Hello everyone. I'm new to the group. My 7 year old has SID, he was diagnosed right after he turned 5 years old. We've had our ups and downs. In reading through the discussions, I hear a lot of familiar issues. Social skills are my biggest concern for my son. He does have a couple of friends, which I am so grateful for. He doesn't pick up on the non-verbal communication that goes on, and everything is getting more complicated now that he's in 2nd grade. He is getting help through school, in the form of a social skills group and guidance. Difficulty with clothing, though I feel I have a pretty good handle on what he will and won't wear. The endless, boundless energy. My son is sensory seeking, so it I struggle to keep one step ahead of him. To be honest, I feel like I'm trying to keep up with him most of the time. Difficulty dealing with change, his teacher just went on maternity leave, so our most pressing issue as of late has been adjusting to the new teacher. I don't take him shopping unless I absolutely have to. Large stores are too overwhelming for him and lets face it, most stores are large these days. He doesn't do well with team sports, too much going on. He's currently in Karate, but they've started sparring, so that has suddenly become... not good. I may put him back into the private swim lessons. They were very expensive, but he loved them, and I found the most wonderful teacher for him! His OT is great, and I'm so sorry for all of you who are, or have had, difficulty with finding a great OT. The help she has given my son, myself and my family is immeasurable. He is also in Vision Therapy for eye teaming and tracking. Here is where I can relate to the frustration of finding a good therapist. One therapist actually asked me how I manage to get him to comply. We left. The hardest thing to swallow is the critical opinions of family, "friends", other parents and perfect strangers. I would never presume to know, but a lot of people feel that they do. I remember a mother walking up to me at the playground to inform me that my son is a bully and I obviously don't know how to raise a kind and respectful child. My son had knocked her child to the ground, gotten up with a huge smile on his face and said, "Hello!" This is how he said hi when he was 2 years old. I always had to be ready for him when I heard his little feet coming. He ran everywhere and didn't slow down for anything. I already suspected that something was no quite right at this point, but it wasn't until preschool that I knew I needed to get him evaluated. The diagnosis was a complete surprise... I had never heard of SID before.

I could write a novel, as I'm sure everyone here could. I joined this group because I'm looking for a place to talk, seek the thoughts and advice of others who understand, and support. Thanks!