sensory integration disorders

[Guest guest]

Dear Lauri,

As you will undoubtedly hear from many in this group, SID and OCD

seem to go together quite often. When my daughter got a sudden onset of OCD

at age four, the most glaring change in her at first was her sudden inability

to wear socks, shoes, coats and many, many other things. She is nine now and

still has big issues with sensory input, although it's much, much better than

five years ago. SSRI's seem to help the sensory issues a lot for her (Luvox

is one of them). We have never tried occupational therapy, since I had never

heard of SID until the past couple of years and the worst seems to be behind

us. Others in this group have reported great success with it though. Do you

have no insurance coverage for it? There is a great book about this topic

called The Out-of-Sync Child which has many suggestions for working on the

problem.

Teasing apart what is an OCD symptom and what is a sensory problem

can be very difficult. For us, treating the OCD largely made the sensory

difficulties manageable because they are so interrelated. For example, eating

is always a problem with my daughter because of food textures, and brushing

teeth is a nightmare for all kinds of reasons. Working with her therapist on

exposure and response prevention techniques has helped her to deal with some

of these issues. An occupational therapist could probably help more, but it

is reduced to a manageable level. So perhaps you'll have the same luck if you

can't afford both an OT and an OCD therapist.

in Nevada

[Guest guest]

Hello Lauri, many if not most younger kids seem to have the sensory

integration-type symptoms (tags, socks, stickiness, etc.) along with more

classic OCD such as contamination and washing, counting and etc. In my

(limited) experience, doctors and counselors will either see these as separate

disorders, or will see the sensory stuff as straight OCD, and suggest tx

accordingly. I don't think there is a consensus of opinion whether sensory

integration problems are comorbid with OCD, or just are yet another flavor of

OCD. Some kids on the list have done really well with OT brushing and pressure

techniques.

My daughter's current therapist asked her straight out during the first session

whether she had problems with tags and socks and so on...when my daughter said

" I used to " she said " all my OCD kids have trouble with those things too. "

My daughter went from being basically unable to get dressed, to wearing just

about anything she chooses using erp techniques. (ages 5-6 at the time)

However she was also on an SSRI and that may have helped. If your daughter has

just started Luvox, she may be more willing to go after " sticky " in a month or

two once that med starts working for her.

In any case, my child has never seen an OT, and she was able to diminish these

sensory things without OT-type treatment, just OCD treatment (SSRI + erp.)

BTW the sensory things were so pronounced in my child that I had a hard time

imagining they would diminish with any sort of intervention. Our lives revolved

around what this kid might be able to wear and what she might accept to eat, and

she acted as though she were on fire when she had on a shirt with a tag in the

back. In fact, they were relatively easy for my daughter to get rid of. When

the sensory problems were at their peak, they certainly seemed like her worst

problem, way more than obsessions or compulsions. Once they were out of the

way, it became obvious how much O's and C's my daughter had to contend with. I

think the dressing and eating problems are just so constant and limiting, is why

they seem so prominent.

Kathy R. in Indiana

----- Original Message -----

From: lholst2001 My 9 yr old daughter was diagnosed at age 7 with severe OCD.

At the

time of diagnosis she was taking 3-4 baths a day. Her main obsession

was a feeling of " sticky " , compulsion was to wash. Her hands

continually bled and hurt. She did CBT along with E & RP with

wonderful results. She was doing well up until 3 months ago.

I recently took her to a Child Psychiatrist who prescribed Luvox.

She is not as severe this time but would not even try to

fight " sticky " . Also, her doctor has suggested this Sensory

Integration Disorder as possibly being another problem. Mostly her

tactile sense. I do not know much about this but I am asking if

anyone else has both OCD along with SID. Alot of her symptoms seem

more related to SID, not OCD?? She hates tags in cloting, all have

to be removed, feeling of sticky or dirty hands, can not eat certain

foods, hates to be touched by her brother and gets very angry when

this happens. They are wanting her to still see Psychiatrist along

with Occupational Therapist. VERY EXPENSIVE...HELP

Thanks!

Lauri

[Guest guest]

Kathy, Thank you so much for your quick response. It seems OCD has

taken over my life also. I'm trying to read and educate myself so I

can understand my daughter. It not only controls her life, but the

rest of our family. I always say, " If 's not happy, no else

can be! " Thanks for your insight. I have another question, do you

know of any books or good websites for her to look at, regarding

other children with OCD? She always says that she thinks she might

understand it better and feel better if she knew someone her own age

and could talk to them about it. She even, to my surprise, told some

of her friends, hoping maybe someone else had OCD. No such luck!

Now she's afraid they might tell someone and she'll be teased.

Thanks Again, Lauri

> Hello Lauri, many if not most younger kids seem to have the sensory

integration-type symptoms (tags, socks, stickiness, etc.) along with

more classic OCD such as contamination and washing, counting and

etc. In my (limited) experience, doctors and counselors will either

see these as separate disorders, or will see the sensory stuff as

straight OCD, and suggest tx accordingly. I don't think there is a

consensus of opinion whether sensory integration problems are

comorbid with OCD, or just are yet another flavor of OCD. Some kids

on the list have done really well with OT brushing and pressure

techniques.

>

> My daughter's current therapist asked her straight out during the

first session whether she had problems with tags and socks and so

on...when my daughter said " I used to " she said " all my OCD kids have

trouble with those things too. "

>

> My daughter went from being basically unable to get dressed, to

wearing just about anything she chooses using erp techniques. (ages

5-6 at the time) However she was also on an SSRI and that may have

helped. If your daughter has just started Luvox, she may be more

willing to go after " sticky " in a month or two once that med starts

working for her.

