Sensory processing disorder - it's real.....

I'm going to apologize in advance, as this post really is out of frustration.

I betting that everyone has been touched by, knows someone, or knows somebody who knows somebody who has autism.  What amazes me, is how little research is done about it. It baffles me that people don't actually take the time to research so they can better understand, and in turn help a someone they love cope.

My son is sensative. He screams when people tickle him, doesn't handle heat or cold well. Imagine sitting in the scorching hot sun, melting. Now imagine that times 2. Imagine the coldest of cold days, wind blowing in your face and a chill through your body the instant you stop outside. Imagine that times 2. That is what it feels like for my son.

When people tickle him, and then tell him he screams like a girl, or find it amusing that he seems to *over react* to what we see as something simple, it irks me.


Sensory processing disorder (http://autism.about.com/od/alternativetreatmens/a/SPDdef.htm)

Many people with autism have sensory processing disorder. That is, they may be hyper-sensitive or under-sensitive to light, noise, and touch. For some people, these differences can be overwhelming, and as a result they are unable to take part in typical community activities. Ball games, movies, even church can feel like torture.
These differences in sensory reactiveness are labeled "sensory processing disorder" or "sensory processing dysfunction," and may be attributable to differences in brain structure. While sensory issues are not a core symptom of autism, they are very common among people with autism. As a result, many children with autism are receiving treatment for sensory issues, known as "sensory integration therapy" or SI therapy.According to the Ayres Clinic (one of the leading specialists in sensory dysfunction and sensory integration therapy), the following are signs that a child may be suffering from sensory issues - and may be aided by sensory integration therapy:

• Overly sensitive to touch, movement, sights, or sounds
• Under reactive to touch, movement, sights, or sounds
• Easily distracted
• Social and/or emotional problems
• Activity level that is unusually high or unusually low
• Physical clumsiness or apparent carelessness
• Impulsive, lacking in self-control
• Difficulty making transitions from one situation to another
• Inability to unwind or calm self
• Poor self concept
• Delays in speech, language, or motor skills
• Delays in academic achievement

Clearly, this list of issues describes many different types of children, including those with Attention Deficit Disorder, learning disabilities, and even simple moodiness. It can also describe many children with autism spectrum disorders.


So, the next you want to call child you just gave a noogie a wuss, or laugh and tell them they scream like a girl. Think again......