any suggestions for child with anxiety & sensory issues?

[clori]

My dd9 is in 4th grade. Last year she started having a lot off problems at school. Basically dd had problems with the class room being too loud, the teacher yelling a lot etc. Occasionally dd would yell out for kids to be quiet. The teacher said that dd was constantly wanting to be first in line, touching everyone's desk and water bottle etc. Things like seams on socks drive dd absolutely crazy.

Long story but today we had an evaluation meeting for an iep.

As expected by all dd has no academic issues or any physical disabilities nor is there anything like autism or adhd. It boils down to the school psychologist and social worker thinks dd has anxiety and some ocd issues. The occupational therapist thinks that dd has tactile and auditory sensory hyperactivity. Since her academics are fine and there is no actual disability dd doesn't qualify for official iep help. Basically they feel dd needs to see an outside counselor which I am looking into.

This year's classroom teacher is new to the school and thinks dd is doing good this year but that no matter how hard dd tries many of the kids do not want to be partners with dd for work or play with her etc even though dd is currently acting fine. Fortunately this teacher doesn't yell.

Does anyone have any tips that can help a 9 year old deal with anxiety, sensory issues, or problems with peers. To add to the mix dd has alopecia areata and is showing signs of losing hair.

 

[dfchelbay]

My dd9 is in 4th grade. Last year she started having a lot off problems at school. Basically dd had problems with the class room being too loud, the teacher yelling a lot etc. Occasionally dd would yell out for kids to be quiet. The teacher said that dd was constantly wanting to be first in line, touching everyone's desk and water bottle etc. Things like seams on socks drive dd absolutely crazy.

Long story but today we had an evaluation meeting for an iep.

As expected by all dd has no academic issues or any physical disabilities nor is there anything like autism or adhd. It boils down to the school psychologist and social worker thinks dd has anxiety and some ocd issues. The occupational therapist thinks that dd has tactile and auditory sensory hyperactivity. Since her academics are fine and there is no actual disability dd doesn't qualify for official iep help. Basically they feel dd needs to see an outside counselor which I am looking into.

This year's classroom teacher is new to the school and thinks dd is doing good this year but that no matter how hard dd tries many of the kids do not want to be partners with dd for work or play with her etc even though dd is currently acting fine. Fortunately this teacher doesn't yell.

Does anyone have any tips that can help a 9 year old deal with anxiety, sensory issues, or problems with peers. To add to the mix dd has alopecia areata and is showing signs of losing hair.

I think I would want to know what credentials the school psychologist has. Forget about the social worker. Your daughter needs to be seen by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. Many times school psychologists are not psychologists at all, they are certified "counselors". Make sure this person that is throwing around a diagnosis of your daughter, is qualified to be placing labels on your daughter. If you seek professional help for your daughter, perhaps that doctor will have names and information on how to deal with this, and groups you and your daughter participate in. There are many therapists that deal with overcoming these issues and your daughters psychologist/psychiatrist will assist you in that.

 

[kacaju]

Are you positive she has this?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alopecia_areata

Could it be possible she has this?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trichotillomania

I have a dd16 who has anxiety and OCD and she also has trich.

 

[PrincessKell]

I Just want to say hang in there. We are fighting for an Iep for my dd. Did her eval with the school and student study team. They said she was an "emotional disorder" she has been eval'd by the regional center and has been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome/ PDD (pervasive developmental disorders). So we are fighting an uphill battle. I have some reading on SPD since that is what they originally said dd had when she was 2.5 I will it dig out and PM ya tomorrow.

 

[PrincessKell]

also you could check out http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com lots to look at on there.

Here is a website for some books. (if you don't have them already they are good to have and read)
http://www.out-of-sync-child.com/

 

[CityGranola]

My son is 4 and has Sensory Processing Disorder.

The problem is each kid is different, and each day is different. The seams on the socks are usually an SPD thing. (sometimes also an ASD thing, and sometimes kids with ASD also have SPD.) Today, the socks Jackson was wearing were not an issue, but tomorrow, the same socks may be horrific. That's part of the reason it's difficult for SPD to be properly diagnosed.

