We didn’t know what to even look for until our speech therapist mentioned a possibility of more than just a typical speech delay affecting our son…
“Is It a Sensory Processing Disorder or Speech Delay?” Navigating Possible SPD as a Parent
We didn’t know what to even look for until our speech therapist mentioned a possibility of more than just a typical speech delay affecting our son…
I’m writing this post from the “other side” of a diagnosis. I’m also writing this mainly off of the need for a response to countless concerned moms who might be thinking that their toddler has a sensory processing disorder when they’re really just displaying typical toddler behavior. First and foremost, let me clarify that a “quirk” of a child is only considered a disorder if it impedes their ability to function normally in their daily life.
That means that your teething toddler chewing on their crib rail or gumming up a board book… that’s normal!
Okay now let’s rewind to our specific story.
My son was flagged at his two year checkup for early intervention because his word count was two. He said mama (actually ma-ma-mama-ma) and dada. As first time parents, we weren’t very aware on milestones or what was typical for two-year-olds. We did know that our son talked much less than his friends, but he compensated with adorable animated gestures to get his point across. Kind of like a constant game of toddler charades.
We began speech therapy through our state’s program. Upon a few therapy sessions, our therapist asked if we’d ever taken our son for an ENT evaluation. She began to explain her thought process…
Some of the atypical signs that led us to suspect a Sensory Processing Disorder:
- Eating excessive amounts of sand, dirt, rocks, etc.
- Constantly mouthing all surroundings and toys
- Obsessive use of pacifier (constantly in, or asking for it)
- Craving spicy and hard foods
- Overstuffing the mouth while eating to the point of gagging frequently
- Excessive salvia production (constantly dripping in drool)
All of those were the symptoms that implored us to schedule with an ENT to evaluate any physical cause of these symptoms. Our conclusion after the ENT was that tonsils were enlarged but nothing would be leading to this list of symptoms. Sensory processing disorders are an elimination diagnoses– meaning that in order to diagnose the disorder, you have to eliminate any other possible diagnoses.
After the clear from the ENT, we had our diagnoses. Hyposensitivity of the mouth.
From there, we adjusted therapy to include a Sensory Processing Disorder
Therapy to assist with his specific sensory processing disorder included use of tools such as a Z-Vibe, strong therapy-grade teethers, and introducing steps for oral stimulation such as using an electric toothbrush.
Over time with therapy tools as well as age, this disorder diagnoses only rears it’s head at times such as cutting 6-year molars and chewing on T-Shirts. We’re glad to not be consumed by the disorder any longer with avoiding beach visits or library story times due to the oral fixation.
If you have concerns about your toddler or child, please take the time to discuss them with your primary care provider. My hope is that in sharing our story, your nerves might be settled realizing that toddlers chewing, alone, is not worth much concern. Or perhaps you are currently dealing with a similar diagnoses and can feel relieved to know that time and therapy has helped tremendously.
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