Good morning,
I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. I’ve felt quite overwhelmed with moving to a new home, my girls starting school, and overall with Nadia’s behavior lately. Thank you for reaching out, I do very much appreciate your input.
Nadia and her behavior is really always on my mind. I’m so worried about her and desperate to get some answers. We were referred to The University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development, so I hope that appointment can be scheduled soon. In the process of scheduling that appointment they required Nadia’s preschool teacher fill out a form, which I have attached for your, and Taylor’s review, as I don’t have her email. The report was really upsetting to me, as I wasn’t aware of just how behind Nadia seems to be compared to her peers. She’s obviously been struggling with a variety of sensory and OCD symptoms, but in addition her teacher pointed out a few other struggles…
· social-emotional
· fine motor
· numbers/shapes/letters
· clumsy/awkward/poorly coordinated
· fearful/anxious/worried
· lacks energy/slow-moving
· in a world of her own/withdrawn
· poor handwriting and cutting skills
Ugh, I feel like the list goes on and on. We originally started with Taylor working on messy hands, but honestly, Nadia has been a lot better in that area lately. In fact, all the sudden she is a messy eater, puts her entire hand into her mouth and smears food all over her mouth sometimes. Speaking of eating, she is extremely picky, but then again, so is her older sister Nora.
Biggest issues at home right now are her still always ‘feeling wet’ after going to the bathroom and not wanting to wear underwear or pants or really anything on her legs. And winter is coming! We have lots of other issues too, like all the sudden hates baths and being in her bed, but I’m not sure how many fit into the OT category, like her dramatic mood changes, epic meltdowns, etc.
I sent a mychart message to her pediatrician a few nights ago… probably sounding like a crazy mom, as I’ve obviously been researching how to help Nadia. Every time I look up Nadia’s symptoms I come across PANS or PANDAS disease. It’s like she has almost every symptom. I know many in the medical community don’t believe it’s real though… and Nadia could very well just have all the other issues separately, like OCD, sensory, etc. That said, have you ever treated children with PANS? Just curious…
Another thought. Since Nadia was born at 30 weeks, she technically wouldn’t turn four until Halloween, her due date. And I know they say preemies catch up by the time they are two usually… but just makes me wonder. Nadia is in a four-day preschool program meant for four and five year-olds, when she would be still three if born full-term. Do you think it’s possible preschool is just expecting too much from her? That perhaps she should drop down to the two-day program for three and fours, or the three-day program for four year-olds?
If you have any insight for me or thoughts, I’m all ears. Or if you can help Taylor design OT sessions to help Nadia, that would be amazing too.
Thank you so much!
