discipline for a hyposensitive child

[jillyofthevalley]

I babysit my step-nephew who I'm quite sure has hyposensitivity issues.  He hasn't been officially diagnosed (his mom isn't interested) but from doing my own research he fits almost everything on the checklist.  Anyhow, I'm having such a difficult time with him.  He doesn't listen, he's destructive, etc.  I know at home he's punished in a more "mainstream" way and I won't go into that but since we don't do things that way here I'm kind of at a loss.  Our usual ways of dealing with not so great behaviour does not work with him.  We've tried natural consequences (you drew on our toys with the crayons therefore you're not allowed to use the colouring stuff, for example).  We've even tried time outs but he claims to enjoy them.   I'd love some ideas or input on how you get through to your hyposensitive kids and how I can save my sanity (and our belongings).

Thanks in advance.

[QueenOfTheMeadow]

What sort of behaviors are you seeing that has lead you to conclude that he is hypersensitive and how old is he?

[Mittsy]

Is he being given a lot of sensory stimulating activities? Have you showed his parents the checklist from the SPD site, and had a discussion with them about your concerns? You may want to talk to the parents about getting a OT evaluation, I don't believe you need a diagnosis to do that although some insurances will ask for a doctors referral.

[jillyofthevalley]

He's 4.  I think he may be hyposensitive.  My mom has told his parents numerous times that they should have him evaluated because something isn't right but they just ignore it.  I'm hoping once he starts kindy next year the school will say something and then they will finally listen.  Here's some of the things that he has/does:

- needs to touch everything and everyone

- is not bothered by injuries, like cuts and bruises, and shows no distress with shots (may even say they love getting shots!)

- may not be aware that hands or face are dirty or feel his/her nose running

 -mouths objects excessively

-frequently hurts other children or pets while playing

- seeks out surfaces and textures that provide strong tactile feedback

- thoroughly enjoys and seeks out messy play

- has difficulty with fine motor tasks such as buttoning, zipping, and fastening clothes

-  may be a messy dresser; looks disheveled, does not notice pants are twisted, shirt is half un tucked, shoes are untied, one pant leg is up and one is down, etc.

- has difficulty using scissors, crayons, or silverware

- continues to mouth objects to explore them even after age two

- in constant motion, can't seem to sit still

- always jumping on furniture, trampolines, spinning in a swivel chair, or getting into upside down positions

- is a "thrill-seeker"; dangerous at times

- always running, jumping, hopping etc. instead of walking

- has a limp, "floppy" body

- frequently slumps, lies down, and/or leans head on hand or arm while working at his/her desk

- compensates for "looseness" by grasping objects tightly

- difficulty turning doorknobs, handles, opening and closing items

- has poor body awareness; bumps into things, knocks things over, trips, and/or appears clumsy

- poor gross motor skills; jumping, catching a ball, jumping jacks, climbing a ladder etc.

- may appear ambidextrous, frequently switching hands for coloring, cutting, writing etc.; does not have an established hand preference/dominance by 4 or 5 years old

- seeks out jumping, bumping, and crashing activities

- stomps feet when walking

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

- excessive banging on/with toys and objects

- frequently hits, bumps or pushes other children
 

- always seems to be breaking objects and toys

- often does not respond to verbal cues or to name being called

- appears to "make noise for noise's sake"

- seems to have difficulty understanding or remembering what was said

- appears oblivious to certain sounds

- appears confused about where a sound is coming from

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

may lick, taste, or chew on inedible objects

- excessive drooling past the teething stage

- constantly putting objects in mouth past the toddler years

So that's it in a nutshell. LOL  I'm just at a loss of how to deal with him.  It's making life very unpleasant here for our family.  Since I'm very busy with the other 7 kids in my house my dh has been tending to him.  He tries to give him a lot of stimulation and attention but it's still not working.

Edited by jillyofthevalley - 9/13/12 at 10:21am