questions

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-09-2003
questions
2
Thu, 11-10-2005 - 10:36am

My son Jake is two. He's been diagnosed with oral apraxia, and expressive language delay. He receives ST through EI, and had also received OT previously. His OT said he was sensory defensive across the board (tactile, vestibular, auditory, etc), had motor planning problems, and was posturally insecure. Jake was much more avoidant during OT sessions, so we decided to take a break. During our break from OT, most of Jake's issues seemed resolved. We are able to brush his teeth, trim his nails, wash his hair with minimal distress (we don't have to hold him down to do it anymore). A different OT came out to give him an eval and she said she didn't see any issues. He was able to put his hands and feet in rice and locate small toys. So I'm wondering if the first OT just over-exaggerated everything or if it was just the timing or what. (I'd be interested in your thoughts or experiences - do some OTs seem to see sensory issues everywhere and others don't see any?) Anyway, given the history of that..... Jake also has a habit of getting stuck on certain things. For awhile, he insisted on wearing sandals at all times (in bed, in the bath, all the time), then for awhile he insisted on wearing a toy construction hat all the time. He has had periods of not having something strange. He's been insisting on socks all the time, but not in the bath - it's just as soon as they're off he wants them back on as soon as possible. The newest thing is a yellow raincoat. It's a rubbery type coat, like a rainslicker. He wears it all day, and even to sleep - only been two days so far, so we'll see if he'll take it off in the tub or not tonight. Would this be a sensory issue, or a sign/symptom of an ASD? I have some concerns that he may be PDD-NOS(although not as many as I've had previously), but we're waiting on an eval (the waiting is driving me crazy). Another question I had was whether a child with an ASD can have extended periods of improvement or if that's indicative of it not being ASD? Of course I do realize everyone has good days and bad, but could a child have good months and then have bad ones, or even a good year and then resurgence of symptoms? Thanks for your help.

Jen

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-26-2005
In reply to: jsmith567
Thu, 11-10-2005 - 11:52pm
Jen,
My daughter who is 16 months is also getting O.T for over sensitivty to touch. She has come along way over the last couple of months. She now hugs and kisses,brushes her teeth and lets me trim her nails without as much fuss as before. We are still working on hand over hand with her but she now lets me hold her hand most of the time.She is a very picky eater and will not try new foods. We used brushing and deep message with her.She goes around the house most of the day with a red firemans hat on(LOL).She also loves to wrap herself in blankets and she loves to get under the cushions of the couch and I think that has to do with craving deep pressure.I have another child who is diagnosed with Pdd-nos and his sensory issues were opposite(underresponsive). I also worry if my dd is on the spectrum but I guess the only way to know for sure is when she starts putting words together and making sentences.My dd compared to my ds is much more interested in her world than her brother was at that age. There are many other signs I saw in my ds at the same age that I don't see in my dd. Regardless, I plan to have her seen by a developmental ped at around 2 just to make sure I'm not missing something.Because as I'm learning no two asd kids are alike.If your only concern is with regards to the coat, I wouldn't worry.Is your son verbal? How is he around other kids?
Teresa
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-09-2003
In reply to: jsmith567
Fri, 11-11-2005 - 8:56am

Oh, I wish. the coat is really the least of my concerns, it's just the newest. Jake doesn't really interact with other kids. He'll watch them sometimes, but he doesn't play with them. At playgroup, he ends up off in a corner or away from the other kids. He's verbal, but barely. He's great at mimicking what you say, but when he tries to say something sponataneously - it's almost impossible to understand. He also doesn't really answer questions alot - just repeats the main word of the question. Like if I say - Jake, do you want to go outside? - he'll say "outside", I'll say "tell me yes or no" and he'll say "yes, no". It get's infuriating sometimes. Sometimes he will answer,but more often than not it's like trying to pull teeth. He prefers to play alone, although he has begun asking us to play with him occassionally - but that usually just consists of watching him do whatever he's doing, and not trying to touch too much or he get's upset. He has a habit of lining things up. Sometimes, it's impressive. He's only two, but he's lined up his tractors (one of his obsessions) from largest to smallest - I couldn't have done it better. When he plays with blocks, he lines up all the red ones, and then puts the blue ones on top, then makes another line of a different color, etc. He loves to just sit and watch tv. I have to say, that he definately does not seem as active as other kids his age (not that I'm complaining :)). He does love to ride his tractor (a ride on toy) and will do that for hours - around and around and putting stuff in the bucket. He rarely hugs or kisses spontaneously, but he has gotten better that sometimes when you ask for a hug or kiss, he'll give you one. Atleast me. He's much more resistant to other people. Even at two, he's still very mommy oriented. He get's panicky if I leave. But then when I come back, he just looks at me and keeps on doing whatever he was doing. He's really bad with his dad. My dh can come home from work and say hi to him and Jake just looks at him and continues on, with barely any acknowledgment. It really hurts dh's feelings sometimes. When we went to restaurants, Jake would climb under the table and sit, sucking his thumb and holding his blankie. I don't know how he is with that now, as we just quit going to restaurants. He's horrible to his little brother. He pushes him around, sits on him, snatches toys, etc. He doesn't care if he makes him cry either. He's really bad with sharing - no one can touch any of his toys, even if he's not playing with them. He'll snatch them away, and hit the person, or screech at them. I could go on and on, but as you can see, there are other concerns I have. We're on the waiting list for an evaluation at Kennedy Krieger, but it's atleast 4 -6 months away. The waiting and wondering is driving me crazy. At this point, I have to say that I'd be more surprised if he doesn't get a diagnosis than if he does.....

Jen