Re: Official diagnosis

[Guest guest]

Congratulations, Heidi--I am SO happy for you and your daughter. A diagnosis

means so much. It will only get better from here!

>

> Yay! FINALLY, after 8 years, someone told us that there IS something going on

with our daughter, and that means we are not crazy!

>

> Hello everyone! I haven't been on in about a week and I have some 200 emails

to get through, but first I wanted to share our most recent development.

>

> Our daughter had her first appointment with her " worry doctor " (her

words)today and he officially diagnosed her with OCD. We are now set up with

weekly appointments for the next 6 weeks to learn different techniques for

managing it. I hope it is ERP therapy like all of you guys have talked about so

much. If it weren't for this group I wouldn't even know what that is! He was

rushed today and spent the entire appointment one-on-one with her, so I didn't

get to talk much to him this time. I still have some other concerns such as her

rocking and head thumping, which incidently, I noticed her doing in the car on

the way to the appointment while we were all singing and having a good time.

Still confused on a few things, but as my husband said, we at least have the OCD

box checked and can move forward from there. Now the work begins, not that what

we have already been through hasn't been a lot of work. I am just so relieved to

know that we are not crazy. There were times I thought maybe she's fine and we

are nuts. Especially when she has a long period of time where there doesn't seem

to be a problem. Don't get me wrong. I am NOT happy she has this, and if I could

take it from her, I would in a second. However, I am happy that we have an

answer and can begin to make accomodations and be more understanding. I'm sure

you all know what I mean!

>

> Thanks for letting me share! Now on to reading what everyone else has been up

to this past week.

>

> Heidi

>

[Guest guest]

Well YAY! So - you're now on the right road and know there's progress ahead!

It may seem the opposite some days (once she starts therapy, that can raise

anxiety too) but hang in there!

Has she always done the rocking and head thumping?

>

> Yay! FINALLY, after 8 years, someone told us that there IS something going on

with our daughter, and that means we are not crazy!

>

> Hello everyone! I haven't been on in about a week and I have some 200 emails

to get through, but first I wanted to share our most recent development.

>

> Our daughter had her first appointment with her " worry doctor " (her

words)today and he officially diagnosed her with OCD. We are now set up with

weekly appointments for the next 6 weeks to learn different

[Guest guest]

Yes. It is the most alarming thing too, probably because no one seems to have

any information on why she does it! She started rocking up against the bars of

her crib when she was about one year old and rocked so much and so hard that by

her second birthday the crib was literally falling into pieces. When she got a

toddler bed at age 2 she refused to go to sleep on it. She would get down on the

floor and bang her head, face first into the floor until falling asleep. She

refused a pillow and any " discipline " to make her stop made it worse. She

bloodied her nose and bruised her forehead on many occassions. She would also

rock on the couch while watching a video, in her carseat, in her stroller...just

about everywhere. As she has gotten older it has gotten a lot less but it is

still there. It always has to be up against something to. I know I've seen a lot

of autistic children rock, but they usually seem to do it in " mid-air " so to

speak. She has to be up against something. When I ask her why she does it, she

says she doesn't know. I am so confused on this one!

Heidi -WA

Re: Official diagnosis

Well YAY! So - you're now on the right road and know there's progress ahead! It

may seem the opposite some days (once she starts therapy, that can raise anxiety

too) but hang in there!

Has she always done the rocking and head thumping?

>

> Yay! FINALLY, after 8 years, someone told us that there IS something going on

with our daughter, and that means we are not crazy!

>

> Hello everyone! I haven't been on in about a week and I have some 200 emails

to get through, but first I wanted to share our most recent development.

>

> Our daughter had her first appointment with her " worry doctor " (her

words)today and he officially diagnosed her with OCD. We are now set up with

weekly appointments for the next 6 weeks to learn different

[Guest guest]

It sounds to me that it's a sensory thing. I know several kids (some on the

autism spectrum, some not) who rock. It's a way of self-soothing and

re-regulating. For those kids, they need a way of calming down from all of the

overwhelming stimuli of the environment, and rocking is how they calm themselves

down. It's not a bad thing, at all, unless it's interfering with her daily life

and/or causing her harm. Rather than fighting it, try to give her opportunities

to rock--maybe a rocking chair, swings in the park, etc. She might honestly not

know why she does it, just knows that she needs to and wants to. With my

experience, the best thing to do is let the kids rock, and help them out with it

as best you can.

Let me know what you think!

> >

> > Yay! FINALLY, after 8 years, someone told us that there IS something going

on with our daughter, and that means we are not crazy!

