Tuesday morning was our first meeting with Zach’s Occupational Therapist. I don’t know why I felt so nervous about this appointment, but I was. I was so anxious that even with a stop at McDonald’s for breakfast, we ended up being there 30 minutes early. I should note that I’m rarely ever early for anything, especially on a weekday morning.
Thankfully, Zach brought his DSi to keep him busy while we waited. The waiting room was very nice, decorated to entertain the kids. We didn’t end up waiting very long before they called us back. The OT had Zach start on an activity where he searched for small items stuck in a blob of putty. While he worked on that, she asked me questions. We went through all the basic questions, with her stopping for more details when necessary. As we talked, she went through some more activities with Zach. He got a little antsy at a couple of points, though he didn’t get too out of hand.
When she finished her questions, we finally got to the part I wanted to hear. Everything that I have been stressing about over the last several months was confirmed. Zachary definitely has some sensory integration/sensory processing problems. Most of his issues stem from the auditory and proprioceptive areas. She explained what this all means. Some of it I understand, some I don’t. I suppose that will come with time.
We left with a bunch of handouts to read, including some more book suggestions, activities to try at home and at school, and information specifically on proprioception. We have an appointment to go back on the 15th of February, where she will do some more specific activities (heavy work, etc.) with Zach to see what works the best for him. She said that the benefits of certain activities can last up to 8 hours after the activity. Again, I’m anxious to go back and see how this all works.
I still have mixed feelings about all of this. In a way, it feels good to be validated, to know that I’m on the right track and that we’re finally getting somewhere. Yet, I also feel very overwhelmed. There is so much to learn still. We’ll need to make changes to our routine. We’ll need to incorporate more activities and breaks for Zach into our already busy schedule. There will be a lot of trying and failing before we figure out what really works for him and what doesn’t.
We’ll get there, this I’m sure of. There is just a long winding road to make our way through first.
Comments
Sonita
We’re waiting for our first OT appointment to rol around. My son’s ped also made him an appointment for an evaluation with a psychologist, I have no idea what to expect form that. I’m a bit nervous about both!
dee perrin
I was nervous for both appointments as well, but really there was no reason to be. At the Psych appointment we mainly talked about behavior issues and how to handle those. The OT eval was when I felt like we were actually getting somewhere. My son has now started regular OT sessions and I’m hoping to see progress. Best of luck to you and your son!
Pilar
I was really nervous too– my son & I met the OT during the IEP evaluation process. I knew he had proprioceptive, but the real surprise was tactile SPD. I was a basket case the day of our IEP– don’t know why– but now? Now I am just ready to get rolling! The last couple of weeks have been so awful; I’m ready for the change, ready to understand, ready to get it going
ready to get to know my son. And so glad we’re all in this together!
dee perrin
Yes, I totally understand that feeling! I’m ready to learn everything I can and understand my son better too.
mama2boys
I have been in this a year now. There is a LOT to learn. I really liked Raising a Sensory Smart Child by Lindsey Biel OTR as a starter book. “The Out of Sync Child” is GREAT, but I found it hard to read at first, but LOVE “The Out of Sync Child Has Fun” is very helpful for overviews and activities to do at home. There will be GREAT days were you meet your sons sensory needs, and there will be days you don’t. You are a great mom, just for getting him some help! Don’t feel guilty for not being “perfect”, none of us are. We just do the best with what we have to work with! Keep asking the OT questions too, she should be able to answer most of them
dee perrin
Yes, I’m stumbling through “The Out of Sync Child” and really struggling. It is just not an easy read. Our OT suggested “Living Sensationally” and I’m hoping that it will be a little easier to get through.
Since I wrote this, he had his first real therapy session and the following day he had a GREAT day! It gives me a little bit of hope at least that things will get better.