IEP for SI Dysfunction?

[Brenda]

Can you get an IEP for SI Dysf?What kind of modifications can you get?We are trying Steph without ADHD meds and just going to OT for her SID.Her first appt is next week.I don't think she has ADHD because she can sit through a long movie,is not really a behavior problem,reads very good for a first grader and doesn't have alot of attention problems.She is just real hyper and likes to jump and move alot.Thanks for any help.

[Mayleng]

I would ask your OT what kinds of accomodations she needs, and I know you read the Out of Sync Child, so find out what types of accomodation she needs from the lists given in the book. Call an IEP meeting and see if the school would implement it. I don't think it is listed as a disability but you can tell them she would be hyper in class without these accomodations and the teacher is the one who has to deal with it. You can't medicate an SI child, so this is the correct remediation for it. You have to find out what are her triggers so they can figure out how to handle it. Did a Doctor dx SI? (most doctors won't).

Good Luck.

[Mayleng]

Brenda,
A couple good OT web sites are www.OT4children.com and www.ateachabout.com-Henry OT-she has a booklet of tools for teachers and parents and some great equipment.

[Brenda]

Thanks Mayleng.Yes,she was dx by an OT.The OT said she will send a final report to the school and request accomidations.I'm thinking she already has an IEP because she goes to speech therapy.I guess I need to have a meeting after they get the report and see what they can do.

The good news ,we stopped strattera last wednesday and I have been weaning hern off tenex for a few days.Yesterday was her first day on no meds and she got a yellow(best) on behavior.Last week she got warnings and missed recess one day.She also cried all last week on the way to school and at school.She did't cry yesterday or today.Her teacher told her she was glad to see her smiling for a change.I told her teacher that we are trying no meds and to let me know if she has any problems.I believe this teacher is going to be good.Last year she had a strict Kindergarten teacher and still got in trouble on meds.

[Mayleng]

Brenda said:

Thanks Mayleng.Yes,she was dx by an OT.The OT said she will send a final report to the school and request accomidations.I'm thinking she already has an IEP because she goes to speech therapy.I guess I need to have a meeting after they get the report and see what they can do.

The good news ,we stopped strattera last wednesday and I have been weaning hern off tenex for a few days.Yesterday was her first day on no meds and she got a yellow(best) on behavior.Last week she got warnings and missed recess one day.She also cried all last week on the way to school and at school.She did't cry yesterday or today.Her teacher told her she was glad to see her smiling for a change.I told her teacher that we are trying no meds and to let me know if she has any problems.I believe this teacher is going to be good.Last year she had a strict Kindergarten teacher and still got in trouble on meds.

Brenda, I can imagine that the meds would not work if Steph has SI instead of ADD. The good news is, OT does work for the SI child. A daughter of a friend of mine has SI, she would freak everytime she touched water in the spa. Plus other other stuff. After OT, she is OK now and you would not know she has SI. So be glad that it is SI and not ADD. You need to give her some OT at home too. So read up on all you can and see if she is seeking tactile input or does not like it. There are two types.

[Brenda]

Mayleng,she is the type that seeks tactile input.She touches everything,jumps on the bed and couch,has to feel you to sleep,chew toys,loves to swing ,etc.I remember when she was just three she went down a 50 ft slide by herself at Dollywood.She also rode a kiddie rollercoaster by herself.My 3 year old son is afraid of the rides in front of Walmart(the 25cent rides).She didn't cry when she got her ears pierced at 3.I thought she was just brave.The only thing she is sensitive to are certain noises.She covers her ears when the water drains from the tub and during storms.We went out and bought her a trampoline w/enclosure last weekend.She loves it.I am thinking of getting a weighted blanket to help her sleep so we can have our bed back. ;D

[willoweezie]

see if she is seeking tactile input or does not like it. There are two types.

Some kids also alternate between craving tactile input and drawing away from it, S is like this depending on the situation.

We have been doing OT therapy most of the summer and have a very clear list of goals set up by the therapist (even more detailed than the typical IEP) and she has already met at least one of them. She really loves OT therapy too, which is a bonus, since it's at 8 am (and neither of us are morning people). Based on the assessment, her SI problems are rather mild, but I believe that they just add more complexity to the big picture, so I am glad we are working on them.

Also, the companion book for "the out of sync child" called "the out of sync child has fun" has tons of sensory activites to do at home. Our OT therapist has given us alot of good routines to do as well.

Good luck with no meds this year Brenda, I hope the OT therapy does great things for ya! I'm still waiting for the catalog I ordered, both Sage and I need some of those chewy bracelets (maybe I will stop getting ink on my tongue from chewing up my pens )

[Brenda]

willoweezie said:

I'm still waiting for the catalog I ordered, both Sage and I need some of those chewy bracelets (maybe I will stop getting ink on my tongue from chewing up my pens )

Me too,Willow.I orderd my catalog awhile ago.I thought about calling that 800 number to see where it is.Steph has been chewing gum and it helps, but she's got it in her hair a few times.

[Dakotah]

Hi Brenda! My son has accomodations on his IEP for sensory issues. It falls under the OT catagory. Things like chewing gum, being able to leave the room, using headphones, weighted vest and going to the gym for sensory activities. There is no question my son has ADHD. I wish it was just SI because the therapy has been effective for many people. Even if your school doesn't put it on an IEP I would talk to Steph's teacher about accomodations you feel would help her. I had a student once with SI before I had ever even heard of it (8 years ago). Accomodations were not on any IEP but I made accomodations for him that his mom thought would help him throughout the school year. Also Brenda has Steph ever been on an anti-anxiety med? I know we have discussed this before but I feel VERY strongly that there is some connection between anxiety and SI. I was bummed out that OT therapy only had some effect on my son but not much at all. When he went on an anti-anxiety med. I swear to God that almost all of his SI issues dissappeared. I could give you a list a mile long on all the stuff he does now- goes in the sun, uses public restrooms, eats different food textures, handles sounds and touch. He still has personal space issues however. I am not saying to give up on therapy- it has worked for so many children. But if you do have problems down the road just remember what is working for us. It may come in handy sometime. I will add that my son does not have mild SI. It is pretty severe. Good luck! If you want specifics on accomodations I will look it us on his IEP.

[chaknine]

I ordered the catalog sometime ago and never recieved it either!!! I hope it comes soon!