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My intense child - Page 2

post #21 of 24
I concur with the others who suggested getting an eval for sensory issues. Really, I'd do that before a psychologist.

Would you have described him as "high needs" as an infant/toddler? In my local AP group, a very significant percentage of the high needs infants have been diagnosed with some degree of sensory/special needs as they get older. So much so that I'm kind of on 'high alert' for my 3.5yo DD1.

This may be helpful: http://www.sensory-processing-disord...checklist.html
Also "The Explosive Child" and "Raising Your Spirited Child" are commonly recommended.
post #22 of 24
I agree with many of the previous observations, ESPECIALLY having him evaluated for Sensory Processing Disorder. My daughter was diagnosed with it around age 2, and working with an occupational therapist was invaluable. It's a neurologic disorder. She gave us ideas for a sensory diet so that she could meet her sensory needs and be able to function better. So much of the descriptions you gave of your son sound so much like my DD- balance problems, rage, intensity, impatience, really strong food preferences... You mentioned that he was tested for allergies and had none, but food intolerance won't show up on a traditional allergy skin test because it's a different mechanism. My daughter had no reaction to nuts on a skin test, but when she eats any kind of nut or legume she gets mild diarrhea and her hyperactive behavior multiplies exponentially. It took me about 8 months to figure that out, but as soon as I pulled it from her diet the difference was noticeable.

Another huge help for us has been chiropractic. Before she started getting adjustments she didn't have a normal pain response. She could get seriously hurt on the playground, cry for 3 seconds, and then move on like nothing ever happened. Yet, try to put a brush through her hair and you would think that she was being stabbed. The chiropractor explained that while adjustments in adults are to correct chronic misalignment, in kids it's like a reboot for the nervous system. She stopped tripping over her feet, falling off of chairs (most of the time :-)) and is more consistently coordinated. And she can actually feel pain when she falls off the jungle gym.

Kids who are sensory seekers tend to act out to get sensory input in ways that aren't constructive because they are craving any kind of sensation, like hurling themselves into walls, running at full speed, climbing on anything and everything. If you can give him constructive activities that will meet those needs he may be able to function better the rest of the day.

The book "Raising Your Spirited Child" talks a lot about intensity and how to work with your intense child, and how to identify your own needs too so that your relationship isn't all about pushing each others buttons. I hope you are able to find someone to evaluate him and give you some tools to help him!
post #23 of 24
DD is also that age (5 in August), and with several similarities to what you describe...a very emotional and intense girl. I suspect some sensory things going on with her too, especially since my oldest who is 7.5 has mild autism and sensory issues that go with that. Mine too is the kid that has problems sitting still, waiting her turn, gets upset if things don't go her way, and feels things very strongly. We also have a new baby, and things have been a bit rough lately due to the changes that she has brought as well. So, no real solutions or anything, but sympathy that you are not alone. DS (my oldest), gets OT once a week and it has done wonders for him...if things get really rough for DD, we may consider getting some for her too. I have noticed that she and her brother both do better if I can get them outside to play for a bit, or incorporate for her some of the things the OT has suggested for him.
post #24 of 24
My DS sounds very similar. His tantrums are frequent and he just doesn't give up. I know what I should be able to do, but all the wonderful advice about choices and empathy don't do a bit of good for him 90% of the time.

After a heck of a morning, I hopped online and think I'll pick up this book next: Parenting a Child Who Has Intense Emotions: Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills to Help Your Child Regulate Emotional Outbursts and Aggressive Behaviors
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