Jayden has always done some visual stimming.... .but in the last week or so it has become nearly non stop....the only time he doesn't is if he is watching a movie or sleeping...it can be as little as just the side look as he walks past (all) things to an all out stim fest on an object...he finds the line in everything....we were told by his OT to stop him when he does it, every time he does it... that was this last Wed...it is Friday and I'm ready to crack...literally....we are non stop calling his name ...telling him no, removing him (and he goes right back) distracting him....now he is starting to get mad when we try to stop him.....he throws himself on the floor and then finds the lines in the tile....I could just cry...I have.....so has Steph ...seems things are getting worse not better.....he started something new in the last few days too...he will stand still, close his eyes lightly, tilt his head back and smile and then flick his fingers together.....when I stop him from doing this he actually gets startled......this is exhausting........I am also very concerned that the OT gave Steph a brush on Wed and said brush him 2-3 times a day....that was her instructions...I told Steph not to do it and just E-mailed her some info about how it can be damaging if not trained properly......We are really having a hard time with this as it seems he is getting worse each day.............any suggestions would really be appreciated...thanks

Hi Debbie:

You are obviously concerned about a significant increase of inappropriate behaviors you are observing with Jayden. Jayden is also telling you and Steph that he is not getting all of his needs met. He is seeking out more and more sensory input because he may not be getting the correct form or enough input in therapy or in his environment at home. In addition, he made need a sensory diet, which is a list of specific sensory-motor activities prescribed for each patient according to their needs. I am not sure if Steph's OT is from an ECI program or if she is a private OT. Regardless, if she/he is not certified in SI or does not have extensive training in SI dysfunction, I would highly recommended taking Jayden to a private OT who is. Steph should have proper training to perform the Wilbarger brushing protocol. My other suggestion would be a possible referral to a pediatric neurologist. You must first ask your pediatrician who they would recommend. I feel the increase in atypical behaviors would warrant such a visit.

Thanks,

Robynne

Thank you Robynne
Steph and I were both discussing how the OT seems like she's not sure what to do with him, like she's just winging it.....She made a concerning comment about how little he is when she first met us.....that she was expecting an older child...apparently she didn't read his records.....He seems to have settled down a bit in the last day or 2 .....This OT is from the Birth to 3 program.....she was in today and seemed a bit better but the "teacher" was along today and I'm wondering if that gave her more confidence....his "homework for this week is to let him climb on things but with a purpose such as when he gets on the couch to give him a toy to place in a bucket. So it's not just aimless romping around.....I think we will look into a private OT...I know it will be $$$...but if he is given proper therapy maybe things will progress instead of regress...thanks again you opinion is valued:hug:

One more thing...do we have to constantly be "teaching" him...he tends to get aggravated ...because everything has to be in,more, on, up, and so on...can't we just let him play without the constant lessons? Or does it have to be that enforced to make a difference?