6 year old with Sensory Issues -- but is that it in this case?

[cathyp1987]

My 6 year old daughter (1st Grader) has been diagnosed with a sensory processing difficulties and receceptive communication disorder, mild adjustment disorder.   We have made milestones in the past year and feel that she has come so far with physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.   But, in the past months we have noticed a new problem occuring.   At first I felt it was a discipline issue, but I am not sure what to do.

As a family, we go to Church on Sunday where she sits with us the first 15 minutes (welcome, song and prayer time) and then she goes to the front for a Children's Sermon and then she goes to Sunday School.  She has began to make noises and a spectical of herself prior to the Children's Sermon.  She also does not react appropriate when spoken to by adults.  It seems like the silence in Church is causing her to act out...or maybe she just being a little terror.  She is making squealing noises, stomping feet, etc.  

Last night we went to a Candlelight Vigil for two firefighters who lost thier lives during a fire in Cincinnati.  It was outside and there was moment of silence.  She did the same thing over again.  I wanted to crawl under the outdoor bleachers--very embarrasing.   I had to remove her from the situation.  

Is this an auditory problem or behavior?  It seems to happen either in really loud places (restuarants) or quiet places (church and services).   When you try to reason or alter the behavior it gets worse.  Is there a technique that would help get through these situations? or should I contact some type of specialist?

[mom21son]

hi i think your doctors diagnosis was something to look into.  it almost sounds like some kind of autism?  i don't know.  but you sound like you are working very hard to help your daughter and i think that is so great.  if she acts out during quiet moments or when she is supposed to be listening it could be her disorder kicking in.  i would have her re-evaluated by a different doctor and get a second opinion.  if there is a new or different diagnosis then there will also be a new and different approach to manage her behavior.  if it is truly a discipline thing maybe this will help:  she should be taught to view these social activities (church ect.) as a treat.  if she is so focused on the idea that--when i go to church i have to be quiet and behave, but i don't want to be quiet and behave, then it's thought of in her mind as a challenge.  but if she is kept home from church and explained to her that these things we do for our enjoyment are a privledge to participate in and if you don't behave well then you lose the privledge of going to these things.  and while you keep her home from it then don't do anything fun with her or let her watch tv or anything.  then maybe she will get the idea that she wants to go to these things like church and if she see's it as something for her rather than a behavioral challenge, then possibly her mindset will change and she will want to behave so she can earn the privledge of going to a restaurant or church.  it should only take a few times of missing out on something fun until she realizes that she needs to change her behavior.  if in fact it is the disorder she will have a hard time controlling herself even if she really wants to go.  so i would talk to your doctor again.  good luck!  you are doing a great job!

[cathyp1987]

You perceived my message just I feel.  I am not sure what she is thinking or what is making this happen.  The quiet game sounds like a great thing to try.  

Since I posted my first message I receive an email from school and she has gotten herself in trouble for the first time.   Nothing major...but not being very nice to others.  I am feeling a little overwhelmed.  Thanks for your input.

[RockRose]

What do you think when you look at her doing this?  Does it look like she's trying to create some kind of sound/movement because the silence is really bothersome to her,  or do you think she's purposely trying to be defiant and make a scene?  It seems like it could go either way.

Is she able to play the "Quiet Game" successfully?  In school where the teachers line up the kids and everyone has to be dead silent and still and then there is some kind of small prize for the "quietest"?  I think I'd try that at home,  practicing with a very small minute glass timer where she can watch it flow,  and get her to practice being TOTALLY STILL,  and talk to her about sometimes there is a need like in church or at a funeral to be TOTALLY STILL.

On the other hand,  if you feel strongly that she's doing this to embarrass you and be defiant,  lower the boom.  Tell her if she ever does that again in public and embarrasses you on purpose that way,  it's the rest of the entire day in her room period.  

Best wishes.