So much has happened with J and Baby G in the last 6 months, hence the long delay since posting.  The Speech therapist we saw in December recommended we get an OT evaluation on J. So, we did that in January.  A gift straight from the Lord – a very thorough & smart Occupational Therapist checked out my little man.   Among several problems that she picked up, she noted that J’s left eye was not tracking with his right eye.  She immediately referred us to a developmental optometrist.

Another blessing – Dr. A is a very caring, patient, and smart doctor!  This appointment led us down a route of investigation that I hadn’t dreamed of.   Dr. A initially had us try patching his left eye for 4 hours per day and his right eye for 2 as both eyes were very weak and unable to track together.  We did this for 12 weeks, and unfortunately J’s eyes did not improve with the patching therapy.  We then ran a Platform Posturography test on J, which was incredibly revealing.  The human body relies on information from 3 systems: the visual system (eyes), the somatosensory system (muscles & joints) and the vestibular system (inner ear-balance). Normally the systems work together to provide information to your brain about how you keep upright and balanced as you move through space.  The test isolates the systems and determines how they function as a unit.  J had better balance with his eyes closed and his muscles & joints disengaged.  His eyes, muscles, and joints are throwing him off?!?  This explains so many things…  Since he relies mainly on vestibular stimulation to determine his place in space, he’s got to have that vestibular fluid always swishing around.  His constant need for motion – there it is – that’s why!  The constant request by us for him to hold still is so unrealistic – he’s disoriented if he’s not moving. Geez, no wonder he falls out of chairs, he’s always moving to keep the fluid rocking in his ears.  These findings are a bit overwhelming as the thought of years of sensory integration therapy is daunting.  But, oh how sad it makes me to think that other kids like J are medicated to make them hold still when they NEED to be moving!!  There is hope for every child!