Hi

Have you investigated sensory integration dysfunction?   Your son 
sounds very much like mine was at that age.  My son didn't sleep well 
from the moment he was born.  He was awake most of the night and didn't 
really  nap.  He was fussy and demanding.  He really enjoyed being in 
the sling so he spent much time there!   We rarely went anywhere 
because of his behavior and his tendency to get overwhelmed in new 
places.  We often left places with him in tears.

You mention that your son is "bouncing up and down and pushing things 
and climbing and squirming ...he never sits still ! "  This can be 
sensory seeking behavior, similar to what my son was doing.  He was 
"labeled" as hyperactive in grade 1 by his teacher.  Once we went to an 
Occupational therapist who was experienced in sensory integration 
issues, he has been much more focused in school and not nearly as fussy 
or whiney at home.  We didn't realize that he had sensory issues until 
he was 6.  I knew there was something different about him but I didn't 
realize what until we saw the OT.

We did not have issues with weight gain but he does have food 
allergies.  Sensory integration issues often coexist with allergies, 
according to Carol Stock Kranowitz.  She wrote a great book "The 
Out-of-Sync Child".  I would recommend getting it from the local 
library and investigating sensory issues.  Once I got her book, I 
realized it spoke about my son and have learned a lot from it.

My son is now 8 and is so calm.  He sleeps well because we made him 
body pillows to give him sensory input all night.  He loves to lie in 
his bed and listen to books on CD, even during the day!  He isn't the 
perpetual motion child he used to be.  Everyone who knows him comments 
on how much he's changed.

I would be happy to talk with you, privately, about sensory issues.

Colette Gatchell  LLLL RN BSN IBCLC

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