Child Development Concerns

Back to:  Therapist Questions & Answers - Developmental Concerns

I have twin boys adopted from the Philippines. We adopted them when they were 2, and now are almost 12.We have some concerns with one of the boys. He has steadily progressed from being shy to being somewhat withdrawn in social settings. He expresses that he is ok with small groups but not large groups. He also carries himself awkwardly..stiff bent arms, and walks with almost a limp like gait,(more pronounced in public), poor posture- as though embarrassed or ashamed, likes wrapping himself up with blankets, or holding onto pillows. He reads well, but staying tuned in during teaching, especially math, seems difficult for him. I don't want to ignore symptoms or difficulties that we should be addressing.

Your question is slightly out of our realm of expertise, however, my advice would be to first discuss your concerns with your child's teacher. If you have done this and he/she has not offered advice or information on further evaluation/testing then I would either seek an evaluation from a child psychologist (preferably one with prior experience in international adoption) or perhaps seek an evaluation from an occupational therapist specifically related to "sensory processing" concerns (being overwhelmed in large crowds, wrapping himself in blankets, holding onto pillows could indicate difficulty with sensory processing). I would definitely seek help now, rather than waiting to see if these concerns resolve. Sorry we can't be more helpful, but here are some links to information on sensory processing (though geared to the 0-5 population which we serve).

Back to:  Therapist Questions & Answers - Developmental Concerns