Sensory Processing Disorder.

[Riot_Queen]

I would have posted this in the parenting section, but I never seemed to have gotten many responses from people in there in the past, and I know a lot of you expecting mothers have more than one child.
I have a 3 year old girl and a 2 year old boy and I'm 6 months pregnant with another girl. I just got my kids into speech therapy yesterday, and the therapist is concerned that my son may have SPD. She didn't explain to me what it was really so I went home and did a little research and turns out this disorder fits my son to a perfect T. I also read that this disorder is mostly caused by mental disorders such as Autism and Aspergers. Which really scares me. I thought my baby was fine and just had a speech delay, but all of a sudden my whole world was tipped upside down when this news was brought to my attention. My in-law's and grandparents always suspected that my son may be slightly autistic, but I never thought they might actually be right! My husband and I are very scared and worried right now, and I'm just looking for comfort in anything I can learn about this so I can stop feeling like it's the end of the world.
I was wondering if any of you ladies have autistic children, children with SPD or both, and your thoughts and experiences.

[dingus55]

The good thing is their is a lot if great resources. Check to see what your state will help you out with. I worked for a company that provided physical speach and play therapy free up until age 3. Some may do more don't worry too much we have learned a lot about autism over the past years its just going to be a lot if learning.

[Riot_Queen]

My grandparents along with my husband parents all suspected it a long time ago, but I wasn't knowledgable about Autism up until today when I was doing some research. If he is, it's mild because he's not showing severe symptoms of it, but is definitely showing signs of it. He does not follow directions, I don't think he even understands most of what I'm saying to him, he doesn't speak a single word and never has- it's all babble. He's very quiet and reserved around other people, he's only friendly towards the people he lives with, and won't play with other children other than his sister who he is extremely attached to and can't stand to not have her in his site. I'm definitely worrying about autism.

[Majikat]

o if he had autism you would know it by now i have a 6 year old with autism and i knew at 15 months and prob could have known earlier if i was watching for it.... if he is able to follow directions and has speech, and likes to interact with people and other children i would not worry about autism...

[dingus55]

Autism and asburgers ate nothing to be scared of.  Yes they can make things "tricky" at times but most of the time these children are as intelligent or more than the normal. They just have different ways if expressing it.  I've worked with both and have often thought my 3 year old might have slight autism. He's gotten better since he is older but he def has some sensory issues.  Don't worry their are tons of resources out their these days!

[Evie1029]

Post this in the Child Behavior forum.  There is a member there, specialmom, who also has a son with SPD.  I'm sure she wil be happy to give you advice and will most likely make you feel better about your son's future.  She's very knowledgable on the subject and knows of ways that you can start helping your son now.  Take care.