> >

> > Hello everyone! I haven't been on in about a week and I have some 200 emails

to get through, but first I wanted to share our most recent development.

> >

> > Our daughter had her first appointment with her " worry doctor " (her

words)today and he officially diagnosed her with OCD. We are now set up with

weekly appointments for the next 6 weeks to learn different

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Heidi,

You might want to read about sensory processing disorder. Some

children are oversensitive to outside stimuli and avoid stimulation

and some are undersensitive. Sometimes someone who is undersensitive

will need to bang into things to get the sensory input that they

need. I am not really knowledgeable about this, but it just came to

mind when I read your post. " The Out of Sync Child " is a good book

about this. There is specific therapy for sensory processing

disorder. I am a big believer in classical homeopathy and I think

that could also be very helpful for this. If you want more info on

that, just contact me.

Sandy

[Guest guest]

I'll second that it sounds sensory, a self-soothing thing. I know for some

headbangers, it's not always a relaxing thing (it can be) but it is sensory; and

some have bought helmets for their kids who do it often and too hard.

is on the autism spectrum but he never rocked as many others do or any

headbanging. Though he did bang his head some after OCD began and he'd get

frustrated.

>

> It sounds to me that it's a sensory thing. I know several kids (some on the

autism spectrum, some not) who rock. It's a way of self-soothing and

re-regulating. For those kids, they need a way of calming down from all of the

overwhelming stimuli of the environment, and rocking is how they calm themselves

down. It's not a bad thing, at all, unless it's interfering with her daily life

and/or causing her harm. Rather than fighting it, try to give her opportunities

to rock--maybe a rocking chair, swings in the park, etc. She might honestly not

know why she does it, just knows that she needs to and wants to. With my

experience, the best thing to do is let the kids rock, and help them out with it

as best you can.

>

> Let me know what you think!

[Guest guest]

After reading the comments on the head banging and rocking, I just wanted to

add that as we work with our Homeopathic Dr., one of the symptoms he would focus

in on was whether or not there was any of these specific types of behavior. My

dd reacted differently, but interesting that the homeopaths will look at some of

those " unique " symptoms in deciding on their treatment plan.

> >

> > Yay! FINALLY, after 8 years, someone told us that there IS something going

on with our daughter, and that means we are not crazy!

> >

> > Hello everyone! I haven't been on in about a week and I have some 200 emails

to get through, but first I wanted to share our most recent development.

> >

> > Our daughter had her first appointment with her " worry doctor " (her

words)today and he officially diagnosed her with OCD. We are now set up with

weekly appointments for the next 6 weeks to learn different

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for this valuable input. At least now I have some kind of a

name to label what we think might be going on. We have weekly appointments set

up with the psychologist and I am going to try and ask about a sensory issue.

I'm thinking I would much rather it be that than Aspergers! Thanks again!

Heidi

Re: Official diagnosis

It sounds to me that it's a sensory thing. I know several kids (some on the

autism spectrum, some not) who rock. It's a way of self-soothing and

re-regulating. For those kids, they need a way of calming down from all of the

overwhelming stimuli of the environment, and rocking is how they calm themselves

down. It's not a bad thing, at all, unless it's interfering with her daily life

and/or causing her harm. Rather than fighting it, try to give her opportunities

to rock--maybe a rocking chair, swings in the park, etc. She might honestly not

know why she does it, just knows that she needs to and wants to. With my

experience, the best thing to do is let the kids rock, and help them out with it

as best you can.

Let me know what you think!

> >

> > Yay! FINALLY, after 8 years, someone told us that there IS something going

on with our daughter, and that means we are not crazy!

> >

> > Hello everyone! I haven't been on in about a week and I have some 200 emails

to get through, but first I wanted to share our most recent development.

> >

> > Our daughter had her first appointment with her " worry doctor " (her

words)today and he officially diagnosed her with OCD. We are now set up with

weekly appointments for the next 6 weeks to learn different

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you! See no one ever even told us it might be a sensory issue. Her old

doctor just said she'll outgrow it, and everyone else just said nothing. Very

frustrating when you are watching your baby injure herself! We have weekly

appointments set up with her psychologist and I am looking forward to bringing

this to his attention. Thanks again!

Heidi - WA

Re: Official diagnosis

Hi Heidi,

You might want to read about sensory processing disorder. Some

children are oversensitive to outside stimuli and avoid stimulation

and some are undersensitive. Sometimes someone who is undersensitive

will need to bang into things to get the sensory input that they

need. I am not really knowledgeable about this, but it just came to

mind when I read your post. " The Out of Sync Child " is a good book

about this. There is specific therapy for sensory processing

disorder. I am a big believer in classical homeopathy and I think

that could also be very helpful for this. If you want more info on

that, just contact me.

