Sensory integration dysfunction, a diagnosis proposed by occupational therapist A. Jean Ayres, Ph.D., describes individuals who are unable to process and respond appropriately to sensory stimuli in their environment. Children with sensory processing disorder, as it is more commonly known now, often exhibit clumsiness and inappropriate social behaviors. Occupational therapists typically treat sensory processing disorder with a sensory "diet" -- or a schedule of stimuli to help the child relax and focus.
Step 1
Consult an occupational therapist who has background experience with sensory processing disorder children. Each child has unique patterns of arousal and will need a sensory diet tailored to his particular needs.
Step 2
Keep a journal documenting your child's behavior and responses to sensory stimuli. For instance, how does he respond to touch? Does he have difficulty getting dressed or eating? How does he handle social situations, particularly with other children?
Step 3
With your occupational therapist's help, develop a sensory diet based on your child's behavior. For example, children who have trouble processing vestibular input may benefit from activities like spinning or swinging. When auditory input is the problem, playing white noise or quiet music may help your child to relax.
Step 4
Document your child's progress with the sensory diet. Ask the occupational therapist to help you adjust the diet as your child ages and matures.
Step 5
Make your child's sensory diet a family project. If swinging helps your child to calm down, then sit on the swing set with her. According to the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, therapy should be a joint effort between the therapist and the child's family.
Tips and Warnings
- At the time of publication, sensory integration dysfunction had yet to be recognized as a disorder by the Diagnostic Statistical Manual, or the handbook of psychiatric illness. Contact the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation if you suspect your child has SPD and would like more information about current research and treatment options.
