ADHD and Sensory Integration Disorder

Over the years I have dealt with many kids I felt acted differently.  They did “strange” things and responded oddly to sights and sounds.  After talking with an Occupational Therapist, I learned about kids with sensory issues.  This blog is dedicated to informing others about Sensory Integration Issues.  ADHD and Sensory Integration Disorder are more common than you think.  ADHD is one of the most common childhood diagnoses.  ADHD causes difficulty with attention, focus and hyperactivity.  Sensory Integration Disorder or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) creates challenges with sensory issues including under and over reaction to sensory stimuli.  Many have never heard of Sensory Integration Disorder.  Simply put, it is the inability of the brain to fully utilize information it gathers through all the senses in an effective or organized way.  When children have trouble processing, it makes it difficult to appropriately react or respond to normal things he or she sees, smells, hears, tastes and feels. 

Children with ADHD and SPD display similar behaviors.  Instead of walking down the hall, they may skip. Excessive fidgeting may be observed while reading.  Off task behaviors or blurting out answers are also associated with ADHD and SPD.  Balance is an issue as well.  Some kids struggle with sitting up straight in a classroom desk. There are many other symptoms you may recognize, some may include:

·        Sensitivity to sound

·        Sensitivity to smell

·        Coordination problems

·        Fascination with lights

·        Sensitivity to lights

·        Indifference to temperature or pain

·        Refusal to wear certain type clothing

·        Refusal to eat certain foods

·        Texture issues

·        High awareness of background noises

·        Strong reaction to stimulation to face, hands and feet

·        Avoids contact with people

When the brain is struggling to process information properly, kids may appear to “misbehave.”  They are not “acting” inappropriately; they are dealing with the feelings of fear and terror.  These everyday issues we deal with are very uncomfortable for kids with SPD.  The softest and smallest sounds to our ears are startling and loud to them.  Background noises, the lights humming, the texture of foods, and the uncomfortable feeling of walking on the floor all are very painful.

Sensory Integration is not a topic that has received a lot of recognition.  Many researchers relate it to only being present in kids with autism or aspergers.  It is now becoming more prevalent in kids with Attention Deficit Disorder. Treatment usually includes occupational therapy, integrating multiple sensory experiences.    Because ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder overlap, parents, medical professionals, and teachers may mistake one condition for the other.  It is important to research and know the difference so you are treating the kids based on their needs.

To find out more about Sensory Integration Issues, please visit the following links.  Happy Learning!

http://www.sinetwork.org/

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