Belle and snowgirl, I'm with you. Sensory issues are barely understood by so many. At least in our PS, they get them. Ironically, it was DS's Montesorri preschool teacher who first told us about sensory stuff, saying that her son was very similar and recommending the book, The Highly Sensitive Child, by Elaine Aron. His first preschool missed it entirely, and when he went back there for K and 1st, still did not accept it. (In fact, the music teacher would not let him participate in the school choir - IN FIRST GRADE AT AGE 6! - b/c he would not wear the uniform of a turtleneck and regular pants. I even told her that we didn't care if he didn't perform, just went to practices, as it was the first after school activity he was willing to try. And of course, I also told her I could bring a doctor's note, have her speak to the OT, etc.)
In any event, we moved him to PS where the teachers are better trained. In our recent meeting with the school, we were told that they would not give an IEP for sensory issues. Still, in his weekly OT session at school, he does mostly sensory-related activities, not fine motor/writing. He's had a home OT since K, and she has been wonderful, focusing mostly on focusing (not a typo) and writing. Since she comes to our house, DS has never had the advantage of the OT gym until this year. He loves the obstacle courses they have, and in particular, the "kid-crusher."
So, even though your school district doesn't necessarily recognize SPD in the IEP, I think you can mention it and push for OT. The OT will do what's best in his or her opinion, which you'd have to think will include SPD related OT.
