Now that Calvin has been home over a year I am noticing certain behaviors that weren't as noticeable at first because of him learning to trust us and experiencing new things. We noticed he fell a lot (were told he had low muscle tone), couldn't hold instruments (crayon, fork, pen, scissors) properly (his index finger not being used), he couldn't dress himself (pull on his socks). We have noticed the last 6 months that he has to touch EVERYTHING, smell (or make a comment about a smell ) ALL THE TIME, which is fine until we go into someone's home and he says very loudly, " house stinky". He still is not very coordinated, can't hop without holding on to a wall, bumps into most things, chews (puts things in his mouth) the majority of the time, which isn't great now that he is at preschool and getting sick ALL the time.
I was thinking the other day it is like he is seeking stimulation all the time in his mouth, touching things and smelling things. It is quiet frustrating most of the time. He gets really 'worked up' some times where he will grab at his sisters and squeeze. I have started looking for things on the internet to do with him to help him. We were doing brushing and compressions when he first came home but I didn't really see much of a difference. I am going to start doing these again (every 2 hrs) for 2 months to see if there is a difference. I will post what I find on this blog to keep track of what we are doing and what works.
He is still a sweet precious little boy who has come along way. He always wants to know the routine of the day, what he will be eating at meals and is very proud of himself when he accomplishes something like putting his coat on by himself.
2 comments:
Rex goes through chewing phases as well and, I am sure you know, there are chew rings and such that you can buy and allow the kids to wear as a necklace. We are thus far opting against that because it can create a dependence and we find that it's easier to get Rex to stop chewing by giving him an entirely different activity.
Our OT also said that kids that chew often want to stimulate a particular nerve in the jaw and crunchy foods like popcorn, carrot sticks, and pita chips can help. Rex also loves almonds. I always make sure he has something crunchy in his lunch box.
Rex taught himself to jump without holding on... a kid trampoline with a handle was very helpful initially (also builds stamina and muscles). Then he learned to let go of that handle and eventually he could jump on the floor. Now OT is working on jumping off things and hopping forward like a frog.
Rex used to bump into absolutely everything in his first months home. He has gotten tons better with that, but his eye doctor thinks he's a little far-sighted and has poor depth perception which probably accounts for most of the bumps and falls we see now. Have you had Calvin's eyes checked?
If the eyes are okay, then the bumping is probably sensory-seeking behavior. We have a giant beanbag that we used to crash Rex into and then squish him in it when we noticed that he wanted to "bounce off" walls over and over. He no longer does that now.
Emilia also does not use her index finger. She makes her middle finger and thumb do the pincer.
Great idea on trying the deep pressure every two hours again!
Hi Celeste!
I'm so glad to read a blog update even if it is about sensory issues :) Our oldest son has a lot of these issues especially the chewing one. We made a 'chewy necklace' from some plastic tubing and tuff line. He was chewing the necks off his shirts and the ends of his sleeves and his coat collar. Not only did it look horrible but it wasted good clothes too. He was going to chew whether he had something intended for that or not. Any how the necklace worked great and I think he has had 2-3 so far and at the moment the chew has stopped. It seems to be a phase, that or the homeopathy we use is working well.
He also has poor balance and it seems to just take practice and maturity to get through that. He can now stand on one foot but hopping is hard for him. His big issue right now is rocking back and forth, if you come across something for that I would love to know how to help him with it!
Faith has lots of issues as well but they are not as apparent yet ... I think they show up more at school age when more tasks are required of them. I'm afraid she has ADHD, she is very distractable and almost ditzy and I know the oral issues are going to be huge. We are working with them as they come up but I can only image after reading the last update on Pleven how they were fed watered down flour from bottles no matter the age that she will have many issues there.
I'm SO glad to hear that Calvin has come a looong way. Hugs to you all and thank you for sharing! Oh and you might check out www.OTplan.com
God bless!
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