SPD

Sensory Processing Disorder explained

The link above is to a great video explaining Sensory Processing Disorder. Chris and I didn't fully get what Micah was dealing with until we watched it. I love the fact that the video is explained by a kid with SPD.

Micah flaps. I have tried to figure out a trigger, but I don't think there is one. He flaps most when he is excited and tired. Most of the time, it isn't a bad thing. It is seen as "weird" and sometimes I get looks and questions from strangers, but it doesn't hurt him. The only time it really bothers me is when he also does the facial ticks.

Micah has had 2 seizures. I plan on writing a seizure post soon. His seizures are not the big scary grand mal type. They are focal seizures that are focused just above his right jaw line. The facial ticks he does reminds me of the seizures he has had. Big difference is he goes blank during a seizure.

Sometimes Micah will rock or spin and he runs...a lot.

I put our couch pillows around the house to slow him down. It doesn't stop him and sometimes it seems like he is getting too worked up by the running. When that happens, I put his vest on him.

His vest is cute. It has a dolphin head on the front and the tail on the back. It is weighted and it fits him pretty tight. The idea is that the vest helps give him the stimulation he is seeking from the stimming behaviors. When I use it at home, he stops running and is able to calm down.

I really want to get him a weighted blanket, but they are expensive. I am looking at maybe trying to make him one myself. That way he can help me pick the fabric and that will help make it special.

The occupational therapist with Micah's school is going to be coming in to see him in a few weeks. I am going to ask if I can visit with her and see if I can pick her brain for some ideas on how to help him. It is probably going to just be something he has to grow out of and work through on his own. Micah's teacher and I are trying to stay consistent between school and home. We have both seen improvements.

Have a great day!
-jozlin