Sensory Integration Dysfunction ( SI, S/I, SID ) - Symptoms

Raising a child with Sensory Integration Dysfunction can be tricky, if not a major challenge. A child with Sensory Integration Dysfunction can show sensitivity to sounds, tastes, textures of clothing, they can have visual overload, and be overwhelmed in almost any environment. Children can exhibit signs of 'auditory defensiveness', aversion to certain foods, dislike of shirts with collars or fabrics of any kind. Sensitive children can become totally unglued and have tantrums when their senses are over-taxed, and emotional responses to situations can limit an entire family's ability to participate in activities they may otherwise enjoy.

For example, a sensitive child with auditory defensiveness is likely to find noisey environments particularly upsetting. The child will clasp his hands over his ears, cry, or have an outright tantrum when the noise level is too loud or too confusing for him to process. Concerts, shows, family gatherings, sporting events, or any other noisey venue will either have to be avoided by the family, the family will have to leave the sensitive child with a sitter, or the family will have to cope with their overwhelmed child. This applies to any situation that requires any 'offensive' sensory input (dining out, events that require formal attire, carnivals, vacations, etc.).

Sensory Integration is defined as follows by the National Institute of Health: "The involuntary process by which the brain assembles a picture of our environment at each moment in time using information from all of our senses. Children with learning disabilities or autism have difficulties with sensory integration."

There are several books that have been written about Sensory Integration. Recommended books include:

The Out-of-Sync Child

Starting Sensory Integration Therapy: Fun Activities That Won't Destroy Your Home

Understanding Sensory Dysfunction: Learning, Development And Sensory Dysfunction In Autism Spectrum Disorders ADHD, Learning Disabilities and Bipolar Disorder

Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Integration Issues

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Learning environments can produce significant challenges when the child reaches school age. A classroom, particularly in early elementary school, is generally noisey, as is the cafeteria and hallways. Children with sensory integration issues often cope better in a small classroom environment, but not necessarily a "self-contained" special education classroom. Children with sensory integration dysfunction are NOT intellectually impaired, aside from any coexisting disabilities, and simply need a controlled, quiet environment.

home schooling a sensitive child can be of great benefit, particularly when the child is young. Parents are able to control the environment and level of stimulation, gradually introducing new experiences until the child can cope with a variety of sensory input. Occupational Therapy for sensory integration can be done regularly at home, with greater frequency than is generally provided in the public school system.

Going to school can help a child cope with more input given that his system has reached a point of accepting the level of stimulation he'll experience in a classroom. Before placing a child with sensory integration dysfunction in a regular classroom environment, it is essential that his needs are understood and that he is not punished or belittled for being unable to cope with stressors. He must have a supportive, reassuring environment. It will be critical to know as much as you can about your child's specific sensitivities to keep school staff informed of the best ways to help manage your child when he reaches a point of overstimulation.

Organizations which may be of additional assistance include:

Kid Foundation
Sensory Integration International
ComeUnity