The OT and I would like to start trying again to do the brushing on KC. She is very hopeful that it may work this time around(so am I).I am a little apprehensive about it but I don't want him to get scared all over again like last time. Next week we are going to be at a waterpark all day to try and help him with his fear of getting wet. It's not really a waterpark but more like alot of sprinklers. I am wondering what you all think. Should we try the brushing again or should we leave well enough alone? I am so confussed on what to do. He gets so testy lately and hisa temper is getting worse. His ped had something that I don't agree with. She had said something like about a month ago and I think she may be wrong this time. She thinks KC has a form of autism. I thnk she is wrong and I think it is just the sensory issues. I don't know why she would say something like that other than the fact that brusing failed and he started smacking his head on the floor really hard and other things.

Leigh How is brushing gowing in your neck of the woods? I hope well.

Please ladies tell me what you think you know I trust you all more then anyone at this point.

Lauren--your ped might have said something about autism because very early on, some children show signs of being on the spectrum. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning children can vary from having very mild forms to having really severe symptoms. Your ped might have meant that s/he sees that KC shows some signs of possibly having a mild case and likely will want to have it checked out just to be sure. IF he is on the spectrum, it's much better to find out early than to wait.

I am not a doctor, I have never seen KC and I have no idea whether or not he is on the autistic spectrum. What I would urge you to do is to follow up with your doc. Ask her what she meant when she said that and ask her what, other than the sensory issues, makes her feel KC is on the spectrum. Then ask when/if she would recommend testing and follow up with that.

It is a lot to think about/deal with; however, if your ped feels KC needs further testing for this, I would listen and follow up. Again, IF he is on the spectrum, you'll want to start intervention sooner rather than later.

In any case, it must be frightening to think about. I'm so sorry this is something else you have to worry about. :hug:

As for the brushing...I honestly don't know. I wish I had an answer for you. :-(

Thanks Mary. The ped said she was going to do testing on him after he turned 2 just to make sure that it isn't the sensory issues. She know that he has the sensory problems but the autism she isn't sure about. The testing will most likely begin 1-2 months after he turns 2.

I'm glad she's keeping an eye on it. It could very well be that KC just has some sensory issues--lots of GERDlings do. Either way, it would be good to have an answer and to better know the extent of KC's issues.

I was thinking about your water park situation today--I took the kids to the zoo this morning and I watched as B made a beeline for a kid-sized fountain they had there. Perhaps KC would be more comfortable if he didn't go into the sprinklers but was allowed to wade in a baby pool at his own pace? Sprinklers can be a bit scary, as little kids don't have much control over where the water goes and could be frightened by the water spraying at them. I don't know if the brushing would help, but perhaps allowing him some water play at home before the event would. Does he like bath time? Would you be willing to let him play in the tub during the day to get him used to this? (If he hates bath time, I would NOT force the water play issue!)

Or...is there someone who could watch KC for you w hile you and the other kids go to the park?

The OT wants to take him to see how he will do. I may just recommend the wading pool instead. Since I have never had a baby with sensory issues I don't know what are their limitation. KWIM? I am learning along with KC on these issues. Thanks Mary. OH and I cannot use the pager system. I tried to pm you but well you are all full.

:oops: Sorry, Lauren. I'll go clear out my inbox now. :-)