Our little guy...An Update

Many of you have been curious as to our little guy, Grant. We have written before that he was diagnosed by our pediatrician in Hungary with a somewhat significant speech delay and that there were concerns because he also toe-walks. We were blessed to have a speech therapist at the International Christian School of Budapest offer his advice and give some direction regarding testing for Grant once we returned to the United States and the assistance of our wonderful pediatrician in Indiana coordinating appointments for us.

The past couple days have been eventful in the diagnosis of Grant's delays. On Monday, Grant saw an audiologist who confirmed that Grant does NOT have any hearing deficit. We didn't feel there was a case of hearing loss, but when a child has delayed speech it is important to rule out. On Tuesday, Grant had an extensive evalation with speech and physical therapists. They were both wonderful ladies and Grant was at ease and enjoyed the entire process. They work specifically with children under the age of 3 and asked lots of questions regarding our concerns and Grant's abilities.

They finally concluded that the many seemingly minor issues we were noting actually can be drawn together under one diagnosis: Sensory Processing Disorder.

Sensory processing disorder or SPD is a neurological disorder causing difficulties with taking in, processing and responding to sensory information about the environment and from within the own body (visual, auditory, tactile, olfaction, gustatory, vestibular and proprioception). For those with SPD, sensory information may be sensed and perceived in a way that is different from most other people. Unlike blindness or deafness, sensory information can be received by people with SPD, the difference is that information is often registered, interpreted and processed differently by the brain. The result can be unusual ways of responding or behaving, finding things harder to do. Difficulties may typically present as difficulties planning and organising, problems with doing the activities of everyday life (self care, work and leisure activities), and for some with extreme sensitivity, sensory input may result in extreme avoidance of activities, agitation, distress, fear or confusion.

While we don't feel he has a severe level of disorder, there are definitely areas in which Grant will benefit from therapies. Most likely he will undergo physical therapy because he has low muscle tone and difficulty sensing his body position. This probably is part of the cause for his toe-walking as it allows him greater 'input' and stability. Occupational therapy will assist him in sensory integration which will help him to chew and swallow easier, and to be open to eating new foods and textures. And of course, speech therapy will help with the increase of his vocabulary and use of words. The therapists were very encouraging that with therapies and time he could overcome most if not all of his deficits. Also, we were relieved that they did NOT feel Grant has autistic characteristics, which often coincides with SPD.

We are just very grateful for everyone who has prayed for Grant and our family and to have some direction as to the course of treatment. Grant truly is a joy in our family and brings us plenty of smiles and love everyday!