overwhelmed and confused/ EI

DS started EI for speech about a month ago. I've seen a little bit of improvement. Therapist is now talking to me about having him evaluated again for OT after observing DS's behavior. She keeps mentioning sensory processing.
My son was 12 weeks premature. Knowing that we never knew what problems he could have. He's been late doing a lot of things but I just go with the flow. Speech was brought up at his last ped appt and that's what led to him being evaluated. When he was initially evaluated they said speech and a teacher to come work with him. But at the setup meeting he was a lot more social (good mood vs bad mood) and it was decided to hold off on it but it could be revisited. They also wanted us to get his hearing tested which we did and that showed a mild to moderate loss. We are scheduled for follow up testing in August at LIJ.
The reason she told me to consider the OT evaluation is because my son has problems sitting still. We initially did his therapy in his playroom but had to stop because he was always going from one place to another. Now we do it in the living room which is basically an empty room but he still has a hard time focusing.He frequently comes crashing into me full force laughing about it. I have been smacked in the face with so many things I have lost count. He will plop onto my lap and just bounce forever. He also bounces on the floor and toys. He dives off the back of our couch constantly and I am always worried he is going to get hurt. But to him this is all hysterical.
I guess that I am confused as to what is normal and what is not. I've always called him my little adventure. He loves taking risks and running and being upside down. He loves the feel of having wind on his face.
It's hard for me to talk to DH about these things because he does not see what I see (always at work). My son is close to 30 pounds of pure muscle and DH and I are both getting to a point where if he does not want to be held, we can not hold him because he is so strong and he just fights it.

Should I listen to the speech therapist and get the evaluation done? Is he just a normal boy?

I just needed to get this all out somewhere. Thank you for reading.

Re: overwhelmed and confused/ EI

I'm an OT and if the ST thinks there could be some sensory processing difficulties I would definitely get an OT eval. How old is your DS?

overwhelmed and confused/ EI

He is 21 months, 18 adjusted. Thank you

Re: overwhelmed and confused/ EI

Push for the OT eval and push even harder for OT services. Occupational therapy done by the right therapist can make all the difference in the world.

In fact your child's speech may have issues because of his sensory system not integrating effectively to motor plan well enough.

Currently schools are finally seeing how much children benefit from the knowledge and guidance of an occupational therapist. Many schools are having occupational therapists push into general ed classes.

The problem may lie in actually finding a great OT who has availability.

In the mean time read the Out of Sync child, get a therapy ball, mini trampoline, and have the speech therapist include movement and motor planning into her sessions. He shouldn't have to be thinking about focusing, the therapy should be geared to his sensory needs.

I also think his behavior is extremely common for a 21 month old, but he is definitely seeking some input so why not give him what his body knows it needs by a professional who can increase his neurological maturity.

Message edited 6/27/2013 11:32:17 AM.

Re: overwhelmed and confused/ EI

Re: overwhelmed and confused/ EI

I agree with everything sapphire said. OT (privately paid) has been miraculous for DD. your son may not need it, but it can't hurt to find out. And I do love that book. we pay for OT and we also get it through CPSE. FM me if you have any questions.