Sensory Processing Question

[SpottedFoxx]

Just wondering if my son's behavior is sensory related (we have some issues - not terrible) or just him being a soon to be 4 year old.

My son loves gloves. He'd wear them 24/7 if we'd allow it. I put away the winter glove now that it's warmer out. He found his gardening glove and wore it all weekend. He slept over his grandmother's house and he wore it to bed. I have to fight with him to take it off to eat and use the bathroom.

Is this sensory or is he just being 5?

Thanks!

[Linda on the move]

Is that the only thing?

I don't think that one thing really counts. It could be that he likes the way gloves feel, but that's really different from "having sensory issues."

But I'm biased because my DD's sensory issues are so extreme that leaving the house is a big deal.

[SpottedFoxx]

Ugh -that has to be so hard. He has sensory issues but they are minor. We use a sensory diet with him (weighted vest, pushing walls, etc) and he's recently started to reject certain materials and textures of foods. Again, it's NOT serious. This is his only... I guess you could call it a quirk.

[mamaChe]

That one thing does count if it's affecting quality of life...

For example, my daughter has a few sensory issues as well. Mostly things that, like you, we manage with sensory diet and other creative approaches. Fairly mild reactions to the wrong "thing" causing frequent meltdowns but also are affecting her life. For example, fine motor coordination/writing skills are poor because she doesn't like how crayons and pencils write on paper. But we can still leave the house as long as we do everything "right."

From my experience, sensory processing disorder can run the gamut of mild/moderate "quirks" that cause meltdowns/tantrums and affect lifeskills to severe sensory limitations.

Perhaps it is typical 4 yr old behavior that is accentuated by sensory issues.

[Linda on the move]

Originally Posted by mamaChe

That one thing does count if it's affecting quality of life...

agreed.

For example, fine motor coordination/writing skills are poor because she doesn't like how crayons and pencils write on paper.

for reasons that I do not understand, fine motor issues are a flag for ASD including aspergers. Combined with sensory stuff, I would make sure that the specialists your DD sees are aware that they are co-exisitng. They mean more together than either one does alone.

(sorry)

[SpottedFoxx]

mamaChe - you may want to also see if there is anyone in your area that teaches "handwriting without tears". It's a wonderful program that helps with writing skills (and, obviously fine motor). My son's day care teacher (who has a background in behavioral science and works w/him one on one) uses this program and my son went from not wanting to draw/color/write to that being what he wants to do constantly.

[twilight girl]

My DD wore cat ears and a tail for at least two years, maybe more. She still does it occasionally, but is not obsessed with it anymore. She has ADHD and maybe some sensory issues, but nothing severe.

[SpottedFoxx]

Twilight that is so sweet!

I just spoke with the psychologist at his school. She absolutely feels this is sensory related. But... the big question is... is it a hill worth dying on? If he gets relief from the glove - who's it hurting? She gave me some not so obviously alternatives to try with him.

Only reason it bothers me is I have to fight with him to take it off at meal time and when he uses the bathroom ~ick~