Sensory Integration
Dysfunction Symptoms:
What You Must Know!

Tactile: the sense of touch; input from the skin receptors about touch, pressure, temperature, pain and movement of the hairs on the skin.

Vestibular: the sense of movement; input from the inner ear about equilibrium, gravitational changes, movement experiences and position in space.

Proprioception: the sense of "position"; input from the muscles and joints about body position, weight, pressure, stretch, movement and changes in position.

Auditory: input relating to sounds; one's ability to correctly perceive, discriminate, process and respond to sounds

Oral: input relating to the mouth; one's ability to correctly perceive, discriminate, process and respond to input within the mouth

Olfactory: input relating to smell; one's ability to correctly perceive, discriminate, process and respond to different odors.

Visual: input relating to sight; one's ability to correctly perceive, discriminate, process and respond to what one sees.

Since we are talking about input into the senses, it is those senses which must be looked at carefully and which will be affected. It is a careful observer (the one I wish for in every child's life!) who will pay close attention to which senses are affected and the frequency, duration, and intensity of these sensory integration dysfunction symptoms.

As I have said, we all have some types of sensory preferences and perhaps even a mild case of "dysfunction". However, it is the frequency, intensity, duration and functional impact of these symptoms which determines dysfunction.

If you personally know, have a child, or observe a child with a sensory integration/sensory processing disorder, I guarantee you will observe particular "behavioral indicators" which will make the "diagnosis" a plausible, possible, and real consideration or explanation.

As with any diagnosis, the key is finding the correct one so proper treatment can begin (by the way, this is about 80% of the reason I have chosen to dedicate my time and energy to this website!).

A Sensory Processing/Sensory Integration Disorder is certainly not the easiest diagnosis for an "untrained eye" to make!

Through no fault of their own, many pediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists and other professionals have not been properly educated on the causes, signs and symptoms of this disorder. Therefore, they may mistakenly dismiss parental concerns, give them the wrong advice, or misdiagnose the child. This, in turn, may cause professionals to put a child on unnecessary medication or into treatment (or lack of treatment) that will not help them deal with the real underlying issue! My wish is that this will stop!

Since I can not magically and instantly educate everyone who needs to be, then it must begin here... just you and me! Together, we can spread the word, ok? Are you on board with me? (know that this would please me to no end!).

Alright, no pressure, truly. You don't have to decide now and there is no guilt if you don't want to climb on board, trust me! But, how about a deal... you keep reading through my site, as well as other sites, and talk to professionals educated on this subject, THEN decide.

It's ok, I'll wait for you... because I am that passionate about helping these children! I will give you the tools and education you need and you can choose whatever you want to do with them, it is up to you and you only. I certainly respect that!

So, for now, let me get you started. There are three things that MUST be clear to you and I want to make sure you understand them...

First, a Sensory Integration Disorder is a neurological disorder; not a spoiled child, a product of bad parenting, ADD, ADHD, defiant child or a mental illness! Although, it is important to note, any of these could co-exist with a sensory processing disorder.

Second, we are talking about reactions to specific sensory input. It is about how this input is taken in, organized, and utilized to interpret one's environment and make the body ready to learn, move, regulate energy levels and emotions, interact, and develop properly.

And third, when sensory integration dysfunction symptoms appear, the must be taken seriously as early as possible and treated properly by a knowledgeable professional!

I will briefly explain these sensory integration dysfunction symptoms below, but you should also check out an extensive, invaluable, printable SPD Symptom Checklist which can be found within this site. DON'T MISS IT!

I promise it will truly be worth your time! If you are serious about identifying and understanding children with this disorder, the checklist will be an absolutely essential tool to get you started!

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Sensory Integration Dysfunction Symptoms: What You Must Know!

Sensory Integration
Dysfunction Symptoms:
What You Must Know!