SID is found in all age groups, intellectual levels and socioeconomic groups.
The term sensory integration dysfunction was used first by Dr. A. Jean Ayres in 1963. Sensory integration dysfunction or disorder (SID) is a neurological disorder that is a result of the brain's inability to process sensation and the resulting motor, emotion, behavior and attention responses. There are three classic patterns of sensory integration disorder with subtypes in each, according to SPD Foundation online: sensory modulation disorder, sensory-based motor disorder and sensory discrimination disorder.
Diagnosis Challenge
Those with sensory seeking subtypes may have symptoms that co-occur with ADHD behaviors.
Sensory seeking/craving is one of the subtypes that falls under the category of sensory modulation disorder. For those in this subtype, the need for constant arousal or sensory stimulation is hard to fulfill. In environments where quiet or calm behaviors are expected, children may become disorganized, impulsive and overactive in order to try to increase their sensory stimulation. This type of behavior is often times confused with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Low Self-Esteem
Dyspraxia can also co-occur with language and speech impairments.
Dyspraxia is one of the two subtypes that fall beneath the pattern category of sensory-based motor disorder. Those with dyspraxia often experience trouble with fine motor manipulative activities and oral-motor activities. Daily activities, such as getting dressed and using regular daily utensils, are sometimes slow to develop. Those with dyspraxia often seem disheveled and disorganized. They choose activities that are sedimentary, which leads them sometimes to obesity. Those with dyspraxia often have feelings of failure and dissatisfaction with their abilities, which creates low self-esteem.
Social Challenges
Children with SID often feel like outcasts and spend much time alone.
Sensory integrative problems are found in up to 70 percent of children considered learning-disabled by schools. But SID is not found only in those with learning disabilities. Factors that can contribute to sensory integrative problems are autism, brain injury, premature birth and more. Many who experience sensory integrative problems are labeled as being learning-disabled or as having other developmental disorders, because of symptoms that can range from making noises to having physical challenges. There are many social challenges involved with those who have SID.
SID in Early Childhood
If you suspect symptoms of SID, visit a developmental pediatrician who is familiar with the disorder.
Symptoms of SID may not be easy to notice in early childhood. If they are evaluated properly and early in the child's life, vast improvements can be made. However, families who are not used to the symptoms of SID may not be prepared for or aware of the signs. Watch for coordination problems, delays in language or speech skills, delays in fine motor skills, poor self-concept and oversensitivity to light, sound, touch or movement.
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