Sensory Integration & Sensory Integration Disorder
You’ve heard of Sensory Integration. Possibly someone has labeled your child, or a child you know, as having sensory processing disorder. What does that mean?
Our sensory inputs are sight, touch, sound, taste, smell and movement. If we have difficulty interpreting this input it can lead to consequences. A child struggling with this input disorder begins to paint a picture, "so to speak" in their brain of how they should act when each of these senses are used. This ongoing relationship between the “picture” and the behavior is called Sensory Integration or SI. Sensory Integration is a base for more complex learning down the road. As you can see if a child has a dysfunction with his sensory integration now it may lead to trouble with daily functions, social relationships, behavior challenges, low self esteem, learning and emotional problems or delays in emotional growth.
The theories around Sensory Integration Disorder are still being accepted by neurological professionals. With this acceptance come understanding, validity, support and treatment to many children who are stuck in a prison of ineffective sensory input.
Research has shown that SID is not confined to children with learning disabilities, although premature birth, autism and other developmental disorders seem to increase the likeliness of SID. Research also suggests that autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two of the biggest contributing conditions.
For most children sensory integration happens naturally from birth to into the teens. But for some it is not so easy. They end up resorting back to fright, fight, or flight syndrome. This is the normal reaction for someone with sensory integration disorder, although withdrawing is usually not the norm in these situations, it is for a child with SID.
What causes SID is not fully known, although here are some theories on what is causing the SID
- The brain does not receive the messages that are being sent because of a disconnection in the neurons.
- The messages are received neurologically inconsistent.
- Sensory messages are received consistently and correctly, but do not connect properly with other sensory messages.
When the brain processes these sensory messages in "a poor fashion" the outcome is usually inefficient motor skills, language, or negative emotional output.
According to Sensory Integration International (SII), a non-profit corporation, here are some signs of Sensory Integration Disorder.
- Over sensitivity to touch, movement, sights, or sounds.
- Under reactivity to touch, movement, sights, or sounds.
- Specific learning difficulties /delays in academic achievement.
- Difficulty in making transitions from one situation to another.
- Tendency to be easily distracted / Limited attention control.
- Activity level that is unusually high or unusually low.
- Social and/or emotional problems
- Difficulty learning new movements
- Delays in speech, language, or motor skills.
- Physical clumsiness or apparent carelessness.
- Impulsive, lacking in self-control
- Inability to unwind or calm self
- Poor self concept / body awareness
If your child is experiencing any of the above signs please consult your pediatrician. Sensory Integration is treatable by an occupational therapist, speech pathologist. Remember early detection is one big key to your child’s future.
For more information on Sensory Integration please read:
- Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder
- The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun, Revised Edition: Activities for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder
- The Sensory Team Handbook: A hands-on tool to help young people make sense of their senses and take charge of their sensory processing
- Talking to Toddlers:
Dealing with the Terrible Two’s and Beyond:
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