Need Help

My son, 2.5 yrs. old, has sensory processing problems, auditory processing problems, is nonverbal, has hypotonia, hyperopic, and were told his head size is below average. We had a cat scan---normal, MRI---normal.  Genetic testing --negative.  Our Nuerologist has no answers. I haven't been able to find other kids w/ this combo of same problems. He doesn't seem to fit into any single diagonsis. Where can I find info on the best course of therapies for him? He recieves PT& OT but I don't know where to go/look for his processing problems. Any info would really help.

[Rebecca MacDonald, Ph.D., BCBA]

I would suggest that you go try to identify a hospital in an urban area where they specialize in diagnosis of children who present developmental delays. A comprehensive evaluation by a team of specialists will result in diagnostic information as well as treatment recommendations. You can then take these recommendations to your local early intervention program.

[Sally44]

I found a book called "Sensory Perceptual Issues in Autism and Aspergers" by a woman called Olga Bogdashina very useful.  It is quite written in language you understand, but it is complex and sometimes you have to read over what you just read.  But it all made sense of the behaviours and responses I was seeing in my child.
At the back of the book there is also a long questionnaire which you can fill in to find out your childs sensory profile.  Again this is very useful because you can then see which sense is affected the most etc.  There are a number of professionals in the UK using this profile checklist, so I am confident that it is reputable.
Your son is still very young, but I still think you would be able to get a profile.  I completed it for my son and found that all of his senses were affected, but that his main problems were auditory and tactile.  I go over it again once a year to update it as obviously children change.
As well as explaining the sensory differences and how they interact, the book also goes over some coping strategies these children use either intentionally or automatically.
Eventhough you don't say your child has a diagnosis of autism, I think this book would still be relevant to children with sensory problems and no diagnosis.
I'm afraid I have no experience of hypotonia or hyperopic.
Hope that is useful.

[lukaswalks]

he, i too have a 2.5 yr old with pretty much the same issues Development Delay overall, Hypotonia (not walking yet but close), CT scan came back fine as well as everyother test I can think of.  He has real trouble with constructive play and we have a worker come to the house twice a week for 2.5 hours each visit to work with him.  For some reason he works harder with her than me.  Anyway my son also goes to PT, OT, ST, he isnt as social as they feel he should be so we go swimming and to kids play alot.

Please let me know how you make out, keep your head up you are the best person for your son, and a great advocate is exactly what you are for him.  Its hard but I beleive they are so young and have time to work through these issues with intervention.