Issues with sensory processing are one of the most common reasons parents seek the services of an Occupational Therapist. One of the most troubling sensory related concerns for parents is when their child is a “sensory seeker.” Sensory seekers are constantly “on the go” as they are attempting to obtain the sensory input that their bodies crave.
In our OT-V episode (below), we discuss how an Occupational Therapist can help if you are concerned that sensory seeking may be a problem for your child.
Summer Programming Note:
Summer vacation is here and we will be taking a break from our regular schedule. We will be posting some of our popular seasonal blogs just once a week throughout the summer but will resume our regular three weekly posts in September, filled with new and exciting content including our popular O-Tip of Week series.
Hi there,
I am an OT but specialize in adults with brain injury, so pediatric OT is out of my comfort zone.
My 6 year old, who has been constantly on the go since infancy, was diagnosed with ADHD just this past week. We are going for more neuro-psych testing to help establish a more behavioral approach as opposed to the medications which were proposed.
So far, he is ahead in academics, and do not want his ADHD to interfere with his learning, so a 504 plan will be created to assist him for accommodations during his school year this September.
Do you have suggestions that I can propose to the school OT to focus on?
BTW – I’m a Canadian ex-pat living in the USA, so I’m not sure if Pediatric OT approach is different here. I would think not but you never know.
Thank-you
Laurence Girard
Hi Laurence, thanks for your comment! Sounds like you are on the right track with getting the assessment completed (here we call them psych-educational assessments). I trust the assessment will be really helpful and will prescribe suggestions that the school should follow. If you need more input than that, I would suggest you contact a local pediatric OT to meet with your child and family as they may be also able to help with suggestions for home if needed. Our system here sounds a bit different – kids with ADHD don’t tend to get support within the school but a caring and engaged teacher goes a long way. Make sure you engage with the teacher early and often and problem solve together!
Thanks so much Erin!!
You’re very welcome!