>

> In any case, my child has never seen an OT, and she was able to

diminish these sensory things without OT-type treatment, just OCD

treatment (SSRI + erp.)

>

> BTW the sensory things were so pronounced in my child that I had a

hard time imagining they would diminish with any sort of

intervention. Our lives revolved around what this kid might be able

to wear and what she might accept to eat, and she acted as though she

were on fire when she had on a shirt with a tag in the back. In

fact, they were relatively easy for my daughter to get rid of. When

the sensory problems were at their peak, they certainly seemed like

her worst problem, way more than obsessions or compulsions. Once

they were out of the way, it became obvious how much O's and C's my

daughter had to contend with. I think the dressing and eating

problems are just so constant and limiting, is why they seem so

prominent.

>

> Kathy R. in Indiana

>

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: lholst2001 My 9 yr old daughter was diagnosed at age 7 with

severe OCD. At the

> time of diagnosis she was taking 3-4 baths a day. Her main

obsession

> was a feeling of " sticky " , compulsion was to wash. Her hands

> continually bled and hurt. She did CBT along with E & RP with

> wonderful results. She was doing well up until 3 months ago.

>

> I recently took her to a Child Psychiatrist who prescribed

Luvox.

> She is not as severe this time but would not even try to

> fight " sticky " . Also, her doctor has suggested this Sensory

> Integration Disorder as possibly being another problem. Mostly

her

> tactile sense. I do not know much about this but I am asking if

> anyone else has both OCD along with SID. Alot of her symptoms

seem

> more related to SID, not OCD?? She hates tags in cloting, all

have

> to be removed, feeling of sticky or dirty hands, can not eat

certain

> foods, hates to be touched by her brother and gets very angry

when

> this happens. They are wanting her to still see Psychiatrist

along

> with Occupational Therapist. VERY EXPENSIVE...HELP

>

> Thanks!

> Lauri

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I suggest a book--- The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory

Intergration Dysfunction. Carol Stock kranowitz, M.A. . A Skylight Press Book,

N.Y. 1998 you will understand SID mucxh better then & have lots of ideas to

help. If they put that DX in writting for you you should be able to get some OT

help from the school OT. A sensory diet would help. If you want to borrow

the book let

me know, or it is available from Amazon.com We also have a combo Dx of SID

/OCD. Not an uncommon combonation. Joy

[Guest guest]

, about your daughter, what were her first sighs of OCD. My son has a

lot of eating issues also. I just checked the In syn child out from the

Library an hour ago to come home and read these emails. It was funny. I have

started ready the book and seems helpful. Although he has only a few of the

symptoms. Barb mom to 5

[Guest guest]

Lauri, My son has experienced most of the sensory issues that so often seem to

come with a diagnosis of OCD also. Many of the symptoms stay at bay as long as

his SSRI is at the correct dose. There are still some lingering ones though

that affect several areas of his life, particularly eating. His repertoire of

foods is mostly carbohydrates as the " smell, taste and color " of vegetables is

far more repugnant to him than any other foods. As far as OT is concerned - we

have been able to access OT through our school as Tommy has fine motor issues

along with the sensory problems and they have been able to work on both problems

during school time and at the school district's expense. Maybe these services

are available for your daughter? in Southeastern PA

lholst2001 wrote: My 9 yr old daughter was diagnosed at

age 7 with severe OCD. At the

time of diagnosis she was taking 3-4 baths a day. Her main obsession

was a feeling of " sticky " , compulsion was to wash. Her hands

continually bled and hurt. She did CBT along with E & RP with

wonderful results. She was doing well up until 3 months ago.

I recently took her to a Child Psychiatrist who prescribed Luvox.

She is not as severe this time but would not even try to

fight " sticky " . Also, her doctor has suggested this Sensory

Integration Disorder as possibly being another problem. Mostly her

tactile sense. I do not know much about this but I am asking if

anyone else has both OCD along with SID. Alot of her symptoms seem

more related to SID, not OCD?? She hates tags in cloting, all have

to be removed, feeling of sticky or dirty hands, can not eat certain

foods, hates to be touched by her brother and gets very angry when

this happens. They are wanting her to still see Psychiatrist along

with Occupational Therapist. VERY EXPENSIVE...HELP

Thanks!

Lauri

[Guest guest]

Lauri, My son has experienced most of the sensory issues that so often seem to

come with a diagnosis of OCD also. Many of the symptoms stay at bay as long as

his SSRI is at the correct dose. There are still some lingering ones though

that affect several areas of his life, particularly eating. His repertoire of

foods is mostly carbohydrates as the " smell, taste and color " of vegetables is

far more repugnant to him than any other foods. As far as OT is concerned - we

have been able to access OT through our school as Tommy has fine motor issues

along with the sensory problems and they have been able to work on both problems

during school time and at the school district's expense. Maybe these services

are available for your daughter? in Southeastern PA

lholst2001 wrote: My 9 yr old daughter was diagnosed at

age 7 with severe OCD. At the

time of diagnosis she was taking 3-4 baths a day. Her main obsession

was a feeling of " sticky " , compulsion was to wash. Her hands

continually bled and hurt. She did CBT along with E & RP with

wonderful results. She was doing well up until 3 months ago.

I recently took her to a Child Psychiatrist who prescribed Luvox.

