LocalMommy.com

Sensory Processing Disorder

17th November, 2008 - Posted by LocalMommy -

Many years ago when our child would be extremely fussy about that sweater or overly upset when things got on their hands we thought they are just being  fussy because they do not want to do what we are asking them to do. But the truth is they now have diagnosed this as a condition called Sensory Processing Disorder. Sensory processing is the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. Sensory processing disorder exists when sensory signals are not organized into an appropriate response when information is received through the senses. It seems nowadays everything has a name or could be a condition. This particular condition supposedly exists in everyone it is just some people react to the point of interfering with everyday life’s activities. It is reported 1 in 20 children have this condition to the point where their emotional, social and educational well being are affected. These responses are the brain telling them something is wrong. It truly can be psychological.  It can be very frustrating for the child and parents. Children may have sensory issues with light or noise also. They may squeeze their fingers real tight alot and be overly sensitive to touch things.  If you see these things in your child ask your pediatrician for an evaluation. There are many effective ways to help children  learn to explore a sensory rich environment. Occupational therapy can help reduce their sensitivity by using various techniques with manipulatives. In older children sometimes just being made aware of why they feel like that is half the battle. Everything is a little easier when you figure out what it is and what you can do to help.

Until next time,

LocalMommy