Six primary sub-types of SPD, typically noted in those with Autism:
SENSORY SEEKING: displays an insatiable desire for sensory input - tend to be constantly jumping, touching, bumping.
SENSORY OVER-RESPONSITIVITY: feel sensation too easily or too intensly and may be in a constant state of "fight or flight" in response to unexpected touch or loud noises; responses may include withdrawl, putting hands over ears or "melt down".
SENSORY UNDER-RESPONSITIVITY: appears withdrawn, difficult to engage and/or self absorbed due to lack of detection of sensory input in their environmemt; under-responsitivity to touch and deep pressure may lead to poor body awareness and inability to feel pain.
POSTURAL CONTROL DISORDER: difficulty stabilizing body during movement, has low muscle tone, weakness, poor endurance and may experience difficulty using both hands together or crossing mid line.
DYSPRAXIA/MOTOR PLANNING: due to difficulties processing sensory information properly, may experience difficulty forming goals and ideas, planning sequence of actions or performing new motor tasks.
SENSORY DISCRIMINATION DISORDER: interpreting sensory information accurately is an issue, resulting in confusion of touch, sounds, etc.
Q: What is vestibular processing?
A: Muscle tone, as well as postural control and stability, is related to the vestibular system. The vestibular system contributes to one's ability to move and hold postures against gravity. It is directly related to our ability to develop neck control and eye movements. Vestibular functioning also enables one to develop adequate balance and equalibrium reactions and skills.
Q: What is proprioceptive processing?
A: The proprioception system receives information from bones, joints, tendons, muscles and skin enabling us to have a sense of self - where we are in time and space.
Q: What is Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
A: Autism or ASD is a complex developmental disability that generally appears between the ages of 15 and 20 months of age. In most cases the child is progressing normally, and then begins to regress, losing speech, social skills and physical abilities. While there are varying degrees of severity on the autism spectrum, most children completely withdraw into a world of their own. ASD is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interactions, and leisure and play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. Persons with ASD may exhibit repeated body movements, unusual responses to people, or attachments to objects and resistance to changes in routines.
Early diagnosis and intervention is key. Each child will require years of speech, physical, occupational and ABA therapy. (Most of which is not covered by insurance.) Current studies show that 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with ASD, 94 of them will be boys. The cause for this neurological disorder is unknown, and there is no known cure.
