(11-13-2012, 10:17 AM)Jaffa Wrote: My son has only ever been seen by OT who said he had SPD. How would you go about finding out if he could be tested for other things. I am in the UK and things seem slightly different here.

My son was seen by an OT who commented that he had visual/perceptual problems but she wasn't qualified to test him properly as NHS won't pay for the proper training. Both the OT and the National Autistic Society mentioned an organisation called Bibic (British Institute for Brain Injured Children). They have very experienced OT's who can carry out all sorts of tests and assessments and really get to the bottom of what is going on -my "lightbulb" moment. It turns out that my son has all manner of sensory problems and has difficulty processing what he hears, remembering things in sequences and being able to organise things and that's before we get to the visual issues.

They have recommended a type of sound therapy which we are going to try - only problem is that in the UK these things cost money - not covered by insurance like the USA unless you are lucky.

You may be able to get school to organise a review by an Educational Psychologist but this will depend on whether the school SENCO is involved and whether you have a statement for your child. Also the Educational Psychologist who reviewed my son said that some of the issues we were finding out about did not start to become obvious until the child is around 7 or 8 They can be a bit reluctant to suggest therapies if they are going to cost the Local Authority money (or so has been my experience!).

You may be able to get some help via your local IDS (Integrated Disability Service). Sometimes it can help to go to your GP as they will know of local services, if not they can refer you to a paediatrician who can make a note of any concerns and refer you to specialists.

For a start, the picture chart can help your child to plan their day and understand what is going to happen. I had not appreciated that by telling my son what to do but not giving him a start and finish point would make him anxious. For example, if I told him to brush his teeth he thought it was a never ending task and would not do it. If I told him to brush for two minutes, even though he has no idea of how long it is, he can see an end to it and is happier to co-operate.

Just draw a sequence of words or pictures to describe what is going to happen and keep referring back to it. Keep verbal instructions short as often they simply cannot take in more than a couple of words at a time or pick out one or two from a sentence and take them out of context. Also be careful how you phrase things as they can be taken very literally, with unintended results!

Sorry to go on for so long but I hope some of it makes sense! Best of luck!