She is not as severe this time but would not even try to

fight " sticky " . Also, her doctor has suggested this Sensory

Integration Disorder as possibly being another problem. Mostly her

tactile sense. I do not know much about this but I am asking if

anyone else has both OCD along with SID. Alot of her symptoms seem

more related to SID, not OCD?? She hates tags in cloting, all have

to be removed, feeling of sticky or dirty hands, can not eat certain

foods, hates to be touched by her brother and gets very angry when

this happens. They are wanting her to still see Psychiatrist along

with Occupational Therapist. VERY EXPENSIVE...HELP

Thanks!

Lauri

[Guest guest]

Lauri, My son has experienced most of the sensory issues that so often seem to

come with a diagnosis of OCD also. Many of the symptoms stay at bay as long as

his SSRI is at the correct dose. There are still some lingering ones though

that affect several areas of his life, particularly eating. His repertoire of

foods is mostly carbohydrates as the " smell, taste and color " of vegetables is

far more repugnant to him than any other foods. As far as OT is concerned - we

have been able to access OT through our school as Tommy has fine motor issues

along with the sensory problems and they have been able to work on both problems

during school time and at the school district's expense. Maybe these services

are available for your daughter? in Southeastern PA

lholst2001 wrote: My 9 yr old daughter was diagnosed at

age 7 with severe OCD. At the

time of diagnosis she was taking 3-4 baths a day. Her main obsession

was a feeling of " sticky " , compulsion was to wash. Her hands

continually bled and hurt. She did CBT along with E & RP with

wonderful results. She was doing well up until 3 months ago.

I recently took her to a Child Psychiatrist who prescribed Luvox.

She is not as severe this time but would not even try to

fight " sticky " . Also, her doctor has suggested this Sensory

Integration Disorder as possibly being another problem. Mostly her

tactile sense. I do not know much about this but I am asking if

anyone else has both OCD along with SID. Alot of her symptoms seem

more related to SID, not OCD?? She hates tags in cloting, all have

to be removed, feeling of sticky or dirty hands, can not eat certain

foods, hates to be touched by her brother and gets very angry when

this happens. They are wanting her to still see Psychiatrist along

with Occupational Therapist. VERY EXPENSIVE...HELP

Thanks!

Lauri

[Guest guest]

Hi Lauri,

Perhaps might like to join the OCDKids list. Right now we have

about 20 kids who range from 7-13. Sometimes the list is quiet all week,

then there will be several posts, then another quiet spell. Some of the

kids post regularly and others only read the messages. I moderate the list

for safety and appropriateness. The feed back from other parents has been

that their kids really like being able to have contact with other kids

their age who have OCD. To subscribe, send an email addressed to

OCDKidsSupportGroup_Subscribe type the word

subscribe in the subject line.

My 10 yr. old daughter really likes the books " Kids Like Me " and " Up and

Down the Worry Hill " . Both can be ordered from the OC Foundation.

Kathy

At 4:44 PM +0000 2/27/2002, lholst2001 wrote:

>Kathy, Thank you so much for your quick response. It seems OCD has

>

>taken over my life also. I'm trying to read and educate myself so I

>

>can understand my daughter. It not only controls her life, but the

>

>rest of our family. I always say, " If 's not happy, no else

>

>can be! " Thanks for your insight. I have another question, do you

>

>know of any books or good websites for her to look at, regarding

>

>other children with OCD? She always says that she thinks she might

>

>understand it better and feel better if she knew someone her own age

>

>and could talk to them about it. She even, to my surprise, told some

>

>of her friends, hoping maybe someone else had OCD. No such luck!

>

>Now she's afraid they might tell someone and she'll be teased.

>

>Thanks Again, Lauri

>

>

>

>

>

>> Hello Lauri, many if not most younger kids seem to have the sensory

>

>integration-type symptoms (tags, socks, stickiness, etc.) along with

>

>more classic OCD such as contamination and washing, counting and

>

>etc. In my (limited) experience, doctors and counselors will either

>

>see these as separate disorders, or will see the sensory stuff as

>

>straight OCD, and suggest tx accordingly. I don't think there is a

>

>consensus of opinion whether sensory integration problems are

>

>comorbid with OCD, or just are yet another flavor of OCD. Some kids

>

>on the list have done really well with OT brushing and pressure

>

>techniques.

>

>>

>

>> My daughter's current therapist asked her straight out during the

>

>first session whether she had problems with tags and socks and so

>

>on...when my daughter said " I used to " she said " all my OCD kids have

>

>trouble with those things too. "

>

>>

>

>> My daughter went from being basically unable to get dressed, to

>

>wearing just about anything she chooses using erp techniques. (ages

>

>5-6 at the time) However she was also on an SSRI and that may have

>

>helped. If your daughter has just started Luvox, she may be more

>

>willing to go after " sticky " in a month or two once that med starts

>

>working for her.

>

>>

>

>> In any case, my child has never seen an OT, and she was able to

>

>diminish these sensory things without OT-type treatment, just OCD

>

>treatment (SSRI + erp.)

>

>>

>

>> BTW the sensory things were so pronounced in my child that I had a

>

>hard time imagining they would diminish with any sort of

>

>intervention. Our lives revolved around what this kid might be able

>

>to wear and what she might accept to eat, and she acted as though she

>

>were on fire when she had on a shirt with a tag in the back. In

>

>fact, they were relatively easy for my daughter to get rid of. When

>

>the sensory problems were at their peak, they certainly seemed like

>

>her worst problem, way more than obsessions or compulsions. Once

>

>they were out of the way, it became obvious how much O's and C's my

>

>daughter had to contend with. I think the dressing and eating

>

>problems are just so constant and limiting, is why they seem so

>

>prominent.