I'm not certain a psychologist is needed to diagnose SPD, actually, I've only ever known of Occupational Therapists doing it.

*** I just realized I cannot post links because I don't have enough posts. If you go to www dot sensory-processing-disorder dot com, that's a good start!

Then, I would consider seeing an OT and having an evaluation. Please let me know if you have any questions - I've been dealing with this for almost 3 years now...

 

[perkinsrose]

http://www.amazon.com/Out-Sync-Chil...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255710027&sr=8-1

the above book is a good one (for parents/teachers) & helped me as a teacher of children with sensory issues

http://www.amazon.com/What-When-You...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255710231&sr=1-1

the above book is for kids--with adult guidance-- part workbook & part read-aloud picture book for up to aprox. age 11-ish . We used for my daughter at age 7 for anxiety & panic.

 

[Mkrop]

DS6 has sensory issues, some of his are hypo. I have found these two articles helpful when trying to explain to people (ie teacher esp) what is going on.

Also DS6 was diagnosised by an OT and has received OT for his SID for years now and it has helped tremdously!

http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-processing-disorder-checklist.html

http://www.newhorizons.org/spneeds/adhd/nicholls.htm

 

[MissionWDW]

First, I am so sorry you daughter is having some problems. I'm glad that school is going well for her this year...also that she has you that cares so much to help her with things like this.

I actually have two children with sensory processing disorder (DS 5 and DD 9...both in 3 days). I also had problems with this when I was younger. I couldn't tolerate seams or tags/itchy clothes...I also have a lot of "OCD" tendencies. My DS was severely delayed in speech and has horrible food issues. He was in "feeding therapy" for this but it just didn't go anywhere. His speech therapist helped him greatly..thank goodness. He is a very rough and tumble kind of boy. The doctor explained it to me that he may not sense things the way most people do....so when he is running full force into a wall he just doesn't get hurt...if that makes sense. My DD sounds very similar to yours. Ever since she was a baby she couldn't tolerate loud noises....fire truck or motorcycles driving by...and fireworks. Sadly, I didn't really get to enjoy the fireworks at Disney because she would scream bloody murder. This time around she will wear ear plugs or listen to her MP3 player. If that doesn't work, DH and I are prepared to take turns and take her somewhere for a snack while the others watch. DS also has some issues with noise, but nothing compare to DD.....he didn't like the African musicians that came to his preschool....he said the drums were too loud. She also had issues with food and still does. Also, she can NOT wear itchy clothes or the seams can not sit funny on her socks.

It has been very difficult, but we have slowly found ways to cope with their little quirks. Have you talked to her new teacher about this? Regardless of what the school thinks...you know her best. I would let the teacher know and maybe when DD starts having a problem, teacher can lead her in the right direction. As for the friends...I am so sorry. This has got to be so difficult for your daughter. I remember feeling so awful for my little boy while watching him during feeding therapy. No one really understand how it is physcially painful or next to impossible for these kids to do things other kids do without a problem. Maybe you could sign your daughter up for an after school activitiy...dance, sports, etc....she could gain friendship and confidence. Not to mention exert some of that extra energy. I know they have therapy available to kids with sensory issues....like the slowly expose them light, sounds, textures, etc to help them adjust. If her anxiety continues...talk to her doctor or therapist about it. If it becomes too bad, they can prescribe medication. I really hope you and your DD find ways to help her feel more at ease and to deal with the sensory issues.

BTW...I was diagnoised with alopecia areata over a year ago....they thought I had everything under the sun until they finally decided on this. This condition alone is enough to give your poor DD anxiety issues. I am so very sorry that she is dealing with this. I'm a married almost 30 year old woman with 4 kids and I have horrible problems (both emotionally and physcially) with my alopecia. I have read that a dermatologist can give steriod shots to the spot and it can HELP regrowth. However, I don't know if they would do this for a child.

My dd9 is in 4th grade. Last year she started having a lot off problems at school. Basically dd had problems with the class room being too loud, the teacher yelling a lot etc. Occasionally dd would yell out for kids to be quiet. The teacher said that dd was constantly wanting to be first in line, touching everyone's desk and water bottle etc. Things like seams on socks drive dd absolutely crazy.

