NOTE: We now have a Sensory Equipment & Products page listing sensory equipment and where it can be purchased.
Sensory Integration Dysfunction is the inability of the brain to correctly process information brought in by the senses. Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID/DSI) or sensory processing deficits can come in many different forms. No two children will be affected in the same ways. SID/DSI was first noticed in children with autism or who had autistic traits but is also seen in children with other disabilities such as cerebral palsy or ADD/ADHD or can be present by itself. Children can have mild, moderate or severe SI deficits. SID/DSI is treatable with therapy and a sensory diet set up by an occupational therapist who is trained in SI. You should look for a therapist who is certified in praxis testing (SIPT certified) and Wilbarger trained. If you go to Sensory Integration International you can request a listing of trained therapists in your area.
Children with SID/DSI can be either hyposensitive or hypersensitive to outside stimuli. For example a child who is hyposensitive to touch will constantly be crashing into things seeking extra stimulation while the hypersensitive child will avoid being touched or touching things when at all possible. SID/DSI can also include children who have processing deficits in one or more areas. Visual and auditory processing deficits are noticed in children with cerebral palsy quite often. When a child has a visual processing deficit, it does not mean that they cannot see. It means that they have a hard time finding the words for objects they are viewing or, if asked to go get an object, they might look right at it and then say they can't find it. This is because they are seeing it but their brains are not processing that they are seeing it. Auditory processing deficits are the same, the child hears what you say but the brain does not process it so the child understands or it takes several minutes for what you have said to "click" with the child. One way to help with auditory processing deficits is to break down instructions, giving them one thing at a time to do. Let them finish the first task before you give them another instruction. Listening or music therapy can also help with auditory processing deficits.
Below is a list of other behaviors exibited by children with SID/DSI:
-- Loves to spin, swing and jump--this will seem to calm them down after several minutes.
-- Complains of how clothing feels, does not like tags left in their clothing and have to have their socks on just so, or a certain kind of sock.
-- Picky eaters--get stuck on one certain food and is basically impossible to get them to eat anything else.
-- Oversensitivity to smells. Or undersensitivity--may sniff people, objects, food.
-- Oversensitivity to sounds--will frequently cover ears. Or undersensivity.
-- May have an exceptionally high pain tolerance
-- May tire easily
-- Unusually high or low activity level
-- Resists new situations
-- Problems with muscle tone, coordination, motor planning
-- Can be very impulsive or distractible.
-- Persistently walks on toes to avoid sensory input from the bottom of the feet. This can also be a sign of cerebral palsy if the child is unable to bring their feet down flat when asked or trying.
These are just a few of the symptoms that children with SID/DSI can exibit.
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
One mom's synopsis of her child in relation to "The Out-of-Sync Child".
A Synopsis of Treatment/ A Story of Development--Same child as above synopsis
Vicky Mlyniec has written a summary of her from Parents magazine June 2000 article. She has been kind enough to provide us a copy of The Little Girl Who Hated Hugs; A Summary.
Sensory Room--Suggestions for your Home
LINKS TO MORE INFORMATION
About.com Sensory Integration
Accommodations and Modifications for Students with Handwriting Problems and/or Dysgraphia
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
BBB Autism
Boardmaker Files
Comeunity Sensory Integration
The Dyspraxia Foundation
Family Village Library--Dysgraphia
Gaining Face
Interactive Metronome
Jen's Sensory Integration Info Site
Klinefelter Syndrome and Associates Sensory Integration Dysfunction
Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation
New Visions Oral Motor Treatment
Oral Defensiveness: Sensory integration activities for the home
The Out-of-Sync Child
Selective Mutism
Sensory Integration
Sensory Integration Dysfunction in Young Children
Sensory Integration International
Sensory Learning Center
Sensory Processing Disorder Network
Sensory Profile for Children Between Three and Ten
Sensory Resources
SI Focus Magazine
Social Stories
The Spio--Stabilizing Pressure Input Orthosis
Tactile Defensiveness
Toys for Special Needs
When Picky Becomes a Problem
RECOMMENDED READING/LISTENING
DSI/SID SUPPORT
Support for Adults with SID
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/adultsid
Copyright 1998-2006 by KidPower Family Support Resource. If you use any information from this site please contact us and credit it as such. Thank you.