>

>>

>

>> Kathy R. in Indiana

>

>>

>

>> ----- Original Message -----

>

>> From: lholst2001 My 9 yr old daughter was diagnosed at age 7 with

>

>severe OCD. At the

>

>> time of diagnosis she was taking 3-4 baths a day. Her main

>

>obsession

>

>> was a feeling of " sticky " , compulsion was to wash. Her hands

>

>> continually bled and hurt. She did CBT along with E & RP with

>

>> wonderful results. She was doing well up until 3 months ago.

>

>>

>

>> I recently took her to a Child Psychiatrist who prescribed

>

>Luvox.

>

>> She is not as severe this time but would not even try to

>

>> fight " sticky " . Also, her doctor has suggested this Sensory

>

>> Integration Disorder as possibly being another problem. Mostly

>

>her

>

>> tactile sense. I do not know much about this but I am asking if

>

>> anyone else has both OCD along with SID. Alot of her symptoms

>

>seem

>

>> more related to SID, not OCD?? She hates tags in cloting, all

>

>have

>

>> to be removed, feeling of sticky or dirty hands, can not eat

>

>certain

>

>> foods, hates to be touched by her brother and gets very angry

>

>when

>

>> this happens. They are wanting her to still see Psychiatrist

>

>along

>

>> with Occupational Therapist. VERY EXPENSIVE...HELP

>

>>

>

>> Thanks!

>

>> Lauri

>

>>

>

>>

>

>>

>

>>

[Guest guest]

Hi Lauri,

Perhaps might like to join the OCDKids list. Right now we have

about 20 kids who range from 7-13. Sometimes the list is quiet all week,

then there will be several posts, then another quiet spell. Some of the

kids post regularly and others only read the messages. I moderate the list

for safety and appropriateness. The feed back from other parents has been

that their kids really like being able to have contact with other kids

their age who have OCD. To subscribe, send an email addressed to

OCDKidsSupportGroup_Subscribe type the word

subscribe in the subject line.

My 10 yr. old daughter really likes the books " Kids Like Me " and " Up and

Down the Worry Hill " . Both can be ordered from the OC Foundation.

Kathy

At 4:44 PM +0000 2/27/2002, lholst2001 wrote:

>Kathy, Thank you so much for your quick response. It seems OCD has

>

>taken over my life also. I'm trying to read and educate myself so I

>

>can understand my daughter. It not only controls her life, but the

>

>rest of our family. I always say, " If 's not happy, no else

>

>can be! " Thanks for your insight. I have another question, do you

>

>know of any books or good websites for her to look at, regarding

>

>other children with OCD? She always says that she thinks she might

>

>understand it better and feel better if she knew someone her own age

>

>and could talk to them about it. She even, to my surprise, told some

>

>of her friends, hoping maybe someone else had OCD. No such luck!

>

>Now she's afraid they might tell someone and she'll be teased.

>

>Thanks Again, Lauri

>

>

>

>

>

>> Hello Lauri, many if not most younger kids seem to have the sensory

>

>integration-type symptoms (tags, socks, stickiness, etc.) along with

>

>more classic OCD such as contamination and washing, counting and

>

>etc. In my (limited) experience, doctors and counselors will either

>

>see these as separate disorders, or will see the sensory stuff as

>

>straight OCD, and suggest tx accordingly. I don't think there is a

>

>consensus of opinion whether sensory integration problems are

>

>comorbid with OCD, or just are yet another flavor of OCD. Some kids

>

>on the list have done really well with OT brushing and pressure

>

>techniques.

>

>>

>

>> My daughter's current therapist asked her straight out during the

>

>first session whether she had problems with tags and socks and so

>

>on...when my daughter said " I used to " she said " all my OCD kids have

>

>trouble with those things too. "

>

>>

>

>> My daughter went from being basically unable to get dressed, to

>

>wearing just about anything she chooses using erp techniques. (ages

>

>5-6 at the time) However she was also on an SSRI and that may have

>

>helped. If your daughter has just started Luvox, she may be more

>

>willing to go after " sticky " in a month or two once that med starts

>

>working for her.

>

>>

>

>> In any case, my child has never seen an OT, and she was able to

>

>diminish these sensory things without OT-type treatment, just OCD

>

>treatment (SSRI + erp.)

>

>>

>

>> BTW the sensory things were so pronounced in my child that I had a

>

>hard time imagining they would diminish with any sort of

>

>intervention. Our lives revolved around what this kid might be able

>

>to wear and what she might accept to eat, and she acted as though she

>

>were on fire when she had on a shirt with a tag in the back. In

>

>fact, they were relatively easy for my daughter to get rid of. When

>

>the sensory problems were at their peak, they certainly seemed like

>

>her worst problem, way more than obsessions or compulsions. Once

>

>they were out of the way, it became obvious how much O's and C's my

>

>daughter had to contend with. I think the dressing and eating

>

>problems are just so constant and limiting, is why they seem so

>

>prominent.

>

>>

>

>> Kathy R. in Indiana

>

>>

>

>> ----- Original Message -----

>

>> From: lholst2001 My 9 yr old daughter was diagnosed at age 7 with

>

>severe OCD. At the

>

>> time of diagnosis she was taking 3-4 baths a day. Her main

>

>obsession

>

>> was a feeling of " sticky " , compulsion was to wash. Her hands

>

>> continually bled and hurt. She did CBT along with E & RP with

>

>> wonderful results. She was doing well up until 3 months ago.

