A Significant Disposable

When Luke was born his little arm was broken, snapped like a twig. 2 1/2 years later I'm still mad and could spit fire at the doctor and her over inflated ego. He was jaundiced pretty bad from the bruising and had to spend time in the NICU. When we visited him we had to scrub in, and used these little disposable surgical brushes. That NICU must have gone through a hundred every day. I methodically scrubbed my hands and forearms and threw the brush away. I haven't seen or thought about those little brushes for over 2 years.

Thomas seemed to be regressing with his SPD. His teacher and I both noticed it. I'd seen it over about a 10 day span. Him just progressively getting worse. Smashing and crashing. Growling, stomping, the usual SPD stuff. I wanted OT to work so badly and was worried that it wasn't. I spoke to his OT and she suggested the Wilbarger Technique. I think it's officially called "The Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique" or DPPT, but I call it brushing.

Wilbarger's is based on the theory that the skin is out largest organ, and when it's working well, you interact with your surroundings more efficiently. It kinda improves your Chi. The technique involves a deep pressure "brushing" of the arms, legs, and back; along with light joint compression. The outcome is supposed to be improved attention and focus, improved transition problems, increased nervous systems health, reduced emotional outbursts, improved tolerance levels, and increased self regulation and calming. You do it at 2 hour intervals throughout the day and it takes just a few minutes.

I am hands down, a "glass is have empty" person. Honestly, I see the glass half empty and leaking; so needless to say I wasn't too sure that brushing would work. Being a "Sensory Mom" I'm willing to give anything a try, especially something so easy. Thomas was very receptive to it. It was instantly calming. His behavior improved, along with major sensory improvements. He ate a ham and cheese sandwich (if you have a child with feeding issues, you know this can be huge) AND willingly got a haircut. He didn't squirm or cry. This is the same kid that literally RAN out of the the salon 4 months ago.

Brushing has become part of our daily routine and it's worked so well for us. There has been a significant change in my son's behavior, all due to a disposable scrub brush.