SensoryNation: A Place to Start and Start Talking About Sensory Integration Dysfunction.

The late A. Jean Ayres, PhD, an occupational therapist, was the first to describe Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID) as a dysfunction resulting from inefficient neurological processing. SID is also called "Dysfunction in Sensory Integration" or DSI, to avoid confusion with "SIDS," sudden infant death syndrome. You can also find SID described as Sensory Integrative Dysfunction.

In essence, Sensory Integration Dysfunction is the neurological inability to integrate properly the seven (yes, there are seven!) senses. These include sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch, proprioception and balance/coordination (vestibular sense). For an in depth description, see the The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding's explanation of these senses.

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, "Normal sensory integration is central to learning to express words and thought, which in turn affects how a child learns social skills. These cognitive and communication activities involve a complex range of subtle behaviors such as listening and reacting, interpreting body language and non-verbal cues, and responding to and anticipating the emotions of others. Sensory integration processing also affects children’s ability to mentally and physically organize themselves for making orderly transitions from one activity to another."

When a child, for a variety of reasons, cannot properly integrate her senses, she (or he) lives in a world that is either powerfully overstimulating or provides only weak and diluted input. Sensory Integration Dysfunction can result in both hyper- and hypo-sensitive responses, depending on the child and even the specific symptom.

The Sensory Integration Network, spearheaded in part by occupational therapist Lucy Jane Miller, explains that Sensory Integration Dysfunction presents itself in a number of sensory-seeking, sensory-avoiding and dyspraxic (clumsy and awkward) behaviors, as described below:

Sensory Seeking children have nervous systems that do not always process that sensory input is "coming in" to the brain. They are under-responsive to sensation. As a result, they seek out more intense or longer duration sensory experiences. Some behaviors that can be observed are: Hyper-activity as they seek more and more movement input; Unawareness of touch or pain, or touching others too often or too hard (may seem aggressive); Engaging in unsafe behaviors, such as climbing too high; Enjoying sounds that are too loud, such as TV or radio volume.

Sensory Avoiding children have nervous systems that feel sensation too easily or too much. They are overly responsive to sensation. As a result, they may have "fight or flight" responses to sensation, a condition called "sensory defensiveness." Some behaviors that can be observed are: Responding to being touched with aggression or withdrawal; Afraid of, or becomes sick with movement and heights; Very cautious and unwilling to take risks or try new things; Uncomfortable in loud or busy environments such as sports events, malls ; Very picky eater and/or overly sensitive to food smells.

Dyspraxic children are clumsy and awkward. They have particular problems with new motor skills and activities. Some behaviors that can be observed are: Very poor fine motor skills such as handwriting; Very poor gross motor skills such as kicking, catching, throwing balls; Difficulty imitating movements such as "Simon Says"; Trouble with balance, sequences of movements and bilateral coordination."

A number of therapeutic options exist in the treatment of Sensory Integration Dysfunction. For an overview of these modalities, please see our Interventions section. For more in-depth explanations of Sensory Integration Dysfunction, please note the following articles:

What are some signs of Sensory Integration Dysfunction?
Children with sensory seeking patterns may be hyperactive, unaware of touch or pain, touch others too often, engage in unsafe behaviors, such as climbing too high, or enjoy sounds that are too loud. Those with sensory avoiding behaviors may respond to being touched with aggression or withdrawal, be overly cautious or afraid to try new things, uncomfortable in loud or busy environments, or overly sensitive to smells. With children who have dyspraxia, some behaviors that can be observed are difficulty with fine- and gross-motor skills, clumsy and awkward movements and trouble with balance.

How is Sensory Integration Dysfunction diagnosed?
Sensory Dysfunction is usually diagnosed by an occupational therapist, a speech and language pathologist or by a physical therapist. The primary standardized assessment tool for children ages 4 through 8 who may have learning, behavioral or developmental delays is the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test, which can be administered by a therapist who is SIPT certified. Therapists also use clinical observation and parent-teacher interviews to assess sensory integration dysfunction.

How is Sensory Integration Dysfunction treated?
Occupational Therapy is most often used to treat the condition, with the goal of enabling children to take part in the normal activities of childhood. For example, therapists may evaluate how a child perceives sensation and how that affects his/her emotions, attention, motor skill or learning abilities. Treatment, which usually occurs in a sensory-enriched gym with tactile, visual, auditory and taste opportunities, can facilitate the development of the nervous system’s ability to process sensory input in a more normal way.

*The text above was originally presented on ABC News' 20/20 Online, but is no longer available online.

"And I - I took the road less travelled by, And that has made all the difference. " - Robert Frost, 1874 –1963.

Home :: What is Sensory Integration Dysfunction? :: Interventions :: Resources :: About :: Terms of Use :: Contact

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this web site is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease; to provide specific medical advice; or to endorse any specificproduct(s), treatment(s), company(ies), organization(s) or practitioner(s). Its intention is solely to present an enjoyable story, provide information, and education. Always consult a physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your or your child's symptoms or medical condition. SensoryNation.com , its staff, advisors and affiliates are not responsible for any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions contained herein. See Terms of Use for complete details.