>

>>

>

>> I recently took her to a Child Psychiatrist who prescribed

>

>Luvox.

>

>> She is not as severe this time but would not even try to

>

>> fight " sticky " . Also, her doctor has suggested this Sensory

>

>> Integration Disorder as possibly being another problem. Mostly

>

>her

>

>> tactile sense. I do not know much about this but I am asking if

>

>> anyone else has both OCD along with SID. Alot of her symptoms

>

>seem

>

>> more related to SID, not OCD?? She hates tags in cloting, all

>

>have

>

>> to be removed, feeling of sticky or dirty hands, can not eat

>

>certain

>

>> foods, hates to be touched by her brother and gets very angry

>

>when

>

>> this happens. They are wanting her to still see Psychiatrist

>

>along

>

>> with Occupational Therapist. VERY EXPENSIVE...HELP

>

>>

>

>> Thanks!

>

>> Lauri

>

>>

>

>>

>

>>

>

>>

[Guest guest]

Hi Lauri,

Perhaps might like to join the OCDKids list. Right now we have

about 20 kids who range from 7-13. Sometimes the list is quiet all week,

then there will be several posts, then another quiet spell. Some of the

kids post regularly and others only read the messages. I moderate the list

for safety and appropriateness. The feed back from other parents has been

that their kids really like being able to have contact with other kids

their age who have OCD. To subscribe, send an email addressed to

OCDKidsSupportGroup_Subscribe type the word

subscribe in the subject line.

My 10 yr. old daughter really likes the books " Kids Like Me " and " Up and

Down the Worry Hill " . Both can be ordered from the OC Foundation.

Kathy

At 4:44 PM +0000 2/27/2002, lholst2001 wrote:

>Kathy, Thank you so much for your quick response. It seems OCD has

>

>taken over my life also. I'm trying to read and educate myself so I

>

>can understand my daughter. It not only controls her life, but the

>

>rest of our family. I always say, " If 's not happy, no else

>

>can be! " Thanks for your insight. I have another question, do you

>

>know of any books or good websites for her to look at, regarding

>

>other children with OCD? She always says that she thinks she might

>

>understand it better and feel better if she knew someone her own age

>

>and could talk to them about it. She even, to my surprise, told some

>

>of her friends, hoping maybe someone else had OCD. No such luck!

>

>Now she's afraid they might tell someone and she'll be teased.

>

>Thanks Again, Lauri

>

>

>

>

>

>> Hello Lauri, many if not most younger kids seem to have the sensory

>

>integration-type symptoms (tags, socks, stickiness, etc.) along with

>

>more classic OCD such as contamination and washing, counting and

>

>etc. In my (limited) experience, doctors and counselors will either

>

>see these as separate disorders, or will see the sensory stuff as

>

>straight OCD, and suggest tx accordingly. I don't think there is a

>

>consensus of opinion whether sensory integration problems are

>

>comorbid with OCD, or just are yet another flavor of OCD. Some kids

>

>on the list have done really well with OT brushing and pressure

>

>techniques.

>

>>

>

>> My daughter's current therapist asked her straight out during the

>

>first session whether she had problems with tags and socks and so

>

>on...when my daughter said " I used to " she said " all my OCD kids have

>

>trouble with those things too. "

>

>>

>

>> My daughter went from being basically unable to get dressed, to

>

>wearing just about anything she chooses using erp techniques. (ages

>

>5-6 at the time) However she was also on an SSRI and that may have

>

>helped. If your daughter has just started Luvox, she may be more

>

>willing to go after " sticky " in a month or two once that med starts

>

>working for her.

>

>>

>

>> In any case, my child has never seen an OT, and she was able to

>

>diminish these sensory things without OT-type treatment, just OCD

>

>treatment (SSRI + erp.)

>

>>

>

>> BTW the sensory things were so pronounced in my child that I had a

>

>hard time imagining they would diminish with any sort of

>

>intervention. Our lives revolved around what this kid might be able

>

>to wear and what she might accept to eat, and she acted as though she

>

>were on fire when she had on a shirt with a tag in the back. In

>

>fact, they were relatively easy for my daughter to get rid of. When

>

>the sensory problems were at their peak, they certainly seemed like

>

>her worst problem, way more than obsessions or compulsions. Once

>

>they were out of the way, it became obvious how much O's and C's my

>

>daughter had to contend with. I think the dressing and eating

>

>problems are just so constant and limiting, is why they seem so

>

>prominent.

>

>>

>

>> Kathy R. in Indiana

>

>>

>

>> ----- Original Message -----

>

>> From: lholst2001 My 9 yr old daughter was diagnosed at age 7 with

>

>severe OCD. At the

>

>> time of diagnosis she was taking 3-4 baths a day. Her main

>

>obsession

>

>> was a feeling of " sticky " , compulsion was to wash. Her hands

>

>> continually bled and hurt. She did CBT along with E & RP with

>

>> wonderful results. She was doing well up until 3 months ago.

>

>>

>

>> I recently took her to a Child Psychiatrist who prescribed

>

>Luvox.

