So, my almost 7 year old was finally evaluated by an OT and PT and they decided he definitely needs services. Which, I must say is a relief for me... I always knew something wasn't quite right.

The physical therapist said that he lacks coordination and weak core muscle strength and so they are working with him on that.

The occupational therapist said that his body isn't connecting with his brain and he's not getting feedback for his body. Basically, from her description and from what I read on the report it has to do with prioceptor issues. But, neither of them has come out and said he has SPD, but from their descriptions that is what I suspect.

How important is it to have OT and PT services from providers that know what SPD is? When they said to me "It's as if he doesn't know where his body is or how to use it." I could have hugged and kissed them. LOL Someone finally got what I've been seeing.

I know this is a little long, and I'm not even describing everything. Let's just say, from what I'm reading from others it's not severe, but it's bad enough. He doesn't do well in large groups, his fine motor skills are really delayed, he's always been clumsy, and as a baby he was very high needs. We homeschool so I've been able to work with him at his own pace, he's very bright, but socially it's hard for him.

Oh, and I'm Anna and live in Chicago Hope you read all the way to the end!

Hello and welcome!! It's probably best just to ask them. SPD is sort of an umbrella term that can refer to a whole variety of sensory and motor skill issues. For example our developmental pediatrician will say our daughter has SPD because it's a convenient, helpful way of grouping and explaining her symptoms and our OT would agree with her but our OT would say she has hypotonia, propioceptive dysfunction, sensory defensiveness and a few other terms because that describes specifically HOW she has SPD and what her needs are.

Thanks, that's my guess as well. And also because on the report they have to list specific diagnoses. But, they used a checklist very similar to the one SPD. And in a few categories he basically fit all the criteria.

I'm just so very thankful that he's finally getting some help.

Hi Anna!
Sounds like my son Ryan in the very beginning. He had a super hard time in big groups-he now sists comfortably at a table of 4 in his classroom, and loves playing at recess with the other 25 kids in the Gen. Ed Kinder class. As each IEP goes by, his therapists are able to tell more and more what kinds of issues he has going on and what kind of help he needs. Sounds like you are on the right path and on your way!

Hi Anna and welcome. From my own point of view, it is very important to get OT intervention ASAP. My son has been in OT for the last 12 months and the improvements have been very significant. It's not all up... there are some downward points especially when the therapist starts concentrating on the areas that the child finds hard to deal with, but it was definitely worth it. Like your own son, my child is bright but has weak fine motor skills. If you can organise for the OT to link in with you regarding his school work both of you (I suspect) will find it very beneficial. My son's therapist has suggested breaks, how to approach the work while being mindful of deficiencies in fine motor skills etc. It's great that your son can work at his own pace as my own child is very competitive and strives to keep up with all the others in his class, hence meltdowns after school especially on Fridays. Hope it helps you to talk to others who "understand"?

Hi, Anna! I think it's important that the OT be knowledgeable of SPD. I would discuss further with them about what they see with your son. Did they do any evaluation in the beginning?

I had my younger son evaluated on Tuesday (13th) which happened to be his 7th birthday. I eagerly await the written evaluation from the OT. I've been seeing more and more signs of SPD over the last 12 months.

My older SPD son appears clumsy. He trips over his feet and bumps into things often. My younger one spills his drinks all the time, not knowing where his hand is in space. Both seem to have low muscle tone, probably my older more so than my younger.

My older son has a much harder time socially. He has been in social skills groups at school and through a psychologist's office. I highly recommend it for kids who are struggling socially. Since you homeschool and probably don't receive services from the school district, I would recommend seeking out a social skills group through a psychologist's office or other similar place.

Aside: we lived in Naperville for about a year from 2003-2004!

Nice to meet you!

Somehow my last message got lost. Probably cuz I pressed a wrong button. Oops

According to the OT, he has a problem with prioceptor function. He's not getting feedback to his brain to tell him where/what his body is doing. She said that's the reason he's always purposely falling and running into things when he plays. He's trying to get feedback about what his body is doing. He had an evaluation which is why he will be getting services. He also has low core strength so the PT is to help him with coordination and build his core strength. He loves the PT and I'm hoping he likes the OT just as much.

Lynn your boys sound very similar to Samuel. He's always been clumsy and trips over his own feet. He sometimes even falls just standing or sitting still! We always just put it down to him growing so fast and being so tall - and all arms and legs! He's also always been delayed in fine motor skills. But, I thought that he was getting better with help. It's only when I realized he'll be 7 and still can't do things like cut his food and he has trouble with writing. That's what made me ask for an eval. I included the concern about gross motor skills only cuz I sensed they were probably related... and sure enough, I was right.