Recognizing Sensory Processing Disorder

I am continuing to read the book, The Out-of-Sync Child, by Carol Stock Kranowitz and am positive that an OT evaluation will reveal that John has Sensory Processing Disorder. (SPD)

According to Carol Stock Kranowitz, SPD is the inability to use information received through the senses in order to function smoothly in daily life.

There are 3 categories within Sensory Processing Disorder and 5 sub-categories under those 3 main ones. The three Disorders are:
1. Sensory Modulation Disorder
2. Sensory Discrimination Disorder
3. Sensory Based Motor Disorder

Under the Sensory Modulation Disorder, the subgroups are :
1. Sensory Over-responsivity
2. Sensory Under-responsivity
3. Sensory Seeking

Under the Sensory-Based Motor Disorder, the subgroups are:
1. Postural Disorder
2. Dyspraxia

John falls under the Sensory Modulation Disorder as a Sensory Seeking Child, based on my own evaluation using Carol Stock Kranowitz' checklists.

This kind of child wants "more" -- wallows in mud, dumps out toys (rummaging through them for the texture), chews on objects and shirt collars, runs and 'crashes' into furniture on purpose, moves constantly, fidgets, loves being upside down, takes bold risks, craves bear hugs, loves being squeezed, seeks heavy work and vigorous playground activities.

With sound, I see John having aspects of all 3 main categories -- he covers his ears to close out normal everyday sounds (microwave and hair dryer) -- overresponsive child
He ignores ordinary sounds and 'turns on" to exagerrated sounds -- underresponsive child
He loves crowds and places with noisy action --- sensory seeking child

I also notices some motor skills issues -- low muscle tone and fine motor planning with his mouth (although with speech therapy, this is getting so much better -- this week, he can now blow bubbles consistently!)

Many issues can arise because of sensory processing issues. Such as:
Self Regulation - inability to adjust mood (calm down once aroused)
Sleep Issues - want or need to sleep with parents, difficult falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up
Eating Issues - picky eater, texture issues, lack of coordination to chew, swallow, and breathe
High Activity Level
Inattention
Impulsivity
Poor Communication
Other issues like Autism, ADHD, Selective Mutism, Down Syndrome, etc may accompany SPD

So, to sum it up for the day, Sensory Processing Disorder is difficulty in the way the brain takes in, organizes and uses sensory information, causing a person to have problems interacting effectively in the everyday environment. Through OT/SI (Occupational Therapy Sensory Integration), children learn to develop their nervous system. A professional evaluation and diagnosis is necessary to begin OT/SI therapy. John has had a primlimary screening through Casa Colina, in which they determined he needed a full evaluation.

*This information was taken from Carol Stock Kranowitz' book, The Out-of-Sync Child.