Long story but today we had an evaluation meeting for an iep.

As expected by all dd has no academic issues or any physical disabilities nor is there anything like autism or adhd. It boils down to the school psychologist and social worker thinks dd has anxiety and some ocd issues. The occupational therapist thinks that dd has tactile and auditory sensory hyperactivity. Since her academics are fine and there is no actual disability dd doesn't qualify for official iep help. Basically they feel dd needs to see an outside counselor which I am looking into.

This year's classroom teacher is new to the school and thinks dd is doing good this year but that no matter how hard dd tries many of the kids do not want to be partners with dd for work or play with her etc even though dd is currently acting fine. Fortunately this teacher doesn't yell.

Does anyone have any tips that can help a 9 year old deal with anxiety, sensory issues, or problems with peers. To add to the mix dd has alopecia areata and is showing signs of losing hair.

 

[happily single]

I have seen lots of support here, but no real answers to your questions. First of all, fight with the school department. no matter what she is going to need an IEP to address the sensory issues.

I would work with the teacher and/or your daughter to figure out where in the classroom would work best for her. I'm thinking the back of the class, in order to avoid all the noise (from behind her).

POssibly placing some type of gel pad, etc on her desk and explain to her that this pad is the only thing that she is allowed to touch, and that she must keep her hands to herself, except the pad.

A weighted blanket or vest may also be helpful.

I have no suggestion as to the whole clothing issue. My ds10 wears crocs all year with no socks!

 

[Kallista]

I'd have her seen by at a clinic that specializes in speech and language disorders and audiology.

It really sounds like an auditory processing disorder. A speech and language pathologist can tell you if it is. They can do some therapy to decrease her sound sensitivity and improve her ability to listen. They can also recommend interventions to help her. Off the top of my head, I'd say that she might want to use ear plugs in a noisy environment. If she's very sensitive to sound, all that noise may be painful to her.

 

[woodkins]

My dd 7 also has SPD and anxiety disorder with Tourette Syndrome. We have had her in Occupational therapy since 18mos old to help with her Sensory Issues. There are theraputic listening programs to help with auditory sensitivies and various brushing techniques (Wilbarger protocol) that you can use for tactile issues. If you have not read The Out of Synch Child yet run and get a copy. It explains SPD and offers lots of treatment options. I have my daughter on Omega 3 Fish oil supplements as well as a Probiotic (Threelac) which has really helped with her sensory issues. We take her to a child psychologist to help her discuss her feelings and build her self esteem as well. I have found this to be a big help to her and to me as the therapist i s able to provide me with advice and tools on how to parent her in a supportive and positive way. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions or want to chat.
-Krysta

 

[2girlsR2good]

Former special education teacher here--I'm not sure why others are encouraging you to fight for an IEP. In my state, there's no way you'd get an IEP for a child who is performing at grade level. Maybe I misunderstood something, but in order to get an IEP here, a child needs the accommodations in order to succeed academically.

I would focus more on getting to understand your child's needs a little more. The Out of Synch Child series are great. I highly recommend The Out of Synch Child Has Fun. It will give you some ideas for activities you can do together.

One thing that can really help kids with sensory issues is regular, extensive gross motor exercise--basically, exercising to the point of fatigue. Swimming and running are great. Sports that involve a lot of waiting for your turn are not so great. Some tumbling/gymnastics classes are good, others are too "on and off" to help.

 

[disneymom2one]

Former special education teacher here--I'm not sure why others are encouraging you to fight for an IEP. In my state, there's no way you'd get an IEP for a child who is performing at grade level. Maybe I misunderstood something, but in order to get an IEP here, a child needs the accommodations in order to succeed academically.

I would focus more on getting to understand your child's needs a little more. The Out of Synch Child series are great. I highly recommend The Out of Synch Child Has Fun. It will give you some ideas for activities you can do together.

One thing that can really help kids with sensory issues is regular, extensive gross motor exercise--basically, exercising to the point of fatigue. Swimming and running are great. Sports that involve a lot of waiting for your turn are not so great. Some tumbling/gymnastics classes are good, others are too "on and off" to help.

