Does Your Child Have A Sensory Integration Disorder?

Sensory Integration Disorder, also known as Sensory Processing Disorder is a complex neurological condition that affects a surprising number of children. Throughout the day, our brains are constantly receiving sensory input, such as touch, sound, movement, texture, even foods, which must be processed appropriately in any given situation. Children with Sensory Integation problems misinterpret this everyday sensory information. The result is difficulty in learning even simple tasks, and in some cases behavioral problems emerge as the child struggles to cope with an overwhelming world.

A few of the common signs of a Sensory Intergation disorder are a pronounced over reaction, or under reaction to sights, sounds, touch or movement. For example, a child who will swing for hours, or a child who screams in distress at the slightest movement of a swing. Clumsiness, or lack of coordination, the clumsy kid who just isn't good at sports, cannot catch or throw well, and can barely swing a baseball bat. Difficulty in transitioning from one place or activity to another. In a world that is often confusing, they seek security in the familiar.

A child with auditory processing problems may have difficulty following verbal directions, or be easily distracted by noises around them. They may also experience speech and language delays and mispronounce words. It is difficult to make friends when a child cannot accurately understand and communicate with his peers. Children can become socially isolated and have problems in school.

Because our sense of touch is so crucial to every situation, tactile problems can seriously affect the ability of a child to function effectively. If your child is tactile defensive they tend to overreact to the slightest touch, particulary touch from people they don't know. They may have very distinct preferences for certain textures, and avoid others. Daily tasks such as brushing teeth and hair, or having their face washed, causes extreme distress. They may not be able to determine when or where they are being touched.

Children with a tactile problem often have difficulty with fine motor skills. Their brain is not receiving the appropriate feedback that is necessary to learn important life skills such as writing, dressing and feeding themselves. Touch receptors in and around the mouth may not be receiving sufficient information, this often results in a picky eater who is unable to tolerate certain texture. The child may also be unaware of food on the face, making them messy eaters.

I useful site for both parents and professionals looking for help with information, resources and publications regarding sensory disorders contact the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation.

There are many helpful products available for both parents and professionals to purchase. A great source of varied and affordable products is the Ark Therapeutic Services. This organization is absolutely geared to the needs of special needs children and adults. Their products have been thoroughly tested and developed by experts. To view their catalog go to Ark Therapy Products.

Your child can experience many benefits from the right types of toys and teether's. However, finding the right products can be time consuming. Save yourself time and money by finding the right items quickly, and get peace of mind for yourself knowing that these are high quality products that meet or exceed all US safety standards. Many children with Down syndrome need to use a teether to satisfy their need for oral stimulation. Here are some excellent options that are loaded with sensory value and inexpensive.

The Super Yummy is one of the best teether's you can buy. It provides 4 different surfaces, each one with an interesting texture. The handle is easy to hold, even for small children and it has a light and pleasant vanilla scent. The Ring Around Soft Teether is both an outstanding teether and a mini activity center in one. Bright colors, interesting shapes and textures will keep babies engaged and encourage the use of fingers as well as mouths! Both these toys are only $10 each! An amazing value that will provide for a child's sensory as well as teething needs. They can be ordered directly from Discovery Toys.

Fortunately, there are many activities that you can work with at home to help your child with sensory problems. These activities can also be fun for both of you. Many children with tactile problems enjoy playing in the sand. If your child is one of these kids, make sure you have a well stocked sand box available for play, with lots of fun sand toys. Digging with shovels also helps with gross motor development and filling buckets and cups helps with coordination. In the colder months, if you have a basement you may want to put a sand box in there for all year round sand play.

A visit to the park is always a fun time for everyone, and if your child has balance problems you may notice that they do not enjoy playing on the swings. Tashi always wanted to get on the swings but as soon as it moved an inch she became extremely upset and had to get down. It took many years of encouragement and frequent opportunities before she could tolerate any movement on the swing. Now at the age of seven she loves the swings and will remain on them for a long time. At the other end of the scale are the children who want to do nothing else but swing for hours. This is because they find the movement calming. So it is good to be on the look out for any of these extreme reactions to typical childhood activities.

VESTIBULAR SENSE

The Vestibular Sense alerts the body to its movement in space. It automatically helps to coordinate the eyes, body and head, and is therefore responsible for balance. Receptors in the inner ear sense any movement of the head. These receptors then alert us to any type of movement and tell us how fast we are going. The vestibular sense is also connected to muscle tone, and so affects a persons balance and posture.

If your child is exhibiting symptoms of a vestibular problem there are activities to help. Activities that move the head in space should vary in speed. Movements can be:-Rolling

-Rocking

-Swinging

-Bouncing on a Trampoline

-Hopping and Jumping

-Climbing

-Activities on a moving surface such as a therapy ball, rolling toy, or even a horse.

-For older children roller skating or ice skating