[jenninator]

I thought I'd let you guys know how things are going with Haley and her sensory issues/anxiety. Things have been very encouraging lately, but got pretty bad a couple months ago. We took a long weekend trip a couple of months ago to see our father in law, and didn't do any of her supplements (B-12 and epsom salt baths). The next week was really rough for her when we got home. It kind of confirmed to me, that those things are helping her. We've traveled since and made sure to bring them with us, and had better results!

We started Occupational Therapy with her. Basically, it is for her sensory needs. We were already doing a lot of it at home - but we needed help in telling her school what to do with her at school to meet her sensory needs. The OT developed a "sensory diet" for her at school. It's not food - but rather a schedule of sensory activities mixed in throughout her day. She has a weighted lap pad that she keeps in her lap during circle time, some pediatric wrist/ankle weights that she wears for 15-20 minutes to give her extra sensory input. We also freeze capri-suns overnight so by lunch time they are kind of slushy so she has to suck hard to get it through the straw, and we give her some crunchy foods like carrots. (luckily she is a good veggie/fruit eater!)

However - I think the best thing we have done is give her probiotics!! We give her 2-3 childrens chewable acidolphillous at bedtime. If you don't know - probiotics are "good" bacteria that keep your gut and digestion in order. I've suspected for a while that everything is not completely doing everything 100% correct/ not absorbing all the vitamins and minerals it needs.

I think that the probiotics are helping to restore things. She is doing GREAT at school. She's no longer bothering others and messing up things during naptime - she's relating better with her friends, doing all of her work. She's not "perfect," but she's doing regular 4 year old behavior. The teacher is not having to call the director in to help because she is having meltdowns are refusing to change activities.

She is so much easier to wake up in the morning for school. This morning she got dressed in record time and then wanted to play together instead of just sit in front of the tv under a blanket! (That NEVER has happened on a school day).

She still will sometimes get really angry on a dime (like if she has trouble tying her shoe), but she won't stay angry. She still shows signs of anxiety in social situations that she is not comfortable with (like church is only once a week - she is still quite quiet and more timid in class - but really opens up in one-on-one or 2-3 people).

Anyway - thanks if you actually read all of this! I am much more hopeful now that she'll be able to be successful in kindergarten next year!

[SydneynDeansMum]

That is WONDERFUL, WTG Haley!!!!! You must be so proud of both her and you and DH's parenting. It seems like she will be in a much better position to start kindergarten! SO glad things have gotten so much better!

[Kath M.]

That is awesome! I have been giving Maddie kiefer which is like a super probiotic yogurt drink...she loves it. You might want to try that. Raisins are also great "prebotics" in otherwords they help support the good bacteria so if you could give her some before the probiotics that help them work better. I think I told you abou that Gut Psychology book a while ago but I believe a lot of behavior issues are food/nutrient related. Sounds like everything is going great for her and she is going to have a sucessful kindergarten year.

[bluebutterfly]

That's great!

[Kaypea]

So glad things are going well. You rock as a mommy! Haley is so blessed to have a loving and educated family to give her what she needs

[JustBeginning]

Thats greay, girl! Tyler acts like that some, but he is no longer shy or quiet... And he is really loud, agressive, stubborn, and acts out... But we are still waiting on out appointment. U go girl! I'm glad that she is doing better I know its nothing but heartache and stress when u have to deal with a child that has any sort of problems. I started buying probiotics drinks, yogurt, and have almost completely changed our diet at home, too. starting this month we are shopping at a natural food store... Didnt u used to have to give her metamucil or something?

[ibdancn]

Wow! You are so proactive in helping and encouraging Haley. What an in tune mommy she has! Awesome!

[~~Katrina~~]

That's wonderful that she is doing so much better. Ian has some sensory issues as well (hypersensitive to sounds) that have caused problems in preschool as well. I'll have to try the probiotics with him.