ADHD, Autistic or Sensory Processing Disorder?

My grandson's third therapist told his parents that he was not ADHD or Autistic but rather has a Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Since he flapped his hands, walked on his tip-toes, covered his ears when in noisy places, and even hit his head on the wall, we can understand how it was misdiagnosed. The therapist further stated that many children are misdiagnosed.  Children who are under or over-processing stimuli may appear ADHD or autistic. Perhaps a second opinion should be sought before a child is put on medicine when Occupational Therapy may be the answer, especially if you are having doubts about a diagnosis or your child is not improving. A study suggests that one in every six children has sensory issues that impede their daily functioning, socialization and learning.

  
WHAT IS SENSORY INTEGRATION?

Tangle Relax Therapy

Sensory integration is the process by which information from our senses (touch, sight, hearing, taste, smell, as well as balance) is interpreted by the brain so that we can respond appropriately to our environment. 

SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER is defined  as a neurological disorder causing difficulties with taking in, processing, and responding to sensory information about the environment and from within the body (visual, auditory, tactile, olfaction, gustatory, vestibular, and proprioception). For some children with SPD, information reaching the senses often feels like an assault of competing stimuli. 

SENSORY PROCESSING FOR PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS states: "Sensory Processing Disorders develop when sensory information is not adequately processed. This happens especially with the sensory information generated by touch, movement and body posture. We are not sufficiently aware of our body or our movements. As a result, many activities go wrong, are carried out too slowly or illogically. We see that in children who do not pay enough attention when carrying out certain activities. Sometimes these children become hyperactive, or the reverse, very quiet, anxious, withdrawn or dreamy.  

"Whenever sensory processing does not function right, this often causes additional problems for children who are hyperactive, anxious, clumsy or  highly sensitive. This also applies to children with DCD, an allergy, ADHD, PDD-NOS, autism, Asperger Syndrome, Down Syndrome, as well as children with a motor handicap, a mental or intelligent handicap. Small infants , teens and adults can also suffer from SPD. For example, infants who cry most of the time or are easily distressed."

Ball Hopper

The SPD FOUNDATION, a treasure of information, states: "One person with SPD may over-respond to sensation and find clothing, physical contact, light, sound, food, or other sensory input to be unbearable. Another might under-respond and show little or no reaction to stimulation, even pain or extreme hot and cold. In children whose sensory processing of messages from the muscles and joints is impaired, posture and motor skills can be affected. These are the floppy babies who worry new parents and the kids who get called klutz and spaz on the playground. Still other children exhibit an appetite for sensation that is in perpetual overdrive. These kids often are misdiagnosed - and inappropriately medicated - for ADHD."

Tactile Tiger Hand Fidget

OT FOR CHILDREN

Occupational therapy for SPD in children is fun! "During sensory-based OT sessions, the therapist and your child interact in a sensory-rich environment with lots of swinging, spinning, tactile, visual, auditory, and taste opportunities that seem to a child more like a giant playground than a therapy center. Sessions are subtly structured so your child is challenged but always successful in completing each activity. When OT is effective, children improve their ability to accurately detect, regulate, interpret, and execute appropriate motor and behavioral responses to sensations so they are able to perform everyday occupations in a functional manner. These occupations include playing with friends, enjoying school or work, completing daily routines such as eating, dressing, sleeping, and enjoying a typical family life."

MORE RESOURCES:

• Sensory Checklist from Raising a Sensory Smart Child by Biel & Peske
• Sensory Processing Disorder Checklist from the SPD Foundation
• Diagnosing the Wrong Deficit (sleep disorders) 
• 10 Art Projects for Kids with Sensory Issues 
• Symptom Checklist: ADHD in Children
• Is it SPD or ADHD? 
• Free online ADHD diagnostic test
• Sensory Smart Parent
• Make Your Own Therapy Tools and Toys  
• Understanding SPD – Live a Sensory Life
• Facebook: Sensory Parents and Sensory Parents Safe Place to Talk

 

Massage Roll

My daughter has sensory issues and says things like, "I don't know" if I ask her if the water is too hot or too cold. She has trouble balancing on a bike and prefers riding in the car in the backseat rather than the front seat which seems to bombard her with too much stimuli. My grandson has made great progress with therapy including therapeutic horseback riding lessons. Finding the right diagnosis at a young age can help your child receive the proper treatment and have a brighter future.



     

Would you like inexpensive ideas, activities, and games to teach your child through play - the SENSORY way? Mommy with Selective Memory and I can help save your sanity, one project at a time, with The Happy Mommy Handbook: The Ultimate How-to Guide on Keeping Your Toddlers and Preschoolers Busy, Out of Trouble and Motivated to Learn. Or perhaps you'd like a glimpse into Kindergarten. Both are bestsellers and also available on Barnes & Noble and Kobo.

 

Do you have some more resources or tips to add?

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