Sandy

[Guest guest]

I am getting this feedback form a few of you and can't tell you how much I

appreciate it! Why was it impossible to get professionals to tell us this? So

frustrating! Thank you so much. We will bring this up with her psychologist!

Heidi -WA

Re: Official diagnosis

I'll second that it sounds sensory, a self-soothing thing. I know for some

headbangers, it's not always a relaxing thing (it can be) but it is sensory; and

some have bought helmets for their kids who do it often and too hard. is

on the autism spectrum but he never rocked as many others do or any headbanging.

Though he did bang his head some after OCD began and he'd get frustrated.

>

> It sounds to me that it's a sensory thing. I know several kids (some on the

autism spectrum, some not) who rock. It's a way of self-soothing and

re-regulating. For those kids, they need a way of calming down from all of the

overwhelming stimuli of the environment, and rocking is how they calm themselves

down. It's not a bad thing, at all, unless it's interfering with her daily life

and/or causing her harm. Rather than fighting it, try to give her opportunities

to rock--maybe a rocking chair, swings in the park, etc. She might honestly not

know why she does it, just knows that she needs to and wants to. With my

experience, the best thing to do is let the kids rock, and help them out with it

as best you can.

>

> Let me know what you think!

[Guest guest]

Heidi, probably was mentioned, but occupational therapy (OT) can help with

sensory issues. An occupational therapist who is trained to help with sensory

issues could help improve in these areas. Here's some info I quickly googled,

looks like it explains it pretty well:

http://www.brighttots.com/sensory_integration

My son was in 6th grade before he got OT. It helped a lot. We went to OT for

his writing issues, but they worked on the " whole body " and it helped.

Let us know what the psychologist says. Some professionals don't really believe

in sensory integration disorder, at least way back when my son was getting OT

they didn't. (he's 21 now)

>

>

> I am getting this feedback form a few of you and can't tell you how much I

appreciate it! Why was it impossible to get professionals to tell us this? So

frustrating! Thank you so much. We will bring this up with her psychologist!

>

> Heidi -WA

[Guest guest]

Wow. Thanks so much for the info. Now that you mention it, occupational therapy

was what they were working with her on in school, due to her IEP. No one ever

drew a clear line and said to me that it was due to her rocking and head banging

though. They focused on the other little things she was doing, and it never made

anything better. Her behavior never seemed to get better from it and we never

had any breakthroughs or anything happen that made the behavior make sense.

Thanks for the heads up about the psychologist too. Knowing some of them don't

believe the sensory thing will make me be able to judge his reaction and answers

better. I love being guarded with information like that when I walk into

something. Huge help! Thank you!

Heidi

Re: Official diagnosis

Heidi, probably was mentioned, but occupational therapy (OT) can help with

sensory issues. An occupational therapist who is trained to help with sensory

issues could help improve in these areas. Here's some info I quickly googled,

looks like it explains it pretty well:

http://www.brighttots.com/sensory_integration

My son was in 6th grade before he got OT. It helped a lot. We went to OT for his

writing issues, but they worked on the " whole body " and it helped.

Let us know what the psychologist says. Some professionals don't really believe

in sensory integration disorder, at least way back when my son was getting OT

they didn't. (he's 21 now)

>

>

> I am getting this feedback form a few of you and can't tell you how much I

appreciate it! Why was it impossible to get professionals to tell us this? So

frustrating! Thank you so much. We will bring this up with her psychologist!

>

> Heidi -WA

[Guest guest]

Happy there's been progress and treatment is starting! And even progress with

behaviors already, you're right that it helps to know what you're dealing with

(OCD). I think we all breathe easier once we know that and get on the path to

treatment. Still a hard road, but taking steps on it! It's good you feel

you're all on the same page with treatment too, not always the case when trying

to get a good therapist.

Keep us updated!

>

> Well, we met with my 10 year old son's doctors last week for his CYBOCS & QEEG

test results and he scored in the moderate range for OCD (no surprise there)

with some mild markers of ADHD. Thankfully they agree that we should try therapy

alone for now and resort to medication only if it becomes necessary. We also met

with his therapist and feel that everyone is on the same page. He has his first

therapy session this week but we have already seen some improvement in both his

grades and his behavior since his first visit. Knowing what we are dealing with

makes a major difference and helps us to recognize his patterns so we can

usually help him defuse the anxiety before it gets out of control.

