Question for Auntie re: SPD and DSM criteria

mommytoconnor

I was hoping you might know why SPD was rejected again to be included in the DSM as an actual disorder.  It's incredibly frustrating for parents like me who have a kid with SPD, but he doesn't fall on the spectrum, is showing more ADHD and SPD than anything, per develop. peds. and we feel like our kids problems aren't taken seriously because they are an "accepted" diagnosis.  Any info you may have would be greatly appreciated. TIA

mommytoconnor

My son is showing ADHD, he also has speech delays, which has improved significantly, but with a lot of work and therapies.  It's a real shame, because if we aren't in a "true" diagnosis we have trouble getting appropriate services for our kids.  I fight every day for my son to get therapies and it seems like if it were included in the DSM I wouldn't have to write a novel everytime someone questions his "diagnosis".  It's hard enough on us as parents to get good services for our children and we often fight every step of the way, then they make is more difficult. Well I sure do appreciate your input and answering my question.

kcisthebombdotcom

Somewhat unrelated question--does ADHD and SPD go hand in hand like autism/spd does?

I had global apraxia as a child (and likely some SPD and/or some inattentive adhd though I was never formally diagnosed with the latter two). I know my children are at heightened risk for learning issues due to that.

Do you happen to have some good adhd resources-- specifically the link with spd (if any)/presentation in young children?

Thanks

mommytoconnor

to answer your question SPD can go along with several different diagnoses, but it can also stand alone.  My son I adopted thru foster care and he was born substance exposed at birth to cocaine.  According to his devel peds, many kids who were born exposed to drugs often have difficulty regulating their sensory system.  I noticed problems at around 6 months of age, starting with sleeping issues.  I would lay him down and he would startle himself awake and just cry and cry.  I had to swaddle him until he was approx 9 months old and I mean tightly.  Then he finally seemed to overcome this.  Then he wasn't talking by time he was 18.  He was very verbal but no real words. I was worried about autism.  I had him evaluated by numerous specialists and they all agree that he shows SPD and ADHD but doesn't fall on autism spectrum. The first book I was told to get regarding SPD is called "The out of Sync Child"  It is fabulous and I swear I could have written this book.  It even has a checklist for you to see if your child fits the criteria.  I would highly recommend this book if you want to learn more about SPD. I had never heard of it and at first didn't understand it.  Once I learned more I became very passionate about it and getting my son the therapy and treatment he needs.  He has been in OT and ST for almost 6 months now and I have seen drastic improvements.  He is talking and doing much better.  His devel peds has confidence he will do well.  He is showing less and less of a need for his sensory diet at this time, which means he doesn't "crave" things as much, behavior speaking.  We still struggle with behaviors but I am seeing a change.