Ever since my son was about 4 months old, he started doing things here & there & I kept saying he just had a sensory disorder. I didn't even know they really existed back then but I kept saying that! A little after he turned two, I got him into speech therapy and it all came out.. that was in April 2011. In October 2011, I took him to an Autism Center at the University near my house. He did not have Autism like I had thought but he was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. Of course, like every other mother out there, I rushed home to google everything I could find out!! 5 months later and I am still on the ball with finding new things out here and there. I am loving finding all sorts of crafts to try to help him through this. This blog will be to show other mothers crafts and sorts to help. If you have a craft that I haven't posted, please feel free to send it in! If you need to vent to someone who knows what you are going through because your friends don't, please feel free! I know how you feel, nobody knows how I feel or what I'm going through. Some days are REALLY rough and some days are just perfect! It's a roller coaster, for sure!
Let me finish off my stating what SPD is for people who do not know and may be reading. Sensory integration disorder or dysfunction (SID) is a neurological disorder that results from the brain's inability to integrate certain information received from the body's five basic sensory systems. These sensory systems are responsible for detecting sights, sounds, smell, tastes, temperatures, pain, and the position and movements of the body. The brain then forms a combined picture of this information in order for the body to make sense of its surroundings and react to them appropriately. Sensory experiences include touch, movement, body awareness, sight, sound, smell, taste, and the pull of gravity. Distinguishing between these is the process of sensory integration (SI). While the process of SI occurs automatically and without effort for most, for some the process is inefficient. Extensive effort and attention are required in these individuals for SI to occur, without a guarantee of it being accomplished. When this happens, goals are not easily completed, resulting in sensory integration disorder (SID). The normal process of SI begins before birth and continues throughout life, with the majority of SI development occurring before the early teenage years. The ability for SI to become more refined and effective coincides with the again process as it determines how well motor and speech skills, and emotional stability develop. The beginnings of the SI theory by Ayres instigated ongoing research that looks at the crucial foundation it provides for complex learning and behavior throughout life.
Here is a list of ‘red flag’ behaviors or symptoms for Sensory Processing Disorder. If you feel that your child may have SPD, please consult a trained Occupational Therapist for diagnosis and treatment.
Infants and toddlers
____ Problems eating or sleeping
____ Refuses to go to anyone but me
____ Irritable when being dressed; uncomfortable in clothes
____ Rarely plays with toys
____ Resists cuddling, arches away when held
____ Cannot calm self
____ Floppy or stiff body, motor delays
Pre-schoolers
____ Over-sensitive to touch, noises, smells, other people
____ Difficulty making friends
____ Difficulty dressing, eating, sleeping, and/or toilet training
____ Clumsy; poor motor skills; weak
____ In constant motion; in everyone else’s face and space
____ Frequent or long temper tantrums
Grade schoolers
___ Over-sensitive to touch, noise, smells, other people
___ Easily distracted, fidgety, craves movement; aggressive
___ Easily overwhelmed
___ Difficulty with handwriting or motor activities
___ Difficulty making friends
___ Unaware of pain and/or other people
Other common behaviors:
Sensory Seeking
Spinning
Climbing too high
Climbing everything
Crashing into things (people, furniture, walls)
Mouthing/licking inedible things (furniture, toys, body)
Chewing inedible things (clothing)
Eating excessively
Constantly wrestling with siblings
Touching everything
Playing with food
Messy eater
Overstuffing their mouth
Eating spicy/hot foods
Under-responsive to pain (‘shakes it off’ quickly)
Dumping out toy bins just to look at everything
Excessive sensory play (mud, water, soap, etc.)
Jumping
Pushing
Loves running barefoot
Chewing on their toothbrush
Can’t sit still in their desk
Falls out of their chair for no apparent reason
Loves loud noises (turns up TV, battery toys against ears, vacuum.)
Can’t monitor their own volume (you constantly say, “Stop yelling!”)
Smells everything, even bad smells
Sensory avoiding
Picky eater (preferring one texture or basic flavors)
Covering ears at noise (hates vacuum, blender, hand dryers)
Avoids touch (not a ‘huggy’ or ‘cuddly’ kid)
Hates tags/seams in clothing
Won’t wear shoes (or prefers only one shoe type)
Avoids messy activities (mud, sand)
Avoids art activities like painting or playdoh
Walks on toes
Doesn’t engage in playground activities (climbing, swinging, etc)
Hates a wet/dirty diaper/underwear
Dislike people too close
Refuse to take a bath/shower or play in the sprinkler
Hate water on their face
Hate/Refuse to brush their teeth
Complain of the smell
Complain it is too bright (wanting to wear sunglasses)
Over-responsive to pain (everything HURTS!)
Avoids/refuses stickers/fake tattoos
Note, your child may not be all of these. I know my child isn't over half of these!
I will end this as it is long. I will leave off with a few pictures that I found on pinterest & I just enjoyed a lot :)
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