As a physician and a parent, I’ve encountered one of the most challenging experiences: receiving that call from school about my child’s behavioral issues. My heart sank as I prepared for yet another early morning meeting in those tiny, uncomfortable chairs, reminiscent of my own school days.
During this particular meeting, I was informed that my five-year-old son, Ethan, was struggling in class and having difficulties interacting appropriately with his peers and teachers. Instead of the usual suggestions from the school staff, the principal surprised me by mentioning sensory processing disorder (SPD) and handed me a brochure from an organization called LifeSkills. Intrigued, I quickly reached out to them, and within a brief conversation, I felt a flicker of hope—perhaps we had finally identified a crucial piece of the puzzle regarding Ethan’s behaviors.
Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory processing disorder affects how a child’s nervous system interprets sensory stimuli—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. For children like Ethan, the brain struggles to organize sensory information, leading to inappropriate reactions. This can manifest in various forms, such as sensory over-responsivity, under-responsivity, or sensory seeking behaviors.
Ethan, for example, is extremely sensitive to touch from unfamiliar people, often reacting aggressively if someone invades his personal space. He dislikes wearing socks, has nighttime potty accidents, and cannot tolerate noisy environments, which makes classrooms particularly challenging. Once, in a doctor’s office, he shouted for everyone to be quiet because the noise overwhelmed him. He even demands to eat in a separate room during meals due to the smells and sounds. Ironically, he can’t resist messy treats like ice cream, which he joyfully devours despite getting it everywhere. Mornings are slow, and any change to his routine sends him into a panic. Initially, we thought these behaviors were just typical childhood quirks.
A Neighbor’s Insight
That evening at the park, a neighbor casually inquired about Ethan’s school year. I hesitated, but eventually disclosed that we had moved to a new school after being asked to leave his previous one. To my surprise, she revealed that her child also has sensory processing disorder. This revelation opened the door to a deeper conversation, and later that evening, she surprised me with a book titled Sensational Kids by Lucy Jane Miller, which she encouraged me to read. She shared her experiences with her son, now thriving at age 12, thanks to understanding and support.
Diagnosis and Challenges
After Ethan’s evaluation, we received a diagnosis of sensory processing disorder, though the school system and insurance often do not recognize it, leading to terms like dyspraxia (difficulty with motor planning) and coordination disorder being used instead. Simple tasks such as walking heel-to-toe, holding a cannonball position, or making eye contact were significant challenges for him. Despite his intelligence and effort, his body simply wasn’t processing the signals correctly.
As a physician and a parent, I felt a wave of emotion realizing how much I had misunderstood Ethan’s struggles. However, with each insight we gain, we move closer to supporting him effectively. For instance, we learned that oral muscle development precedes hand muscle development, which explained his ongoing speech therapy needs. His compulsive chewing on his shirt collars and his cravings for hot chocolate, chewing gum, and salt-and-vinegar chips are sensory-seeking behaviors that he finds comforting.
Finding Solutions
Ethan also enjoys activities that involve repetitive, predictable movements, such as biking and kayaking, which provide him with the sensory input he craves. Luckily, we’ve found a solution in occupational therapy, and he now looks forward to his weekly sessions at school with a therapist who switched careers to help her own child with similar challenges.
Looking Ahead
As the new school year approaches, I worry that Ethan may not be ready for kindergarten, as every parent wishes for their child to succeed and fit in. Yet, after the parent-teacher conference, I felt a renewed sense of hope and gratitude, knowing we have a school willing to collaborate with us. Additionally, the support from friends and family reassures me of Ethan’s potential. One friend even left me an encouraging note and a bottle of wine—a small but meaningful gesture.
The Gift of Understanding
The true gift for both Ethan and us as parents is the understanding we’ve gained about his experiences. With this knowledge, we can provide him with the patience and empathy he needs to navigate the complexities of the world. If you’re interested in exploring more about this topic, check out some great resources about insemination techniques at Intracervical Insemination and Make A Mom. For those considering fertility options, Johns Hopkins is an excellent resource.
Conclusion
In summary, navigating the journey of supporting a child with sensory processing disorder involves understanding, patience, and a willingness to adapt. With the right resources and support, our children can thrive.