Hi IMs struggling to help my daughter who is not diagnosed but suspected of having SPD. My beautiful girl is 2 and the most adorable caring child. She had a severe speech delay And we just found out also partially deaf in both ears.
She hates getting dressed, having her hair washed or brushed is a horrible because she just screams and gets so frustrated that she bites herself to the point that she leaves bite marks on her arms. I just want to make her feel safe and comfortable during these times but don't know how. she also likes extreme pressure when she goes to sleep and to calm herself, eg likes me to squeeze her or push on her chest. I'm looking into getting a weighted blanket but would appreciate any other advice. Thanks
possible SPD help
possible SPD help
Posted in:
Aspergers & Autism
2 Replies
When I hear SPD my spider sense tingles.
Please make sure you rule out autism. I used to work in an autism specific clinic and the number of kids that used to come in to be assessed with autism at a late age because they were told SPD by an OT at around 2 was so frustrating. The child would have most likely met criteria for autism at 2 as they did at 8 but unfortunately the child would miss out on funding and extra help at school for a number of years because SPD doesn't qualify for anything as it's not recognised on the DSMV and there is a lot if argument still wether if actually exists as a separate diagnosis to autism/aspergers.
Sorry I know that's not what you were asking!
As to weighted blankets do your homework carefully on the actual weights and buy from a reputable maker as a lot are made by backyard operations with no real knowledge.
Hi,I posted this. My daughter is also being assessed for autism as well. We are currently on a waiting list for OT and speech therapy. We have been lucky enough to have been granted a small amount of money to buy a weighted blanket from nannas blankets. I just really want to help her to be calm and relaxed during times of stress such as hair washing and brushing and getting dressed. Today she was so overwhelmed by getting dressed that she was only in a singlet and nappy all day.