Sensory Processing Disorder Infomation and Resources for Educators & Parents
by Erin Kelly Allshouse

SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER or SPD (also knowon as Sensory Integration Dysfunction or SID) is a complex neurological disorder of the brain affecting one in 20 developing children. Children with SPD interpret everyday sensory information in a vastly different manner than how a child without this condition would experience the same thing. Depending on which type of SPD a child has, he may feel as if he is overwhelmed with information; seek out intense sensory experiences, or might have other symptoms. Behavior problems can result because sensory messages are not processed and integrated accurately and efficiently, but also can be so subtle that they easily and often go unrecognized or misdiagnosed.

SPD typically manifests in either timid or aggressive behavior, and usually begins to surface by age two or sometimes sooner, experts say. It often impedes basic functions, particularly those involving touch. Tactile defensiveness frequently culminates in tantrums from being touched, tapped or bumped, causing these kids to react very defensively. Behaviors which can be associated with tactile defensiveness are aggressiveness, avoidance, withdrawal, and intolerance of daily routines. Combing or shampooing hair, brushing teeth, or cutting fingernails can be exhausting and difficult for families of children who react defensively. Below are some typical behaviors associated with SPD:

• Takes excessive risks
• Jumps and crashes into things
• Dislikes being touched – or conversely, just can be touched enough
• Dislikes sudden loud noises, like fireworks, or the sound of a vacuum cleaner or hairdryer, etc.
• Cannot cope with crowded stores and places, so much so, major meltdowns are common, often resulting in the family having to leaveound and leave

These are just a few of responses common to children who may have Sensory Processing Disorder. Because of the complexity of the various areas which are dependent upon and interact with each other as well as the child's own personality and environment, it is not possible to list all the symptoms. However you can read the entire article in Volume 1, issue 1 of INSPIRED PARENTING magazine, (available from our online store).

Meantime, the following additional information has been provided for educators who may suspect they have a child with sensory processing issues in their class.

Sensory Processing Disorder for the Educator

Introduction
Sensory processing disorders can cause children difficulties as they interact with their environments throughout the day. School is no exception. Many children with sensory processing disorders have difficulties in school because their disorders are not completely understood by educators. Fortunately, there are things educators can do to help support students with sensory processing disorder. Read on to learn how to support children with sensory processing disorder.

Instructions:

Step One: Read as much as you can about the type of sensory processing disorder the child has. Interventions depend on what sense is involved and whether the child is over-responsive or under-responsive.

Step Two: Discuss interventions with other professionals and parents. Meet with the child's parents to discuss what interventions work at home. Visit with an occupational therapist to learn about intervention strategies.

Step Three: Recognize that the child needs extra support in the classroom or behaviors will get worse. The extra support isn't viewed as a crutch, but is viewed as an aid.

Step Four: Plan ahead for situations that you know may cause discomfort for the child. Whenever you're doing something different with your class, anticipate how the child may react.

Step Five: Communicate with the child's other teachers about things that are working in your classroom. Interventions need to be consistent across environments.

Step Six: Reward the child for small steps. Sitting in a chair for five minutes may be a huge step for a child with vestibular dysfunction.

Step Seven: Recognize that sensory processing disorder may affect the child's interactions with peers. Brief social skill lessons may help the child be more socially adept.

Tips & Warnings:

• Go to workshops to learn more about intervention strategies.
• Don't take behavior personally. For example, children who can't sit still may not be bored with your lesson, but they may have a high need for input.

To find out more about Sensory Processing Disorder see the following resources and websites:

The Sensory Processing Disorder Resource Center - http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/
The Sensory Processing Disorder Network - http://www.sinetwork.org/
S.I. FOCUS – The international magazine dedicated to improving sensory integration - http://www.sifocus.com/
See/Hear Newsletter – http://www.tsbvi.edu/Outreach/seehear/fall97/sensory.htm
The Out of Sync Child - http://www.out-of-sync-child.com/
Sensory Resources - http://www.sensoryresources.com/index.asp
Apraxia-Kids -The Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA) - http://www.apraxia-kids.org/site/c.chKMI0PIIsE/b.700249/k.6901/ApraxiaKIDS_a_program_of_The_Childhood_Apraxia_of_Speech_Association/apps/lk/content3.aspx
Children’s Academy for Neurodevelopment & Learning - http://www.kidscanlearn.net/tactile.htm (for an article on
Tactile Defensiveness: Overly Sensitive to Touch).

To read Erin Kelly Allshouse's review of the book The Out of Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz, MA, with a new preface by Lucy Jane Miller, PhD, OTR, click here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Erin Kelly-Allshouse is Deputy Editor of Inspired Parenting Magazine, a freelance journalist and mother to Trevor, aged 4.