>

>> She is not as severe this time but would not even try to

>

>> fight " sticky " . Also, her doctor has suggested this Sensory

>

>> Integration Disorder as possibly being another problem. Mostly

>

>her

>

>> tactile sense. I do not know much about this but I am asking if

>

>> anyone else has both OCD along with SID. Alot of her symptoms

>

>seem

>

>> more related to SID, not OCD?? She hates tags in cloting, all

>

>have

>

>> to be removed, feeling of sticky or dirty hands, can not eat

>

>certain

>

>> foods, hates to be touched by her brother and gets very angry

>

>when

>

>> this happens. They are wanting her to still see Psychiatrist

>

>along

>

>> with Occupational Therapist. VERY EXPENSIVE...HELP

>

>>

>

>> Thanks!

>

>> Lauri

>

>>

>

>>

>

>>

>

>>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

When my son was 2 he started with the sensory issues. being a special

ecucator I watched this behavior carefully. By age 4 our lives were being

controlled by my sons OCD. We tried CBT. It seems to have helped him (even

at his young age) gain some ground on this OCD. It is difficult to determine

what is SI and what is OCD. We have not tried medication yet, however, down

the road we know it may be necessary. He seems to have periods when he is

real calm and periods when he is anxiety ridden.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

When my son was 2 he started with the sensory issues. being a special

ecucator I watched this behavior carefully. By age 4 our lives were being

controlled by my sons OCD. We tried CBT. It seems to have helped him (even

at his young age) gain some ground on this OCD. It is difficult to determine

what is SI and what is OCD. We have not tried medication yet, however, down

the road we know it may be necessary. He seems to have periods when he is

real calm and periods when he is anxiety ridden.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

When my son was 2 he started with the sensory issues. being a special

ecucator I watched this behavior carefully. By age 4 our lives were being

controlled by my sons OCD. We tried CBT. It seems to have helped him (even

at his young age) gain some ground on this OCD. It is difficult to determine

what is SI and what is OCD. We have not tried medication yet, however, down

the road we know it may be necessary. He seems to have periods when he is

real calm and periods when he is anxiety ridden.

[Guest guest]

With my son , the food texture is part of his SID. He had a

gagging problem really bad til a few years ago, can't (refuses?) to

eat meat that's not ground (but will eat chicken skin), and has

always been/is very sensitive to smells. Clothing has never been an

issue. Also his motor skills have always been delayed and awkard.

The OT, speech and " me " helped him in all these areas, doesn't gag

any more, the OT helped him be more comfortable with his body and how

it moves, doesn't get dizzy so easily and just sort of helped his

motor skills overall. His speech therapist said something about his

chewing problem and speech, but he speaks perfectly now and still has

the texture problem. He still doesn't move like an athlete but he

seems better at things, like throwing balls, riding bike, things like

that.

Clothing is an issue with his twin, gets the " shivers " from some type

materials, sometimes tags bother him, very picky about socks and how

they feel. But nothing that needs to be done with an OT, doesn't

affect us and change our whole lives like OCD does!

But as in my previous post about school and and kids making

fun of him, still in a way " looks " awkward. When I watched

him walk in the house tonight, I was behind him, and was wondering at

the way he stepped/walked if his OCD was bothering him.

> Hi,

> When my son was 2 he started with the sensory issues. being a

special

> ecucator I watched this behavior carefully. By age 4 our lives

were being

> controlled by my sons OCD. We tried CBT. It seems to have helped

him (even

> at his young age) gain some ground on this OCD. It is difficult to

determine

> what is SI and what is OCD. We have not tried medication yet,

however, down

> the road we know it may be necessary. He seems to have periods

when he is

> real calm and periods when he is anxiety ridden.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

With my son , the food texture is part of his SID. He had a

gagging problem really bad til a few years ago, can't (refuses?) to

eat meat that's not ground (but will eat chicken skin), and has

always been/is very sensitive to smells. Clothing has never been an

issue. Also his motor skills have always been delayed and awkard.

The OT, speech and " me " helped him in all these areas, doesn't gag

any more, the OT helped him be more comfortable with his body and how

it moves, doesn't get dizzy so easily and just sort of helped his

motor skills overall. His speech therapist said something about his

chewing problem and speech, but he speaks perfectly now and still has

the texture problem. He still doesn't move like an athlete but he

seems better at things, like throwing balls, riding bike, things like

that.

Clothing is an issue with his twin, gets the " shivers " from some type

materials, sometimes tags bother him, very picky about socks and how

they feel. But nothing that needs to be done with an OT, doesn't

affect us and change our whole lives like OCD does!

But as in my previous post about school and and kids making

fun of him, still in a way " looks " awkward. When I watched

him walk in the house tonight, I was behind him, and was wondering at

the way he stepped/walked if his OCD was bothering him.

> Hi,

> When my son was 2 he started with the sensory issues. being a

special

> ecucator I watched this behavior carefully. By age 4 our lives

were being

> controlled by my sons OCD. We tried CBT. It seems to have helped

him (even

> at his young age) gain some ground on this OCD. It is difficult to

determine

> what is SI and what is OCD. We have not tried medication yet,

however, down

> the road we know it may be necessary. He seems to have periods

when he is

> real calm and periods when he is anxiety ridden.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

With my son , the food texture is part of his SID. He had a

gagging problem really bad til a few years ago, can't (refuses?) to

eat meat that's not ground (but will eat chicken skin), and has

always been/is very sensitive to smells. Clothing has never been an

issue. Also his motor skills have always been delayed and awkard.

