5 to 10% of children have sensory issues.
Sensory experiences include touch, sight, sound, smell, taste, and body awareness. The ongoing relationship between behavior and brain functioning is called sensory integration. The brain is responsible for taking information from your surroundings and processing it so you react to them appropriately. The Diagnostic Manual for Infancy and Early Childhood reports that five to 10 percent of children who display no other problems have difficulties with sensory integration. They are diagnosed as having Sensory Integration Disorder.
Causes
Sensory Integration Disorder is generally diagnosed in young children. Factors that contribute to SID include, premature birth, autism and other developmental disorders, learning disabilities, stress-related disorders and brain injury. This disorder is treatable with occupational therapy, but there are also toys and activities that complement conventional methods. These are chosen based on which sense the child is having difficulty with.
Tactile
Play dough is effective for tactile defensiveness.
Tactile refers to the sense of touch. The brain ineffectively processes input from the skin receptors about touch, pressure, temperature, pain and movement on the skin. Children who experience tactile defensiveness can be overwhelmed by everyday experiences and activities. They may not like textured materials or items, sand, glue or paint that might get them dirty, hugs and kisses, and certain clothing textures. Tactile experiences need to be introduced slowly and gradually as the child is ready to experience them. Items can include feathers, vibrating toys, shaving cream and play dough, and sand and water tables. An equally effective activity is body brushing. A plastic surgical scrub brush is applied with rapid and firm pressure touch to the arms, hands, back, legs and feet.
Vestibular
Vestibular involves the sense of movement and is further broken down into hyposensitive and hypersensitive. A child who is hypersensitive is often fearful of heights, afraid of falling, and dislikes uneven ground, whereas a hyposensitive child craves any possible movement experience, especially fast or spinning. Movement toys include swing sets, trampolines, rocking toys, and scooter boards. The child can also bounce or lie on an exercise ball with the help of an adult to get the vestibular input he/she needs.
Proprioception
Pushing and pulling activities are good for proprioception.
Proprioception involves the sense of the body's position and is also broken down into other groups. A child with proprioceptive dysfunction that is under-responsive appears clumsy, bumps into things often, and moves in a stiff way. An over-responsive child loves to jump and crash, enjoys bear hugs and may be aggressive with other children. Heavy work activities are imperative for this type of disorder. Carrying heavy objects, pushing a wheelbarrow or pulling a wagon, and wearing a weighted vest or heavy backpack are all helpful ideas for the proprioceptive sense. They may also enjoy being sandwiched between two pillows or squished.
Oral
A child with oral dysfunction will also be either hypersensitive or hyposensitive. Oral hypersensitivity includes being a picky eater with extreme food preferences and difficulty with sucking, chewing, or swallowing. Hyposensitivity includes licking, tasting or chewing on inedible objects. The child may also like intensely flavored foods and frequently chew on pens, pencils, or shirt. These are the children who have difficulties with speech, eating, are constantly putting things in their mouth, drooling, or never eating anything besides applesauce and yogurt. Chewy foods such as dried fruit, licorice, and gum give oral input and whistles and straws are inexpensive and easy to use. Have the child blow bubbles or play with a chew tube. Toothbrushes can also be used for the hyposensitive child.
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