Reddit reviews Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues, Revised and Updated Edition

Have you thought about having her evaluated by an Occupational Therapist for Sensory Processing Issues? My son (7) is like that, too. Someone recommended that to me and his therapy is awesome. Also, I have read books - Raising a Sensory Smart Child is a great one. I always had this idea that Occupational Therapy was for kids with physical disabilities, like physical therapy. I had no idea what sensory issues were. But now I understand that his constant movement is his attempt to feel where his body is in space.

Did the OT offer any sensory based assessments? There is a Sensory Profile, which can be helpful in explaining some of the sensory quirks. I ask my clients to fill it out because it really breaks down what areas (such as defensive to touch, craving movement, defensive to sounds, emotionally reactive etc) are out of the typical range and help me see what areas need the immediate attention.

I have been reading Raising a Sensory Smart Child and i find it to be an easy read, especially for parents.

I know The Out of Sync Child is also a commonly suggested book, I just haven't read it yet.

Also..you ask what's wrong with wanting clean hands. Nothing really, unless that dislike for messy play interefers with his play and interactions. Sensory issues are fine until they get in the way of life. A kid with tactile defensiveness may have it so bad he can't handle hair cuts, nail trimming, etc. A kid who craves movement and can't sit down to play with one game, or sit through one book or circle time in school. .. that's the problem.

Pacifiers can mean more to some children than others. "Normal" kids can go without. Sensory kids need something to chew or suck on, and taking that away can cause problems. And also, the pacifier can fill a void when sleeping along.

https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Sensory-Smart-Child-Definitive/dp/0143115340

By the way, is there really any scientific evidence that pacifiers cause crooked teeth? I've heard this many times, but I never verified it. Anyone?

By the way, 2.5 is not that old. Don't push it. I know plenty of parents that allowed their kid to have a pacifier to 5 or 6 and then, one day, the kid just gave it up. They didn't report any issues that stemmed from this.

Take a deep breath and do some homework before you fall into the trap of thinking that it must be wrong and has to be stopped.