The OT, speech and " me " helped him in all these areas, doesn't gag

any more, the OT helped him be more comfortable with his body and how

it moves, doesn't get dizzy so easily and just sort of helped his

motor skills overall. His speech therapist said something about his

chewing problem and speech, but he speaks perfectly now and still has

the texture problem. He still doesn't move like an athlete but he

seems better at things, like throwing balls, riding bike, things like

that.

Clothing is an issue with his twin, gets the " shivers " from some type

materials, sometimes tags bother him, very picky about socks and how

they feel. But nothing that needs to be done with an OT, doesn't

affect us and change our whole lives like OCD does!

But as in my previous post about school and and kids making

fun of him, still in a way " looks " awkward. When I watched

him walk in the house tonight, I was behind him, and was wondering at

the way he stepped/walked if his OCD was bothering him.

> Hi,

> When my son was 2 he started with the sensory issues. being a

special

> ecucator I watched this behavior carefully. By age 4 our lives

were being

> controlled by my sons OCD. We tried CBT. It seems to have helped

him (even

> at his young age) gain some ground on this OCD. It is difficult to

determine

> what is SI and what is OCD. We have not tried medication yet,

however, down

> the road we know it may be necessary. He seems to have periods

when he is

> real calm and periods when he is anxiety ridden.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Lauri, I'm sorry to take so long to reply...others have already mentioned the

only books for kids I'm aware of about OCD, and I don't know any websites for

kids. My daughter has also yearned for opportunities to get to know other kids

with OCD. After three years of being told by various professionals that " Oh

yes, there are a lot of other kids with OCD " she really wants to meet a few.

The last time she saw her psychiatrist, she asked to see him alone. Apparently

she took him to task for not arranging for her to meet any of the other kids he

sees with OCD! He's been stringing her along for over a year now on this

point...it always comes down to confidentiality issues that keep the kids from

meeting one another. Also, apparently, some parents are concerned that having

their OCD kids interact with other OCD kids will add to their compulsions--that

they will see another child doing a compulsion and pick it up.

I think my daughter would enjoy the kids' OCD list and/or having an OCD penpal

but she is not too motivated in this direction. She is much more interested in

having a couple other kids with this dx playing out in the backyard with her!

She also has told her friends, but at ages 7-8 most have not understood or else

point out that they are scared of things too...there has not been any teasing

that I'm aware of though.

Kathy R. in Indiana

p.s. An odd thing I've noticed, a few of the girls that Kellen is particular

friends at school with, have dxes of their own. Not OCD that I know of, mostly

ADHD. BUT Kel doesn't know about their dxes, and in some cases the kids

themselves don't know they have a dx.

----- Original Message -----

From: lholst2001

I have another question, do you

know of any books or good websites for her to look at, regarding

other children with OCD? She always says that she thinks she might

understand it better and feel better if she knew someone her own age

and could talk to them about it. She even, to my surprise, told some

of her friends, hoping maybe someone else had OCD. No such luck!

Now she's afraid they might tell someone and she'll be teased.

Thanks Again, Lauri

[Guest guest]

Hi Lauri, I'm sorry to take so long to reply...others have already mentioned the

only books for kids I'm aware of about OCD, and I don't know any websites for

kids. My daughter has also yearned for opportunities to get to know other kids

with OCD. After three years of being told by various professionals that " Oh

yes, there are a lot of other kids with OCD " she really wants to meet a few.

The last time she saw her psychiatrist, she asked to see him alone. Apparently

she took him to task for not arranging for her to meet any of the other kids he

sees with OCD! He's been stringing her along for over a year now on this

point...it always comes down to confidentiality issues that keep the kids from

meeting one another. Also, apparently, some parents are concerned that having

their OCD kids interact with other OCD kids will add to their compulsions--that

they will see another child doing a compulsion and pick it up.

I think my daughter would enjoy the kids' OCD list and/or having an OCD penpal

but she is not too motivated in this direction. She is much more interested in

having a couple other kids with this dx playing out in the backyard with her!

She also has told her friends, but at ages 7-8 most have not understood or else

point out that they are scared of things too...there has not been any teasing

that I'm aware of though.

Kathy R. in Indiana

p.s. An odd thing I've noticed, a few of the girls that Kellen is particular

friends at school with, have dxes of their own. Not OCD that I know of, mostly

ADHD. BUT Kel doesn't know about their dxes, and in some cases the kids

themselves don't know they have a dx.

----- Original Message -----

From: lholst2001

I have another question, do you

know of any books or good websites for her to look at, regarding

other children with OCD? She always says that she thinks she might

understand it better and feel better if she knew someone her own age

and could talk to them about it. She even, to my surprise, told some

of her friends, hoping maybe someone else had OCD. No such luck!

Now she's afraid they might tell someone and she'll be teased.

Thanks Again, Lauri

[Guest guest]

Hi Lauri, I'm sorry to take so long to reply...others have already mentioned the

only books for kids I'm aware of about OCD, and I don't know any websites for

kids. My daughter has also yearned for opportunities to get to know other kids

with OCD. After three years of being told by various professionals that " Oh

yes, there are a lot of other kids with OCD " she really wants to meet a few.

The last time she saw her psychiatrist, she asked to see him alone. Apparently

she took him to task for not arranging for her to meet any of the other kids he

sees with OCD! He's been stringing her along for over a year now on this

point...it always comes down to confidentiality issues that keep the kids from

meeting one another. Also, apparently, some parents are concerned that having

their OCD kids interact with other OCD kids will add to their compulsions--that

they will see another child doing a compulsion and pick it up.

