O.K. so I promised to post the results of the Early Intervention Evaluation below is a list of that … ( remember she is 22months old)
Tactile Sensory issues
Cognitive Skills (thinking, learning & exploring): 20-23mos. - The evaluator didn’t test any higher than that because she didn’t see any problems. In fact she stated that had she done further testing my daughter would have have qualified higher in this area.
Physical/motor skills: – fine motor - 15mo., gross motor – 18mo. She showed difficulty in supporting herself while sitting on the floor, she didn’t grasp the crayons strongly or push rubber pegs into a rubber board firmly. Technically called ‘imature grasp’. All things that, per the Occupational therapist who did the testing, are easily overlooked unless you are the one looking for them.
Communication/language skills - (understanding and use of language): Receptive & Expressive 20-23mo. Again she would’ve qualified higher in this area too had the Teacher tested her at a higher level.
Social/emotional skills (interacting/getting along with others, feelings, coping): 20-23mo
Adaptive/Self-help skills (doing things for him/herself): 21-24mo
Suggestions/strategies for meeting outcomes: Well this part is new to all involved parties. No one around here has heard of Gratification Disorder and obviously as a result there is nothing in terms of strategies that are already in place. So we’re all exploring as many avenues as possible to try and come up with something that works in easing the behavior. The current list (which will be changed many times I’m sure) is as follows:
1) Attempt a diet change – gluten free, yeast, dairy, etc.
2) Explore sensory activities
3) Use play-dough, rice & beans on boxes
4) Finger paint
5) Hang on monkey bars with support
6)Develop a behavioral plan – a functional behavioral plan & develop ways to change behavior
7) Work with medical professionals and follow up with Dr.’s - As stated before I feel her worst days are strongly connected to her bowel movements. We now have an appointment with a Pediatric G.I. Dr. on Oct. 26th
Again just another little side note. There is no documentation available as to what others have tried or found to be helpful. If you’re reading this and have already tried these things I’d love to hear some feed back from you!
Posted: October 15th, 2007 under Findings.
Comments: 2
Comments
Comment from Jane Doe
Time: October 18, 2007, 3:20 pm
I feel for you. I know what your daughter is going through and I can only imagine what you’re feeling.
My parents called it “jiggling.” I presented at around 18 mo. old and it’s never diminished in desire or intesity. I’ve read that GD simply goes away after a certain age. I wish I could tell you that mine did.
My parents tried everything they could; doctors, psychologists, obstetricians, religion, shame, guilt, spankings, reward systems, lectures, etc. Back in the 80’s, doctors knew even less than they do today, which as you know, isn’t much. I don’t know what kind of advice I can give you. I can tell you that elementary, middle and high school were very difficult for me, in the small town in which I grew up. I was teased, ostracized and called many names. Some say this was character building.
I finally was able to conquer my public GD episodes in 6th grade. I graduated high school with 9 college credits, honors, and a full tuition scholarship. I was happy to finally go to college, where no one knew me or my background. I earned my Bachelor’s degree and will soon earn my Master’s. It is said that I am a successful and motivated individual. I have a tendency to cheer for the under-dog and I tend to also gravitate towards the less popular people in social situations (having been one myself).
I am married and have two beautiful daughters. My concern, now, is that GD is genetic and one day, I’ll look at my daughter and she’ll be “jiggling.” I know my heart will break, then.
After having to continuously deal with GD myself, I can only say that I would teach my daughters discretion. Since it’s very difficult to control, I would try to instill in them that there is a time and a place. At home, in their bedroom. If they feel the urge, I would probably encourage them to go to their bedroom, take care of that urge and reappear after they’ve finished.
I am so happy to have found your website. I have, obviously, used a pseudo-name. I still find it difficult to talk about and do fear people who know me, finding out. I’ve never heard of anyone having GD for this long. Maybe it’s not even called GD for someone my age. All I know is, I still exhibit the same behavior now as I did at 18 mo. old. I’ve just been able to conquer exhibiting it in public.
I know that it is sometimes difficult for children to express themselves and what they’re feeling, especially when they’re put in the spotlight and feel they’re doing something seen as “wrong” or “abnormal.” In knowing that I’ve had to deal with this for the last 26 1/2 years, I hope I’ve not saddened you or made you despair. It is actually my hope that I can be a source of specific information regarding the feelings and emotions children with GD cannot themselves express.
Comment from Unknown
Time: October 26, 2007, 7:11 am
I too have suffered from GD. Growing up no one ever really knew exactly what was wrong with me, or exactly what I was doing. My parents even to this day don’t know. My “symptoms” showed up at only a few months old and continued on a regular basis until I started school at the age of 3. At a young age I myself felt ashamed and embarrassed for what I was doing and started to be discreet about it. (So, to my parents my “strange behavior” mysteriously stopped). As I am now 18 years of age, through my own reasearch I have finally found the “term” for what I have. And like the woman who commented before am sorry to say that it is something that I have not out grown but have been able to control. I wish the best for you and your daughter, and I hope you find the answers you’re looking for.
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