We have a unique situation - highly gifted daughter on the autism spectrum. She probably could perform at grade level without an IEP but it's been a huge help to have one. With the IEP, she's soaring. She has clear needs but excels in advanced classes (8th grader). She's had the IEP since she entered school (in 4th grade - home schooled previously). The IEP (at least here) is pretty much automatic with any diagnosis on the spectrum. I wouldn't depend on the school system for that diagnosis either. We go the private route - not perfect but a better choice for us.

 

[KEichman]

You also asked about the social issue with the other children, which is vitally important to your daughter's success. Check out some of the resources here:

http://www.circleofriends.org/

You may find some ideas here to move your daughter toward greater social inclusion.

Kathi

 

[clori]

Thanks so much for all the help, support and ideas! Last school year lets just say things didn't go so well at school for dd and the teacher was overwhelmed by dd. We had a meeting (me, teacher, school social worker, and a consulting school psychiatrist). The school psychiatrist told me to request an ot evaluation and the school said they wanted to do a full evaluation even though going into it we knew academics weren't an issue. Dh and I went into the process to help us figure out what was going on and find strategies to help but not to actually get an iep out of it. I did see that there is a list of state determined disabilities that automatically qualify someone for an iep. We just need to sign something saying the school is taking no action since there is no disability.

I do want to look into fish oil supplements since I've also heard they are good for alopecia. DD doesn't really swallow pills yet so any ideas on type and dosage to look for.

I actually just saw the Out of Synch book at a used bookstore and picked up a copy the other day for $1.49 (I'm a bargain shopper) and will start reading it tonight. DD dances for 2.5 hours on Thursdays, 1/2 hour on Fridays. She ice skates which officially starts today but we have to wait a few weeks since she currently is in a cast. She broke her arm on a trampolene right before school started and had two surgeries on it and the cast should be off the end of October. Dh is currently unemployeed so I can't start any more activities but if he gets a job really soon we may do ice skating twice a week.

The school social worker uses the initials LISW or something like that so I think she is a licensed social worker. The ot uses something like otr/l. DD definately has alopecia areata and it follows the classic missing smooth round patches etc and she has been diagnosed by two different dermatologists. At one point she was missing around 60% of her scalp her and most of her eyebrows/eyelashes and body hair. She currently has just about all of her hair though has just recently has 3 small spots which are covered. She doesn't really know about them yet since with her broken arm I've been helping with the shower/hair brushing.

I have two counseling places to call Monday. I have to figure out who to call for the sensory issues. This is a bit confusing because of dh being unemployeed with the whole insurance issues.

This year's school teacher says things are going well with dd having appropriate communication, social skills etc but that many kids don't want to partner with her etc due to last year. It is heartbreaking to hear that about a child. She is in a social skills lunch group at school this year. The teacher will consult with the social worker and/or ot if need arises. I personally like this years teacher a whole lot more than last years but that is a long story.

 

[woodkins]

I do want to look into fish oil supplements since I've also heard they are good for alopecia. DD doesn't really swallow pills yet so any ideas on type and dosage to look for.

The fish oil supplement we use is a pudding like consistency that comes in a squeeze pouch (it is about a tsp worth per packet). We get the lemon lime flavor & my dd calls it her green slime since it is lime green LOL. We give one packet per day per her neurologist. I was able to get it at The Vitamin Shoppe. They also sell 1 packet trials so you can see if your child likes it before buying the entire box.
Hope this helps.

 

[billwendy]

Hi!

I feel so bad for your little girl -but hopefully with all you are doing for her, things will be pulling together!!

OTR/L is the correct letters for after a registered, liscened occupational therapist. I am an OT, and I work in the outpatient department of a childrens hospital. we see MANY kids with sensory processing/sensory integration disorders. I would take her to the local outpatient department of a childrens hospital or the local outpatient clinic in your area that your insurance will pay for. She really needs a very thorough evaluation and consistant treatment. I think the other programs suggested are good - Wilbarger Brushing Protocal, but if school wont help with this, I dont know how much impact it would have for you - you really need to do it every 2 hours for it to have a true effect. The listening program is also great - if the clinic near you loans/rents it - it can be pretty costly as well. Interactive Metronome is another great program that helps your brain to reoganize by building "super highways" in the brain making it easier to process sensory information - I have seen awesome results with this. But I really think she needs a good sensory diet for you to follow at home. This is all about giving the body sensory information in large doses throughout the day.

