SPD- Treatment & EI

Hi, I have newly learned that my just turned 2 son has SPD through a lot of research, although he was diagnosed with autism, and the 3 EI therapists, and team leaderwho have been working in home with him for 7 months, failed to catch it, not to mention the psychologist during her evaluations.
I have looked at a lot of Sensory therapists and sensory gyms on LI- but my question is this. Does EI cover the Greenspan/ floor time DIR method, or cover specific sensory processing disorder therapists? I know they offer OT- but am confused about how to go about everything now with this new knbowledge. I don't want to lose his existing services, and I know the Greenspan approach has shown the most improvement in SPD children. With the ABA approach they have been using, the therapists are all coming at this from an autism point of view, not SPD. I know they overlap, but I also know that some of ABA can be counterproductive for SPD children. ANY ADVICE OR ASSISTANCE would be greatly appreciated!

Message edited 1/5/2014 2:21:27 AM.

Re: SPD- Treatment & EI

EI will not pay for floor time as they pay for ABA since there's no concrete data that floor time "works". As a professional in the field, my suggestion would be to ask your ABA team to implement some more natural environment teaching and partner up with your DC's OT for some suggestions regarding a sensory diet, activities to do on a break etc. Good luck!

Re: SPD- Treatment & EI

My DS was diagnosed just after he turned 2. At that age, it's difficult to figure out if there are sensory issues since some of the behaviors are similar to typically developing kids (like refusing certain foods, not wanting hands to get messy, etc. These were things we saw with my DS.) I was not even aware that they labelled SPD separately from Autism, since so many kids on the spectrum have sensory issues.

I am no expert, but I don't think there is a DSM diagnosis for SPD and whatever services you are getting are probably for the autism diagnosis. EI and CPSE are only going to approve/pay for services from a pre-approved list of service providers. I think your best bet is to check the list of service providers and ask if any of their OTs are trained in floortime/DIR and if so, see if they are available for your son.

I would say in general, ABA is what most of the therapy is based on and how most of the special ed teachers are trained to work with autism. OTs that I have worked with are not all huge fans of ABA, but do recognize that some of it works. I think there are aspects of ABA that work well for my DS, just as certain behavior modification techniques will work for anyone.

You might be able to get OT covered through your insurance.

Message edited 1/8/2014 2:19:39 PM.

Re: SPD- Treatment & EI

Re: SPD- Treatment & EI

I have just started my journey into certification to be a DIR/ FT provider. I'd recommend going through the ICDL.com site to find a provider in your area who works for EI and is FT certified. Another site to look into is profectum.com.

As a parent, I'd also recommend taking the online DIR course through stanleygreenspan.com geared towards parents.

I also wholeheartedly agree with the PP that even though DIR doesn't have the heavy peer reviewed studies backing it- it DOES work. I am continually amazed at the positive changes in the children I'm working with during my session s (I'm a speech pathologist).

Good luck and please update!