OT experiences

[Indymama94]

Hi everyone! My daughter was recently diagnosed ADHD and has sensory processing issues as well. We are starting OT and I was wondering if anyone had any experience with their littles doing OT? Did you find it helpful for them? What can I expect from an OT?

[Redpanda5]

Hello! You didn’t mention how old your daughter is.

My son was discovered to have sensory processing challenges and I was told the sooner I got him into OT the better. We happened to enroll in a mom and me community center activity class for preschoolers when he was little and an OT just so happened to be taking the class with her child. She was brave enough to approach me when she picked up on things. I am forever grateful to her. I had absolutely no idea about any of this. I think he was age 2 at this time.

Huge strides can be made and especially before age 5. We had him work with an OT for large motor / small motor and a speech therapist at a local hospital because he was hard to understand. Then at age 4 I applied to Early Intervention services through the public school system. They enrolled him in a special preschool program in the elementary school that helped with large motor, small motor and speech therapy. The progress was absolutely incredible. He no longer needed services by second grade.

The OT (prior to school age) did things like help with balance (spin him on a swivel platform to work the inner ear for balance), crossing midline (activities to practice this), desensitizing him to textures (sitting him in a box of rice and have him dig for the toys buried in it), push/pull activities, etc. He loved it and it helped him be more smooth and comfortable. Before her he wouldn’t walk on a beach (sand) or finger-paint (yucky feel on his fingers) was always hitting his head if he reached under a table (didn’t know exactly where he was in space). I could go on -

Bottom line, it’s the best thing you can do. They teach movements that don’t come naturally.

My son will always have the sensory issues (he will never ice skate confidently and is uneasy about skiing but willing to try). He will try new things even if they feel uncomfortable. It doesn’t stop him from living his life or stand out to anyone else. He played soccer from age 5-18 and he’s now a successful college student who joined an active fraternity, lives in a house with friends and is involved with sports. He will graduate next year.

I’m so glad I was able to help him when he was young. It was the best thing I could have done for him. It actually takes my breath away. I had no idea at the time how much it would really help him.

You’re headed in the right direction!

[Indymama94 in reply to Redpanda5]

My daughter is 3! I'm glad to hear your son had so much success! Thank you so much for sharing with me I'm really hopeful that the early intervention will be to her benefit for both the ADHD and the sensory issues. Her sensory issues would be considered mild but they're still disruptive for her. She's almost constantly sensory seeking and struggles with different behaviors related to that.

[Redpanda5 in reply to Indymama94]

You’re welcome! You’re so lucky that you are on to an OT so early. I am positive you will get results! 👍🏻