Here is a good explanation of what it feels like to be sensory defensive - imagine that you are in a scarey neighborhood, you are walking down a back alley, its midnight and someone taps you on the shoulder!!!! How do you feel??? How will you react??? It isnt going to be pretty, right? Our nervous system has that "fight, flight, fright" system built in to help us react in these situations. Well, with sensory processing disorders, you can feel like this all the time! That would be why she may yell out in the noisy classroom -it feels like an attack to her! Make sense? Same thing with the sock issues - it could be so irritating to her that it feels like someone is poking her all the time and she cant tune it out.

Until you can get to an OT, try doing some "heavy work" activities throughout the day. There should be some ideas in your out of sync child book. But deep pressure/heavy work are very very calming to the sensory system- think of how people feel after a massage. Swinging/rocking can also be very very calming. If you can try to do some of these types of things before school, hopefully it will help her to become more calm before the day of sensory events occurs. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to help!

Wendy

 

[JUJU814]

My little boy has sensory issues, anxiety and adhd. I had him tested initially by a private psychologist practice. They are the ones who told me about this pediatric OT place.

OT is the best thing that has happened to ds! It is amazing all the cool things they do with him and the confidence he has built, as well as a notable decrease in his sensory issues.

He does have classroom provisions. He goes to a Montessori school so I just got the classroom provisions letter from the OT and they incorporate them for him in the school as needed.

He has made great progress in many areas without the use of medication, but rather with the cutting edge techniques they have used with him.

Our insurance covers it all except a $10 copay per session. If I had to pay privately, I would..that's how much it has helped my ds. They work with him on coping strategies for his anxiety, for anger, self regulation, etc.

 

[a1tinkfans]

My dd9 is in 4th grade. Last year she started having a lot off problems at school. Basically dd had problems with the class room being too loud, the teacher yelling a lot etc. Occasionally dd would yell out for kids to be quiet. The teacher said that dd was constantly wanting to be first in line, touching everyone's desk and water bottle etc. Things like seams on socks drive dd absolutely crazy.

Long story but today we had an evaluation meeting for an iep.

As expected by all dd has no academic issues or any physical disabilities nor is there anything like autism or adhd. It boils down to the school psychologist and social worker thinks dd has anxiety and some ocd issues. The occupational therapist thinks that dd has tactile and auditory sensory hyperactivity. Since her academics are fine and there is no actual disability dd doesn't qualify for official iep help. Basically they feel dd needs to see an outside counselor which I am looking into.

This year's classroom teacher is new to the school and thinks dd is doing good this year but that no matter how hard dd tries many of the kids do not want to be partners with dd for work or play with her etc even though dd is currently acting fine. Fortunately this teacher doesn't yell.

Does anyone have any tips that can help a 9 year old deal with anxiety, sensory issues, or problems with peers. To add to the mix dd has alopecia areata and is showing signs of losing hair.

Just some thoughts and observations.................
PLEASE...do not rely on a "often quick" review by your school to determine what exactly is up with your daughter. You need a diagnosis that is verified thru a pediatric neuro-psychologist at the least.....I am thinking your daughter MAY be on the autism spectrum.....closer to the AS (asperger) side, milder in nature and certainly not autistic.....these children often have sensory integration, food issues, ocd tendencies, tactile (can't wear jeans, they hurt, they bother them) etc etc.........
There is SO MUCH help if you know where to look.
There are sensory integration specialists that can make a WORLD of difference for your child. And the School CAN/should help her and Accommodate her......SMART children have issues too and unfortunately the schools seem to focus in on the learning disabled More, rather than the learning impaired...which She WILL be or IS as she may already be showing signs of not staying focused to the task at hand...too focused on her surroundings (too loud etc) all around her.....
I really hope that you have success as you navigate thru the school system.
We really need to be our childrens advocates each and every day to make their Success a Reality!!!! They can be successful when equipped to handle the "stressors" that affect them that might NOT affect anyone else!
Please let us know how things go..........