Those of you who are close family or friends may have heard about some of our Sean’s difficulties in transitioning to Kindergarten. For my own mental health, I wanted to share some of what we’ve researched, found out, or are learning about, in order to help him with this challenge, and find future success.
This was our first clue that it might be more than just a behavioral issue. As Doyce emailed me: “Especially the link for fight or flight and sensory retreat. The picture of the kid in the tub – the way Sean zones out with his head in the water and just wants to stay in that quiet for ages – that’s totally him.
I definitely want to talk to the counselor about this, because there is a TON of stuff on there that matches up with what’s happening with him. Sudden shift to anger and frustration, overwhelmed behavior (clamping down over ears), just… it seems like it might be something key, and he totally does some of the retreat stuff.”
We met with a counselor after finding this, and continued to research. This also seemed applicable, and this gave a good overview that I shared with my sister.
STAR Institute, the premier treatment, research and education center for children and adults with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is right down the road from us, although his school is already doing so much to help him get through the day. They also recommended Sensory Pathways, which came recommended from some friends as well. We have an intake interview scheduled for next week at SP4Kids, and have continued to meet with our counselor, who’s helping Sean on regulating and expressing his emotions.
I’ve got a couple of books out from the library, on hold, or on order as well. They include:
Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) by Lucy Jane Miller
Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues, Revised Edition by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske
The Everything Parent’s Guide To Sensory Processing Disorder: The Information and Treatment Options You Need to Help Your Child with SPD by Terri Mauro
The Sensory Child Gets Organized: Proven Systems for Rigid, Anxious, or Distracted Kids by Carolyn Dalgliesh
How to Take the Grrrr Out of Anger by Elizabeth Verdick & Marjorie Lisovskis
I Am So Angry, I Could Scream: Helping Children Deal with Anger by Laura Fox
Mad Isn’t Bad: A Child’s Book about Anger by Mundy Michaelene
Wild Feelings by David Milgrim
We were also told about the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol, which you can see here.
Happily, since I started drafting this post, we had a couple of good days! Sean made some friends at school, was participating in class activities, and made it to the school library yesterday to pick out a book for himself. Even if we’re not dealing with Sensory Modulation issues, I think looking into it has helped us find some useful tools in helping him cope with school and transitions, and that’s all good!
