Epilepsy, Late Talker and Sensory Issues

[Kellie in NE]

Hi Ladies! I think I belong here on this board. I have a newly turned three year old daughter. We spent last week in the hospital doing some tests and discovered that she has epilepsy. This came as a blessing to us not because we are happy that she has this but because we have been concerned about her for some time-had seen so many different doctors but no one could tell us what was wrong. We discovered that she was having several starring seizures daily and we started her on some medication.

She is also a late talker. Late talking runs in the family as most of her older siblings have also been late talkers. We have been doing ST for her for about 6 months. She can talk when she wants to. She uses sign language to communicate with us when needed. She is extremely independent. There also seems to be some sensory issues-does not like to wear clothes-have difficulty with loud noises and is very uncomfortable with large crowds. She will often make herself throw up when the noise level of the crowd becomes too much for her. I talked with her doctor and plan to complete an OT evaluation and move her ST to an office that specializes more with children.

Anyone going through something similar or have some wisdom for me? Is it possible for all of these to be related and once we get her seizures under control we will see an improvement in the other areas?

I just want to do what is best for her and help her to lead a happy life.

Thank you so much for letting me join in. It is nice to have a place to share these concerns.

[Chalane (FL)]

:group: Glad you finally have a diagnosis. I understand the relief in just knowing. My oldest ds had seizures from infancy 'til last Mar. Yes, the late talking can sometimes be a side effect of seizures. I would go to the epilepsy foundation site for mor info. on how seizures can effect speech--haven't been there in a LONG time, but that would be among my first searches. However, I'm not sure about the sensory issues. Those issues along with the seizures and late talking maybe part of a further or seperate diagnosis. I would discuss my concerns with the dr. My ds' cousin has sensory issues and they use brushing therapy daily to assist with this. Ds has sensory issues, but his are related to his autism and I know how frustrating they can be. We have to cut tags out, he wont wear clothes at home, hates socks and shoes, loud places can cause a melt down. Just know that even though it feels sometimes like your alone in this there are many of us dealing with similar issues and you can make it through even the roughest of days.

Look into a catalog/website called abilitations they have some things for sensory therapies. They are pricey, but have ideas you can adapt or the names of products you can google for better prices. However, it it's the only co. I've found that carries Chew-ez. Part of Leighton's sensory issues is that he chews when he is overwhelmed/upset and I LOVE this product.