Anyone here with experience with hyposensitivity?

[semi-crunchy]

My son is three and has always had a need to "pick at" various moles, bumps etc. on people.  He also likes to sit extrememly close to people and will often sit almost under me and trying to hold a mole I have while sucking his thumb.

It has been an ongoing issue to try and get him to stop but without any success.  I started researching other options in hopes of finding something that would work, but then I stumbled upon information regarding hyposensitivity.  He seems to fit many of the descriptions of that, but I am not sure. 

I don't want to automatically try and label him something when the issues are nothing more than him being a normal, male, three year old.  However, I also do not want to turn a blind eye to the fact that there could be a real issue with him and he should get help. 

Here are some of the things that are true about him:

may crave touch, needs to touch everything and everyone (I don't think he can sit on the couch without touching someone.  We also co-sleep and he likes to sleep extremely close to us).

may not be aware that hands or face are dirty or feel his/her nose running (not always, but from time to time)

mouths objects excessively

frequently hurts other children or pets while playing (not children, but he tends to be rough with the animals, but is learning how to be gentle)

repeatedly touches surfaces or objects that are soothing

thoroughly enjoys and seeks out messy play

often does not respond to verbal cues or to name being called (there are times he seems in his own world and we have to nearly scream to get his attention.  Of course this could be just because he is enjoying his playtime).

appears to "make noise for noise's sake"

talks self through a task, often out loud

needs directions repeated often, or will say, "What?" frequently
 

seeks out jumping, bumping, and crashing activities

stomps feet when walking

kicks his/her feet on floor or chair while sitting at desk/table

bites or sucks on fingers and/or frequently cracks his/her knuckles

loves/seeks out "squishing" activities

enjoys bear hugs

excessive banging on/with toys and objects

loves "roughhousing" and tackling/wrestling games

frequently falls on floor intentionally

loves pushing/pulling/dragging objects

loves jumping off furniture or from high places

chews on pens, straws etc.

These are a few of the things that describe him.  He is my only child, so as I said I'm not sure if these are all "normal" things or is they are indicitive of another problem.  If anyone has any insight, advice, suggestions I would love to hear them. 

Thank you!

 

[PikkuMyy]

It sounds like he could really benefit from some occupational therapy to address his sensory needs, and help you provide an environment at home with items and activities that meet his sensory needs in appropriate ways. You can seek this out through your health insurance company, via a recommendation for an OT eval from your doctor, or through a free assessment at your local school district.