Sensory Processing Disorder in infancy

I have been posting about my 4 month old DD who cries allllll of the time for a while now, thinking she has MSPI, colic, who knows at this point. However, I stumbled upon a checklist for SPD and she has many of the symptoms on that chart. I wonder if her excessive crying is actually a symptom. She also hates getting changed, loves being naked, loves the bath, needs white noise all of the time, needs movement all of the time, hates loud noises, startles easily, gets very stressed if we have any visitors at all, and sometimes seems to prefer laying on her back in her crib to being held by everyone but me. She wants me to hold her all of the time. I don't know if she is just a difficult baby, or if she has a problem. Anyone out there who has a child with SPD, could you share what he/she was like as an infant? Thanks!

Re: Sensory Processing Disorder in infancy

I have no experience with that, but I would probably make an appointment with the Ped. ASAP and bring the checklist. You need to make sure they listen to your concerns and fully evaluate your baby. Good luck

Re: Sensory Processing Disorder in infancy

It's always good to review that with your pediatrician. I know very little about sensory processing disorders (I am in the field but not an OT), but I can imagine crying would be part of SPD in infancy.

A lot of those things sound like my son too, who I think is just somewhat of a "difficult" or "high maintenance" temperament. At 4 months, he was very wary of anyone and would start crying when people came over and it was loud or excitable (in our house or somewhere else). He's still wary of new places, startles easily, is very active (always moving), etc.etc.

He does have the milk protein allergy and cried A LOT the first 3-3.5 months. By month 4 we saw more of his personality and he just seems high maintenance.

Re: Sensory Processing Disorder in infancy

My son has autism, and. SPD is part of his diagnosis, and as an infant he cried a lot and had colic. Other than that, he didn't mind being held by anyone, he loved meeting new people. Loud noises didn't bother him, and some like a vacuum or hair dryer actually soothed him. He really didn't show SPD symptoms (other than colic) untilhe was close to 2.

So it could be, but it might not be at all. Many babies fuss or have difficulties but do not have SPD. Definitely talk to your pediatrician, but I doubt there is anything to be done now.

I hope my reply doesn't scare you, and I also want to add that many people who have SPDs do not have autism. But I did want to say my son really didn't exhibit symptoms till much later for what it's worth. I'm sure your baby will be fine.

Re: Sensory Processing Disorder in infancy

Re: Sensory Processing Disorder in infancy

I have no experience but I think its great that you are being pro-active.

It does seem early to me and I'd have no idea if they could even evaluate DC.

Could you be looking for something or could DC just be difficult... yea, but something could also be off.

Good luck and I hope you find peace either way soon. Go with your mommy-gut.

Re: Sensory Processing Disorder in infancy

It sounds like normal baby behavior to me! is it possible your baby has reflux? Have you tested her for a milk allergy?

Re: Sensory Processing Disorder in infancy

I'm an OT and my DD was the same way with the exception the she always needed to be held and moving and never tolerated being put down unless she was in a deep sleep. She was an extremely fussy baby. As a infant she had a very sensitive gag reflex and was sensitive to tactile stimulation such as grass on her feet. She had a diagnosis if colic and reflux. The only things that helped were reflux meds, the happiest baby on the block, healthy sleep habits happy child and TIME. I was concerned that she might have some issues with sensory processing, but now as a toddler she is fine. 4 months old is way to young to worry about a SPD because every baby is neurologically immature at that point. Plus other problems (like colic etc...) can present similarly to a SPD. Rule out anything medical as a cause for the fussiness and use the 5 S's from the happiest baby on the block book. Some babies are just extremely fussy. It's very difficult for them to adjust to their new little bodies and the world around them. It takes time. They like to be in an environment that mimics the womb (load with white noise). Also make sure she doesn't get overtures. That can lead to fussiness, as does struggling to poop.

Re: Sensory Processing Disorder in infancy

I'm an OT and my DD was the same way with the exception the she always needed to be held and moving and never tolerated being put down unless she was in a deep sleep. She was an extremely fussy baby. As a infant she had a very sensitive gag reflex and was sensitive to tactile stimulation such as grass on her feet. She had a diagnosis if colic and reflux. The only things that helped were reflux meds, the happiest baby on the block, healthy sleep habits happy child and TIME. I was concerned that she might have some issues with sensory processing, but now as a toddler she is fine. 4 months old is way to young to worry about a SPD because every baby is neurologically immature at that point. Plus other problems (like colic etc...) can present similarly to a SPD. Rule out anything medical as a cause for the fussiness and use the 5 S's from the happiest baby on the block book. Some babies are just extremely fussy. It's very difficult for them to adjust to their new little bodies and the world around them. It takes time. They like to be in an environment that mimics the womb (load with white noise). Also make sure she doesn't get overtures. That can lead to fussiness, as does struggling to poop.

Re: Sensory Processing Disorder in infancy

my DS is 4 now, and he is autistic... he was a very fussy baby, cried all the time didn't like people to pick him up, loved white noise and lots of motion... loves the bath, loved being naked. SPD is part of who he is as well...

i would speak to your pediatrician or have him evaluated at 6 months old.

you may need to fight for an evaluation though... with all the cuts in the DOH its getting tough.

not sure if you have other children... but don't let the "1st time" mom thing get in your way... i allowed it and i kick myself every day.

but also remember the internet is NOT always your friend...

Re: Sensory Processing Disorder in infancy

Re: Sensory Processing Disorder in infancy

I agree with the others that those could be regular baby things, but you are the mom. Go with your gut. You are the only one who knows exactly what's going on. Ask your ped about it.

Re: Sensory Processing Disorder in infancy

My mom always said had I been her first I would have been an only child. every child is different but you also need to trust your mommy instincts. A friend who works in a ped office said that they can pick out some kids who will have processing disorders at a very early age and try to watch those kids closely. If your ped does not listen then find a new one who will. I hope it's just a matter of children being different. But if there is a problem better to find out early so they can start therapies early.