It has been awhile since I have updated everyone on Wyatt and his struggle with his sensory processing disorder, and a lot has happened.
As for his speech, it really hasn’t improved that much. Wyatt is now two years and seven months old, and he probably is at a twelve month level of speech. The biggest improvement has been in his ability to mimic words. He will say words after we say them, but he will not use them to communicate. We force him to use words like “Chocolate” if he wants chocolate milk, as this is something he loves! If he doesn’t say it, then he simply doesn’t get it. However, he very rarely will just say it to request his favorite drink. He knows lots of words, but he will not use them to communicate. We do not know why he has no desire to communicate, and it is this stagnant behavior that has our occupational therapist recommending that he see a developmental pediatrician to rule out autism.
Making this appointment was so hard for me to do. I am scared to know the results, and what if he is autistic? Can he overcome this? Will it impede on his ability to just be a happy little boy? Will he be the victim of bullies, because he is just different? All these questions are going through my head. Of course I know I shouldn’t be worrying till we know for sure, but I can’t help thinking ahead. Our appointment is in November (which is the earliest we can get in), so I have awhile to dwell. It is my fervent hope he suddenly makes bounds of progress to eliminate the autism factor.
His other SPD issues are still a challenge. He still only eats specific items, and we cannot seem to get him to use utensils, or drink from a straw. Our plan is to really tackle this more aggressively in the next few months. Lets face it folks…it looks weird to be spoon feeding a nearly three year old! We also continue to try to introduce new foods to him, and he has included taking bites of pancakes and bananas.
As for sleeping…it is still a struggle. He needs that deep pressure of a body next to him. So if he doesn’t feel that pressure he wakes up, and won’t go back to sleep without it. I have found he really LOVES my pregnancy pillow, so this may become his. It does give him the sensation of having bodies next to him, and may be the calming sense he needs to sleep.
We have more plans for his continuation for his treatment of his delays, but I will keep that for my next update!
**If your child has SPD or Autism I would love to hear from you! Nothing is better than sharing stories and support in a world where so many just don’t understand!!
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