TLC Information about Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing Disorder

Formerly Big Hug Blankets

Sensory Integration
Some children who use weighted blankets and vests have a condition called "Sensory Processing Disorder". The information below is to help parents understand this disorder. Sensory integration: Sensory integration refers to how the brain uses information that comes from the environment, such as vision, hearing, smell, taste, temperature, pain, and the position and movements of the body. The brain needs to process this information correctly for the body to make sense of its surroundings and react appropriately. The normal process of sensory integration development begins before birth and continues throughout life, with the majority of development occurring in early childhood. During this time, children may seem like picky eaters, have problems with coordination, or show other normal developmental issues.

Sensory Processing Disorder
Several problems can occur in this information processing: the brain doesn't receive all the information, the information is not "filtered" and overload occurs, or the brain misunderstands the information it receives. When these problems occur to the extent that it interferes with normal functioning, this is called "sensory processing disorder." These children require additional help. Occupational therapists often work with these children to help them adapt and develop.

What Sensory Processing Disorder may look like
Children with sensory processing disorder often develop their own coping strategies to help them function. These strategies might include ritualized routines, preferring places and situations where things are quiet and predictable, or fidgeting with things such as the buttons or strings on their clothing. When these strategies don’t work, they may often seem irritable, have difficulty socializing with other children, or have meltdowns.

Here are a few examples of behaviors you might observe in a child with sensory processing disorder. These behaviors may also be the result of personality, stress, or other factors and not be due to sensory processing disorder. But children with S.P.D. show more of these symptoms, and for an extended period of time:

•	May become agitated in a noisy environment, and may even cover his ears
•	Over or under-reacts to things compared to other children
•	Becomes upset or frustrated easily and then has difficulty calming down
•	Has difficulty in a social situation
•	Fidgets or squirms a lot
•	Has a bad sense of timing or rhythm
•	Is generally clumsy, and may touch the walls or other people while standing or walking
•	Impulsive, lacking in self-control
•	May have trouble calming his body down to go to sleep
•	Has difficulty stopping one activity and starting another
•	Is agitated by certain textures touching his skin, such as certain fabrics or clothing tags
•	May be a picky eater, especially sensitive to food textures
•	May seem bothered by over-stimulation in the environment

Who gets Sensory Processing Disorder?
It is not known why some children have sensory processing disorder. Many have no other diagnoses or problems. However, S.P.D. is common in children with ADD/ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, pervasive development disorder, and other conditions where signals to the brain are not effectively processed. Premature birth and brain injury also increases the likelihood of S.P.D. Sensory processing disorder is found in all age groups, as well as different population groups.

Diagnosis
To diagnose sensory processing disorder, an evaluation is usually conducted by a qualified occupational or physical therapist. An evaluation normally consists of both standardized testing and observations. These test results and assessment data, along with information from other professionals and parents, are carefully analyzed by the therapist who then makes recommendations about appropriate treatment.

Treatment
Occupational therapists play a key role in the treatment of sensory processing disorder. By providing sensory integration therapy, occupational therapists are able to supply the vital sensory input and experiences that children with S.P.D.need to grow and learn. Also referred to as a "sensory diet," this type of therapy involves a planned and scheduled activity program implemented by an occupational therapist, designed and developed to meet the needs of the child's nervous system. Motor skills training methods, such as adaptive physical education, movement education, and gymnastics, are often used by occupational and physical therapists. Through these experiences. children become more mature and efficient at organizing sensory information.

Prognosis
By providing treatment at an early age, sensory processing disorder may be managed successfully. The ultimate goal is for the individual to be better able to interact with his or her environment in a more successful and adaptive way.