[quote=LNEsMom]"The tricky part of it is figuring out when giftedness, ADHD, and SPD occur together and when one thing is being confused with the other. If your DS has an ADHD dx I would suggest learning about the sensory seeking behaviors as well as the avoiding ones that you mentioned above. He may be exhibiting both, but the seeking behaviors are interpreted as part of the ADHD. I believe that SPD kids may often be misdiagnosed with ADHD by someone not familiar with SPD."
Although my DS8 has a dx SPD and ADHD, I believe the diagnostic symptoms that qualified him as ADHD truly stem from his sensory issues. His sensory seeking behaviors were interpreted by his Ped and the school Psych as hyperactivity. We were fortunate that the school OT suggested we have him evaluated for SPD.(also called Developmental Coordination Disorder). He may be AD, or the EF difficulties may only be caused by the sensory issue. It makes no difference really now that we have a plan that addresses his specific needs. A great explanation of the disorder and therapy can be found in "Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children With Sensory Processing Disorder" by Lucy Jane Miller. Also here's a SPD link I found helpful and a link to an article discussing the "SPD or ADHD?" question.
www.spdfoundation.netwww.additudemag.com/adhd/article/793.htmlThis therapy really turned our world around.
Best wishes.
(er...how do y'all work that quote box?)
