Many children with learning, behavioral and/or motor coordination problems silently suffer from sensory processing disorder (SPD). This disorder has a high relationship with other disorders such as ADHD, autism and anxiety disorders; but it generally goes unnoticed, since it is not yet described in diagnostic manuals such as the DSM.
What is sensory processing disorder?
This disorder, also known as Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID), was first described by occupational therapist, Dr. Janes Ayres. And it is characterized by a difficulty in interpreting and organizing the information captured by the body’s sensory organs (taste, sight, touch, smell).
The child who suffers from this disorder is a child who has exaggerated reactions, cannot tolerate changes in his daily routine, has behavioral and learning problems, is very restless, is easily scared, has sleep problems, autonomy problems, and hygiene problems. and to make friends.
Signs of inadequate sensory development are often misinterpreted.
Evaluations by occupational therapists specializing in sensory integration reveal that many children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and anxiety disorders are hypersensitive to touch. One study of 2,410 children previously diagnosed with SPD or ADHD found that 60% of the children actually suffered from both disorders and another maintains that at least 1 in 20 children suffer from SPD.
Sensory integration theory
According to the theory of sensory integration, good sensory-motor development is needed to achieve good perceptual and cognitive development. Although this theory takes into consideration all sensory systems, it specifically focuses on 3: tactile system, proprioceptive system, and the vestibular system.
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Touch system
For example, a child who is hypersensitive to touch will often have negative reactions to the harmless touch of a peer who accidentally touches him, or to the effusive gestures of love from his family members. It will be said that the child is unfriendly, surly or aggressive. But the real cause of this behavior is due to his hypersensitivity.
There are also commonly cases in which children are hypo-responsive to proprioceptive stimulation, who demonstrate little fluidity in their movements, due to the poor perception they have of their own body, its position, speed and direction of movement. and the perception of the force generated by the muscles.
proprioceptive system
The child with difficulties in processing proprioceptive sensations will show little fluidity in his movements, due to the poor perception he has of his own body. He is likely to use force disproportionate to certain objects. It will take him a long time to learn to dress and eat on his own. He will also take time to learn unprogrammed motor skills, such as riding a bike, swimming, or playing soccer.
Vestibular System
Some children are especially sensitive to vestibular stimulation and react in an exaggerated way to movement and any displacement of their body axis outside of its verticality. They are excessively cautious and are characterized by their lack of exploration of the environment. They may show a real fear of typical park games such as slides and swings, generally prefer quiet and sedentary games, and will stay away from all rewarding games such as jumping, climbing, running, etc. Additionally, your social relationships may be affected due to your state of tension.
TPS indicators
Babies 0 and 36 months
- Eating or sleeping problems.
- Irritable when being dressed, uncomfortable with his clothes.
- He rarely plays with his toys.
- Resists being picked up; He curves his back when he is picked up.
- He can’t calm himself down.
- Clumsy, not very flexible, stiff body. Delayed in his motor skills.
Preschoolers between 3 and 5 years
- Very sensitive to touch, noises, smells or other sensations or to people.
- He is easily distracted, moves a lot, and is aggressive.
- Difficulty dressing, feeding, sleeping, and/or potty training alone.
- Difficulty making friends.
- Clumsy, weak, low motor skills.
- In constant movement.
- Frequent tantrums, especially when you have to change activities.
Children between 5 and 12 years old.
- Very sensitive to touch, noises, smells or other sensations and/or people.
- He is easily distracted, moves a lot, and is aggressive.
- You become easily overloaded, feeling distressed by circumstances.
- Difficulty writing or performing motor activities.
- Difficulty making friends.
- Indifferent to one’s own pain or that of others.
If you want to expand on this topic, I recommend reading the following sources:
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