Hypotonia Support Group

hi Katie. has your son ever had an MRI done? if not may I suggest that this may provide answers. Hopefully nothing will show up, but if there is at least it could be dealt with early.

thanks for bringing this up
lately ive been wondering if there is 'something else' going on with our son
he grabs his head with his 2 hands and pulls his hands across his ears, he also shakes his head a fair amount (not in the context of 'no')
my OT said it was a mode of stimulation for him (sort of like the kick kids get from riding a merry go round)
other things that concern me are his lack of taste and under-response to physical pain
what is the difference between typical hypotonic responses and an actual sensory disorder ?
anybody shed light on the matter?

Tyler sounds so much like your children and we just found out that he does have sensory processing disorder. An OT can evaluate this for you. I read the book, The Out of Sinc Child, which is outstanding and so very helpful. According to the book, children with low tone tend to have trouble with the vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile senses. Our muscles give us information about our bodies. When kids have muscle issues, they could have sensory issues. Tyler is sensory seeking....he touches everything, puts everything in his mouth, runs into my arms with great force, rubs his head constantly, etc... There are things that can be done to make things better. Kids who have sensory issues seek out what they need and if they don't get help, they can translate into odd behaviors or behavor problems, but if their needs are taken care of, the behavors get better. If you really are concerned I think getting the book will be helpful or getting a referral for an OT.

Thanks for your repsonses. Every time we try to get an MRI done something happens that prevents it from being done. Sudden fever etc..I think the cosmos are against it. Brandon has had an OT eval about 6 months ago and they did not seem over concerned about sensory issues but it was something to watch for. I think I will start him in OT along with his PT and ST and I think that should hellp. I don't know the difference between hypotonic reponses and a sensory disorder, sorry! What Tylers parents have said make a lot of sense though! I believe that Brandon is also sensory seeking, he is never avoiding anything but does like to touch his head then legs or when he gets excited he kicks his legs and flaps his hands. But I do hope that OT can help!