Sensory Processing Disorder - the diagnosis that doesn't exist
It is so difficult to explain sensory processing. I've been trying and sometimes succeeding for almost 20 years. Most of the time I talk about the 8 sensory systems and that they need to have a "balance" to work properly. The children I see are "out of balance" with some sensory systems over responsive and others under responsive. OT treatment seeks to regain this balance and improve functional outcomes. My frustrations were supported by this recent blog post form the Anonymous OT (one of my favorite blogs).
https://theanonymousot.com/2018/10/09/sensory-processing-disorder-why-is-it-so-hard-to-explain/
As lots of professions are jumping on the sensory bandwagon I find there is more and more misinformation out there. I've gotten prescriptions from physicians with a diagnosis of SPD recommending OT. I've had other professionals - counselors and psychologists usually - talk about sensory regulation as though that is the same as sensory integration treatment. When I first starting working in pediatrics in 2001 if you mentioned "sensory" everyone looked at you as though you were crazy. Now it is part of the diagnostic criteria of Autism in the DSM-V.
SPD is not an officially recognized diagnosis. The SPD foundation attempted to get it added to the DSM-V, but they were unsuccessful. At the same time awareness and prevalence of sensory issues have exploded. Parents and professionals are left in a diagnosis limbo.
It's no wonder the public is confused. I like to point my parents or colleagues to these fact sheets from the Spiral Foundation. Its a good place to start the conversation.
Parent Factsheet
Educator Factsheet
Physician Factsheet
In Texas, Medicaid came out with a statement that they will not reimburse for auditory integration treatment or sensory integration treatment because these are not evidence based. I could argue the opposite point, but it doesn't really matter. As an OT, I focus on function. My goals ALWAYS address functional outcomes. "Sensory processing" isn't a goal. Going to a public restroom without increased anxiety is a goal. How I get my clients to reach that goal is up to me. Results speak volumes.
There is SOOOO much to know about sensory processing. It is a complex and not fully understood process. Don't get discouraged, but keep seeking out good information from reputable sources.
2 comments:
I am a mom of 3 beautiful kids! I just recently found out my daughter has SPD, She is a 4 year old beautiful,smart,caring little girl.
When she was born, she cried all the time. The doctor thought it was colic, or digestive problems, so those issues were treated... But as a mom knowing your child something still didn't seem right she always wanted to be in her diaper,and always seemed to be throwing major temper tantrums.
By the time she was 3, she would only wear what she called "Tappy shoes", only a certain dress, NO socks,sneakers,jeans,long sleeve shirts,jackets. I would force pants on her because we live in New England with different temperatures all the time. As soon as we would get in the car she would go into a major temper tantrum and would throw everything off sitting in her underwear.
As time went on the spd got worse she will not wear a seatbelt in the car because it is not "tight enough". She will only wear flip flops & one dress with a very light jacket. She secludes herself in the house because she doesn't want to wear pants,sneakers,etc...
She will be turning 5 in march and with the way she is there is no way I can send her to school like this... We are now approaching winter too & I dread it because I know there will be no sneakers,pants, etc. She will only wear certainunderwear if they are not the skunk,barbie ones , she throws herself on the floor in a rage... pulling them off after long stares and judgment on my parenting.
I went to my daughters doctor again & said please as a mom... something isn't right. Still clueless to what SPD was, he got in touch with a specialist that deals with SPD in children... I did my own research & found this site... and cried in pure joy that I did not feel so alone, I also saw a comment of someone her son was cured from SPD.
The only issue we have with her... is clothes and major temper tantrums... it breaks my heart to see my daughter cry over clothes.
After reading some of the signs of SPD and what it feels like to them, I cried & cried to know that this is what my daughter feels everyday. I contact the Dr.lawson for help and explain about the medicine and I ordered it,
I am so looking forward to getting started on my daughters SPD so she can live a normal life, she used it for months. My daughter is free and cured from SPD.
I am so thankful to Dr.Lawson medicine to help my daughter what SPD.
Contact him dr.lawson52@gmail.com or link https://wa.me/19793184963?text=Hello!%20I%E2%80%99m%20interested%20in%20one%20of%20your%20product
Good luck to all the moms & dads,and children dealing with SPD.
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