We had our OT re-evaluation for Gracie this morning with EI. We knew that she has sensory issues (and ADHD runs in our family) and knew it would be likely. They evaluated her three months ago but thought the speech therapist could help with some of the sensory issues. Since our ST was such a bust we made no progress with her sensory stuff so she is now starting to fall off the curve for learning. She has no language and is picking up new skills.
Basically she has a sensory integration disorder where her body needs a lot of "input" (aka, stimulation) in order to feel like it is working at full capacity. So she seeks out sensory input all day long. Instead of looking for small types of input (like Abby) she does it in big and very wild ways.
So they will put her on a "sensory diet" where throughout the day we will use strategies to purposefully give her input to keep her body running as well as it can run. You might think this sounds like a bunch of crap (I know I did when I first started down this path with my kids) but trust me when I tell you that it isn't. Research is proving that kids with these issues who have early intervention have much lower rates of medication for ADHD than children who do not get the intervention. Watching Jordan (my nephew) struggle with his ADHD and spacial issues is enough to sell me on at least trying it.
They are fortunately going to let us work with Abby's OT for Gracie so we don't have to add another person to our repertoire. We do have to add a session each week though which puts us at 4 therapy sessions a week. Sounds like a lot but the real struggle is that EI is based on the foundation that in your one hour session you are learning strategies to use every day. So if we make good on all of our strategies we are basically doing therapy most of the day.
Honestly it is getting a little exhausting.
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3 comments:
It IS exhausting! Anyway, I have a friend who makes blankets and "vests" for kids with SI disorder - her son has it and she made a cool weighted blanket for Cici. I think she'll have a website soon, but if you want her info, I'll happily pass it along - she's terrific! Also, we're doing a new treatment with Cici that involves integrating the senses. It's kind of weird, but I'll let you know how it goes. It's kind of pricey though (along with everything else we're doing!). Many hugs - You're doing great - what lucky girls!
I can't imagine. It is exhausting dealing with 6 sessions a month, I can't imagine 4 a week. *hugs* I'm here if you need to talk!
It is very exhausting - but OT really makes a difference. There are a lot of activities you can do at home as well. In time, you may be able to find a more balanced mix of at home and in-clinic OT. We have a series of articles that outline "make at home therapy" aids that will help and are very easy on the budget.
All the best-
Debbie
www.sensorysmartkid.com
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