DCP said they think LO has sensory issues...

smo321

I'm sure I'm making a bigger deal about this than it is but know one wants to hear that there LO has anything wrong with them.

We were asking about moving DD up to the next class once summer is over and they said No because they feel she has sensory issues.  She has a habit (which I thought it was a habit) of putting things in her mouth, DD is 3 1/2.  We have been trying to work with her on keep things out of her mouth but it just seems to be getting worse.  We backed off thinking us forcing her to stop was making her do it more.  DD also puts her fingers in her mouth when she seems to get nervous about anything. 

I guess what I'm asking is, has anyone had to deal with anything like this with there LO?  If so how did you handle/help the problem.  Is there anything I can do.  We will be making and appt. with the Pedi this week and DCP offered to call someone in the observe DD during her day to get there opinion.  I can't help but be upset and a little worried. 

Thanks for reading and any advice!!!

JenGK

My older son has a number of developmental issues, including sensory issues.  For a long while he would put everything in his mouth (he was a binky addict for the longest time), and would lick inappropriate things.  He still has issues with oral sensory seeking, but it manifests a little differently now -- for example, he will stuff his mouth full of food because of likes the pressure sensation (and not because he particularly likes what he is eating).  Our Occupational Therapist (OT) set up a "sensory diet" for him, which addressed this issue and other areas in which he craved sensations (he is a crasher/jumper/spinner/swinger).  For oral issues, she encouraged us to give him chewy/hard things to eat to allow him to receive input in more appropriate ways (chewy candy, dried fruit, granola bars, bagels, pretzels, etc.).

If it is an area about which you are really concerned, you could ask for a referal to an OT for an evaluation.  There is a profile the OT will have you complete that addresses overacrching sensory issues.  Your DD is too old for Early Intervention, but the public school system is charged with helping kids with issues (including sensory issues) that impact the ability to learn (my son's IEP address his sensory issues) starting at age 3.  You can reach out to your local Child Find entity for a free evaluation by the school system.