sensory issues
Find a Conversation
sensory issues
| Tue, 08-30-2005 - 11:28pm |
My DS was recently diagnosed with pdd-nos but my question is regarding my DD who is 14 months younger. She has major sensory issues and has O.T every week which is helping. Her main problem is she won't let anyone kiss her on the mouth, not even me. She will hug but on her terms. Can you have sensory issues without having autism? I don't see any other "signs" that I saw in my DS at that age. I'm afraid I might be missing something. If your child ever had sensitivity to touch did it ever resolve? I can't stand not being able to kiss and hug her like I did with my DS.

First you can have sensory issues without autism. But since she is young I would definitely keep an eye out for it just incase. I have sensory issues and am not a big fan of touch. I also have ADHD but am not autistic. Though I can have my fair share of quirks, lol. My 3rd daughter has sensory issues and even was my one "flapper" as a baby and toddler and she is just about the opposite of autism. Actually all 4 of my kids are sensory kids and only 2 are officially and really on the spectrum.
As to your next question, it can get better and usually does. Not to the point of total fix but definitely better. She may always not be a huge fan of cuddling but likely she will be more willing to hug and smooch. My son was pretty significantly tactile defensive from the day he came home from teh hospital. How many newborns do you know with a definite oppinion that the do NOT want to be held or nursed to sleep. He still has sensory issues. He is still tactile defensive but he is soooooo much better on that stuff now. At least the cuddling. I sure do get more than my share of hugs though he may knock you over with them. And how many 9 yo's always let their mom's kiss them goodbye at school.
All my kids are sensory. All were worse when they were littler with the worst times being the toddler years through preschool. OT definitely helped as did age and better communication skills. Also helps knowing how they tick.
Renee
Yes, you can have sensory issues even severe SID w/o being on the autism spectrum. All of my 5 kids have sensory issues. My #3 (HFA and SID) and #4 were/are toe walkers. #2, #3 & #5 were big swingers/rockers/spinners. All but #3 and #5 (who is only 3 1/2) outgrew or learned to deal w/ it by 1st grade. They still all prefer to be at home & they are all "nesters", but they seem to function just fine.
Keeping an eye on it. Having the OT and any other evaluations that might come up are a good thing. Sounds like you've caught things early, which is good in the long run.
Betsy
ps. I didn't like being kissed on the mouth until I was a teenager. I still like to pick and choose when and where I'm kissed. When I was in elementary school it used to make my skin crawl when I had to sit close enough to a classmate that we touched. I always managed to act appropriately though. I'm very sensory still, but have learned to deal w/ it.
Yes, it is possible to have SID without Autism. I used to co-CL the SID board, and we have a lot of kids there who were not on the Spectrum (and we had a lot who were).
Everyone in this house is tactile defensive. The first night I met my DH, I almost killed him by trying to rub some schmutz off his face. He jumped backwards real quick into the path of a double-decker bus! (this was in London) Then I freaked him out a second tme by grabbing him and pulling him off the road! LOL. Of course, now I can touch him, but god forbid a stranger tries to place hands on or near his face!
Sensory issues can be resolved with time and therapy, but some may not be fully overcome. My DS is now 7 and to this day, will not allow me to kiss him on the face, unless we are playing "death by kisses". He offers the top of his head to be kissed. However he has made progress. He no longer 'reverses in' for hugs, but gives me full-on squeezes with three or four limbs.
If you think your DD has sensory issues, I advise you to have her evaluated. The earlier therapy starts, the more effective it will be.
-Paula
visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com