Ask HN: My child was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder. What to do? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: My child was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder. What to do?

#51

Post by qazwsxedchac » Wed, Jul 19, 2023, 4:42 PM UTC

Speaking from experience, there is no single, easy answer to your questions about specific measures and workarounds, because neurodiverse people are so, well, diverse. The common sense tips given elsewhere in this thread are worth trying. Keep what works. Discard what doesn't.

Listen to professionals' advice, especially OTs and speech therapists. Their work is most applicable here.

Don't listen - in fact, run away from - anyone who offers you a "cure", because they are trying to exploit you. There is no "cure" for neurodiversity. It's a difference, not an illness.

The most important thing to do for your daughter is the most obvious one: Love her unconditionally. Everything else flows from that, you just do what it takes. What that is will be pretty obvious 99% of the time.

The most important thing to do for yourself/selves is to be kind to yourself. You will need to advocate for your daughter as she grows up, and possibly beyond. You won't be effective at this if you're running on empty emotionally or financially.

Re: Ask HN: My child was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder. What to do?

#52

Post by conductr » Wed, Jul 19, 2023, 5:54 PM UTC

I think my kid is more mild than yours (his is motor sensory and has a hard time sitting still for any task and was also manifesting in some anxiety/low confidence regarding physical tasks) but without trying to give any specific advice about your kid... He goes here[0] twice a week and it's expected they will help build coping skills in We've been at it for about 3 months and changes are noticeable. We do also maintain a zero small screen policy, but that's always been the case. Probably more TV than is healthy but it's 110F out...

[0] https://iptkids.com/

Re: Ask HN: My child was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder. What to do?

#53

Post by nus07 » Wed, Jul 19, 2023, 7:42 PM UTC

1ain0n_d3v wrote: post #2

Greetings, I am not an expert or parent but I do have sensory processing disorder (although I also have autism and ADHD and it's hard to differentiate between them all). The first thing I would like to tell you is that it CAN and likely will get better as she gets older and you can better explain to her what is happening and communicate more clearly to navigate her specific struggles. At this age, it's probably going…

OP- here , I am very grateful for your and everyone’s replies. Lots of things I can read and try to make it better. I hope this helps anyone else in a similar situation. Thank you.

Re: Ask HN: My child was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder. What to do?

#54

Post by treeman79 » Wed, Jul 19, 2023, 9:28 PM UTC

ryneandal wrote: post #26

treeman79 wrote: post #16

My youngest is like that. Severe ADHD. Opposition defiance disorder. She is amazing and exhausting. We do a mix of give where we can. Foods that she can tolerate, clothing that doesn’t bother her. But also strict on expectations. She follows directions or gets a time out. We had many horrible times trying to give her a 3 minute timeout. 90 minutes, 3 adults drenched in sweat. She would run out of timeout, we would br…

You just described my eldest child, only daughter. We just hit the teens and things are only escalating. She's vindictive and destructive, particularly when she can exercise her resentment towards her mother. Still trying to figure out _something_ that works, but every failed attempt is both taxing and disheartening. I wish there was more awareness regarding ODD.

If possible channel her into something. We had ours in a few sports. Currently in All Star Cheer. (Not what you see at football games) One even got a late start at 13.

They absolutely love it, and it’s been a big positive in many ways for them. Our lazy unmotivated child works hard now and talks constantly about college, getting good grades etc. basically, she’s doesn’t want to disappoint the team or her friends, so she’s learned to push herself hard. Plus they are so busy they don’t have time to get into trouble.

We had them in horses at one point. Person selling us on it had a good point that keeping them busy and active was cheaper than teen pregnancy or years of therapy.