>

> We still have a long road ahead of us, but I'm breathing much easier now that

I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Wish someone had diagnosed me at

such a young age...I wouldn't have wasted years on useless rituals!

>

[Guest guest]

Anyone have experience with buspirone?

It's not an SSRI

Sent from my iPhone

> Happy there's been progress and treatment is starting! And even progress with

behaviors already, you're right that it helps to know what you're dealing with

(OCD). I think we all breathe easier once we know that and get on the path to

treatment. Still a hard road, but taking steps on it! It's good you feel you're

all on the same page with treatment too, not always the case when trying to get

a good therapist.

>

> Keep us updated!

>

>

>

>

> >

> > Well, we met with my 10 year old son's doctors last week for his CYBOCS &

QEEG test results and he scored in the moderate range for OCD (no surprise

there) with some mild markers of ADHD. Thankfully they agree that we should try

therapy alone for now and resort to medication only if it becomes necessary. We

also met with his therapist and feel that everyone is on the same page. He has

his first therapy session this week but we have already seen some improvement in

both his grades and his behavior since his first visit. Knowing what we are

dealing with makes a major difference and helps us to recognize his patterns so

we can usually help him defuse the anxiety before it gets out of control.

> >

> > We still have a long road ahead of us, but I'm breathing much easier now

that I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Wish someone had diagnosed me

at such a young age...I wouldn't have wasted years on useless rituals!

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

My 17 yr. old son started that in Dec.His OCD rituals and thoughts were through

the roof and we needed to change his meds. We were increasing the Prozac and got

to 50 mg. Instead of maxing out at 60 and then having to try another med., the

pdoc added Buspirone to the mix. 10 mg. tablets, 2xs/day. It helped with the OCD

and didn't make him as tired as when we used Lorazapam (2 yrs. ago for the

panic/high anxiety). Only have experience of it as an add on. My sister-in-law

also takes it as an add on for her anxiety,colitis, BP management.

> > >

> > > Well, we met with my 10 year old son's doctors last week for his CYBOCS &

QEEG test results and he scored in the moderate range for OCD (no surprise

there) with some mild markers of ADHD. Thankfully they agree that we should try

therapy alone for now and resort to medication only if it becomes necessary. We

also met with his therapist and feel that everyone is on the same page. He has

his first therapy session this week but we have already seen some improvement in

both his grades and his behavior since his first visit. Knowing what we are

dealing with makes a major difference and helps us to recognize his patterns so

we can usually help him defuse the anxiety before it gets out of control.

> > >

> > > We still have a long road ahead of us, but I'm breathing much easier now

that I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Wish someone had diagnosed me

at such a young age...I wouldn't have wasted years on useless rituals!

> > >

> >

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi there, Can you please tell me what these 2 tests are that you

mentioned? I haven't heard of any official testing for OCD. My son is

in a very bad state right now. Truth is, we think it's much more that

OCD but have no idea what we are looking at. He has become viscous and

just horrible to live with. I am at wits end. I think maybe bipolar.

Any thoughts? Also, does anyone know any family therapists on Long

Island? My family is in a uproar.

Thank you, Jodi

[Guest guest]

Two good places to go in LI that specialize in OCD and could help you to know if

that is what the problem is are:

http://www.biobehavioralinstitute.com

http://www.wsps.info/index.php?option=com_content & view=article & id=25 & Itemid=28

Re: Official diagnosis

Hi there, Can you please tell me what these 2 tests are that you

mentioned? I haven't heard of any official testing for OCD. My son is

in a very bad state right now. Truth is, we think it's much more that

OCD but have no idea what we are looking at. He has become viscous and

just horrible to live with. I am at wits end. I think maybe bipolar.

Any thoughts? Also, does anyone know any family therapists on Long

Island? My family is in a uproar.

Thank you, Jodi

[Guest guest]

Two good places to go in LI that specialize in OCD and could help you to know if

that is what the problem is are:

http://www.biobehavioralinstitute.com

http://www.wsps.info/index.php?option=com_content & view=article & id=25 & Itemid=28

Re: Official diagnosis

Hi there, Can you please tell me what these 2 tests are that you

mentioned? I haven't heard of any official testing for OCD. My son is

in a very bad state right now. Truth is, we think it's much more that

OCD but have no idea what we are looking at. He has become viscous and

just horrible to live with. I am at wits end. I think maybe bipolar.

Any thoughts? Also, does anyone know any family therapists on Long

Island? My family is in a uproar.

Thank you, Jodi