I think my daughter would enjoy the kids' OCD list and/or having an OCD penpal

but she is not too motivated in this direction. She is much more interested in

having a couple other kids with this dx playing out in the backyard with her!

She also has told her friends, but at ages 7-8 most have not understood or else

point out that they are scared of things too...there has not been any teasing

that I'm aware of though.

Kathy R. in Indiana

p.s. An odd thing I've noticed, a few of the girls that Kellen is particular

friends at school with, have dxes of their own. Not OCD that I know of, mostly

ADHD. BUT Kel doesn't know about their dxes, and in some cases the kids

themselves don't know they have a dx.

----- Original Message -----

From: lholst2001

I have another question, do you

know of any books or good websites for her to look at, regarding

other children with OCD? She always says that she thinks she might

understand it better and feel better if she knew someone her own age

and could talk to them about it. She even, to my surprise, told some

of her friends, hoping maybe someone else had OCD. No such luck!

Now she's afraid they might tell someone and she'll be teased.

Thanks Again, Lauri

[Guest guest]

here's a site that gives a comprehesive overview

http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/sensory_integration_disorder.ht

ml

excerpts that may sound familiar...

- Becky

------------

Those who have sensory integration dysfunction may be unable to respond to

certain sensory information by planning and organizing what needs to be done in

an appropriate and automatic manner. This may cause a primitive survival

technique called " fright, flight, and fight, " or withdrawal response, which

originates from the " primitive " brain. This response often appears extreme and

inappropriate for the particular situation.

The neurological disorganization resulting in SID occurs in three different

ways: the brain does not receive messages due to a disconnection in the neuron

cells; sensory messages are received inconsistently; or sensory messages are

received consistently, but do not connect properly with other sensory messages.

When the brain poorly processes sensory messages, inefficient motor,

language, or emotional output is the result.

According to Sensory Integration International (SII), a non-profit

corporation concerned with the impact of sensory integrative problems on

people's lives,

the following are some signs of sensory integration disorder (SID):

oversensitivity to touch, movement, sights, or sounds

underreactivity to touch, movement, sights, or sounds

tendency to be easily distracted

social and/or emotional problems

activity level that is unusually high or unusually low

physical clumsiness or apparent carelessness

impulsive, lacking in self-control

difficulty in making transitions from one situation to another

inability to unwind or calm self

poor self concept

delays in speech, language, or motor skills

delays in academic achievement

While research indicates that sensory integrative problems are found in up to

70% of children who are considered learning disabled by schools, the problems

of sensory integration are not confined to children with learning

disabilities. SID transfers through all age groups, as well as intellectual

levels and

socioeconomic groups. Factors that contribute to SID include: premature birth;

autism and other developmental disorders; learning disabilities; delinquency

and substance abuse due to learning disabilities; stress-related disorders; and

brain injury. Two of the biggest contributing conditions are autism and

attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

---

Treatment

Occupational therapists play a key role in the conventional treatment of SID.

By providing sensory integration therapy, occupational therapists are able to

supply the vital sensory input and experiences that children with SID need to

grow and learn. Also referred to as a " sensory diet, " this type of therapy

involves a planned and scheduled activity program implemented by an occupational

therapist, with each " diet " being designed and developed to meet the needs of

the child's nervous system. A sensory diet stimulates the " near " senses

(tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive) with a combination of alerting,

organizing, and calming techniques.

Motor skills training methods that normally consist of adaptive physical

education, movement education, and gymnastics are often used by occupational and

physical therapists. While these are important skills to work on, the sensory

integrative approach is vital to treating SID.

The sensory integrative approach is guided by one important aspect-the

child's motivation in selection of the activities. By allowing them to be

actively

involved, and explore activities that provide sensory experiences most

beneficial to them, children become more mature and efficient at organizing

sensory

information.

Alternative treatment

Sensory integration disorder (SID) is treatable with occupational therapy,

but some alternative methods are emerging to complement the conventional methods

used for SID.

Therapeutic body brushing is often used on children (not infants) who

overreact to tactile stimulation. A specific non-scratching surgical brush is

used to

make firm, brisk movements over most of the body, especially the arms, legs,

hands, back and soles of the feet. A technique of deep joint compression

follows the brushing. Usually begun by an occupational therapist, the technique

is

taught to parents who need to complete the process for three to five minutes,

six to eight times a day. The time needed for brushing is reduced as the child

begins to respond more normally to touch. In order for this therapy to be

effective, the correct brush and technique must be used.

A report in 1998 indicates the use of cerebral electrical stimulation (CES)

as being helpful to children with conditions such as moderate to severe

autistic spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and sensory integration

dysfunction. CES is a modification of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve

Stimulation

(TENS) technology that has been used to treat adults with various pain problems,

including arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. TENS therapy uses a low voltage

signal applied to the body through the skin with the goal of replacing painful

impressions with a massage-like sensation. A much lower signal is used for

CES than that used for traditional TENS, and the electrodes are placed on the

scalp or ears. Occupational therapists who have studied the use of CES suggest

that CES for children with SID can result in improved brain activity. The

device is worn by children at home for 10 minutes at a time, twice per day.

Music therapy helps promote active listening. Hypnosis and biofeedback are

sometimes used, along with psychotherapy, to help those with SID, particularly

older patients.

Prognosis

By providing treatment at an early age, sensory integration disorder may be

managed successfully. The ultimate goal is for the individual to be better able

to interact with his or her environment in a more successful and adaptive way.