread" (him in the matress). When he's done selecting everything he wants, she "gobbles" him up, pressing the ball into him and over him. He loves it.

I would recommend compression wear for the constant input, and if there's any chance you can, get a swing, perhaps in her case a trapeze bar that she can hang upside down from?

OT.com has sensory-diet activities based on different requirements, maybe look up what she's struggling with there?

Maybe also try squeeze and push/pull activities. I often sit and let M (6 years old) push against my hands, almost like wrestling. You can also get her to "push the walls out", pretend the room is getting smaller and she has to help you make it big again. get her to play "stuck in the mud" with you and wriggle between your legs as you stand - squeeze her as she wriggles through, make it challenging for her (but not impossible).

Also, lots of play-do, maybe coloured spaghetti for her to mush, slime, coloured rice with small hidden toys for her to find. Have her draw a picture in shaving foam. Make bread (let her knead it), or cookies (have her roll balls and place them on the tray. Do "taste-tests" with her - gather as many different tastes, then have her crit them. Use this to see what she likes - a lot of sensory seekers like really spicy food, or sour. You can then stock up on things that will give her oral input - sour candy or spicy gum / fireballs.

Oy. I'm afraid it IS a lot of work, but can only say: hang in there. Get to an OT as soon as you can, and then just try do as much with her as you can face. But definitely get a trampoline if at all possible. It *may* just give you some sitting time while she jumps for a while.
It will improve - SPD seems to have patches even when things are going well. My son went off to the bush with his dad for a few days during school holiday, was perfectly behaved there for 4 days, then came home and completely fell apart. But then got "better" a lot faster than he would have, say - 6 months ago?

Also, is it at all possible for her to join extra-murals - gymnastics, karate/judo/tae kwon do, swimming? All seem to have good case studies behind them showing they help with SPD.

LAC I really like your answer. I think that's the best I've seen so far. It's short and clear.

I actually made a print out that I gave to Ms aftercare and gymnastics class coach. Will see if I can find it and send it to you, tired mom.

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LAC - do you remember which book it was that you read about kids with SPD being 1/3 behind? Please let me know, I'd like to read it.