Hi, my name is Heather. I am the proud mommy of two year old, Aidan. Aidan was recently diagnosed with SPD. At 15 months he failed the MCHAT and was supposed to be evaluated for autism. At the time I discussed my concerns with the doctor he suggested immediately starting in home speech and developmental therapy.

After a few visits from the therapists, we started noticing other things and both therapists agreed his issues were not related to autism. With further medical exam, we learned Aidan had 40% hearing in one ear and 41% hearing in the other. All believed this was contributing to his lack of speaking. Since birth, he had over 12 ear infections. We saw an ENT who informed us he also had enlarged tonsils and adenoids causing his nasal airway to be 100% blocked. Because
Of his age she did not want to remove the tonsils at the time. Tubes were put in his ears a week later. Within 2 weeks our little Aidan began talking. In August his tonsils and adenoids were removed and we now have a different child.

Many of his issues were related to the head problems he was having. But others stuck around. He still gags when he sees certain foods, is the most picky eater in the world, issues with textures and most of the other "symptoms" of SPD.

To date, the evaluation for autism has been cancelled. He currently works with an OT, DI and Speech therapist once a week. These therapies have been a blessing and he is making progress. Because therapy started several months ago, he was being treated as "autistic". His final diagnosis was finally made today.

It is a huge relief to finally have a name for what is different about him, I refuse to say what is "wrong" with him. There is nothing wrong with him, he's just different. I am still coming to terms with all of this and trying to better understand it. It's not an easy thing to understand, in my opinion.

That being said, I came to this site because I long for the support of others who are going through the same thing. I want to be among others who "get it". At the moment my biggest struggles are explaining SPD to others. While I understand it, for the most part, putting it in terms for others is difficult. My other struggle is the financial end. My insurance does not cover his therapy. I can't afford to keep paying out of pocket but I know he needs it. I have been given a list of things that will help him(chewy tubes, nuk brush and the sort). While I am positive these items would be beneficial, I just can't afford the extra costs. I'm hoping I am able to find someone here who knows if help financially is available and how to go about getting it.

I apologize for the long introduction. But I wanted my story in a nut shell out there. I am looking forward to learning, having support and mostly, just having people around who understand.