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SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER IN AUTISM WORKSHOP
Topics: autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, Kern Autism Network, parenting
Originally posted on SWVoice Mon Dec 3, 2007 14:01:16 PST
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Before Jaime Chavarria understood what was happening with her son, she watched as he tried to deal with his sensory overload his own way.

 

“At four years old, we had a mess in the house every day:  behaviors, beating up on his brother, he was out of control,” she said.  “He would ram his body against the door.  What led up to that was his stimulation:  he was overwhelmed.  I did not understand what was wrong.”

 

On November 3 Chavarria presented a workshop on Sensory Processing Disorder for the Kern Autism Network.  Chavarria is the host for the SPD Bakersfield support group and serves on the Executive Committee of The Kid Foundation located in Denver, Colorado.

 

In her search for answers, she read Sensational Kids by Dr. Lucy Jane Miller and Out of Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz which describe Sensory Processing Disorder.

 

“Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a complex disorder of the brain that affects developing children.  Children with SPD misinterpret everyday sensory information, such as touch, sound, and movement.  Depending on which type of SPD a child has, he may feel as if he is overwhelmed with information, he may seek out intense sensory experiences, or he might have other symptoms.  This can lead to behavioral problems, difficulties with coordination, and other issues.  Effective treatment is available, but far too many children with SPD are misdiagnosed and not properly treated.”  (http://www.spdnetwork.org/)

 

Many children with autism may also have a primary SPD which contributes to behavioral and learning problems.  Sensory issues cover a wide range—touch, taste, sound, smell, sight, movement—and trigger a variety of behaviors.

 

“I tried so many things,” Chavarria said.  “It’s taken me seven years to get there.  Now he understands to tell me that, ‘My engine’s running high.’”  Her son can engage in safe physical activity at home to calm himself down.  “His behaviors are almost nonexistent.  He goes to school, he knows what is expected.“

 

Chavarria said the parent must become a detective:  you know your child best; you must determine what the problem is and backtrack to find the cause.  Once you know the cause, you can redirect your child into appropriate behavior.

 

Countdowns (a two-minute warning) and visual timers make transitions easier.  Visual schedules let your child know what to expect during the day.  It’s important for parents to be consistent.

 

For nonverbal children, parents must learn to “read” their child to recognize warning signs and anticipate behavior.  Parents can then redirect their child before a meltdown happens.  But this may take a long time to accomplish.

 

Providing choices and engaging the child in activities are helpful strategies.  At the store he can look at a list and find items, or push the cart.  At home he can put wet clothes in the dryer or pick weeds in the yard.  “Children love games,” said Chavarria.  “Make it fun.”

 

Children need an outlet for their energy and sports work well for this.  “When in doubt, proprioception,” Chavarria said.  “It brings them up and brings them down.”

 

Proprioception is the body’s sense of position in space from joints, muscles and pressure around the body.  Proprioception encompasses movement, compression, or stretching at a joint.  Strategies include pushing hands together, push-and-pull, or tugging on Therabands.

 

Once you know what works well for your child, you must share that information with whoever works with your child—administrators, OTs, mental health professionals, doctors, and educators.  Behavior at home is different from behavior at school.  A child may be good at school but by the time he gets home, he is headed toward a meltdown.

 

“Open communication is crucial for success,” said Chavarria.  “You must have an open mind and teamwork.”

 

For more information about sensory processing disorder, visit www.SPDNetwork.org and www.kidfoundation.org.

 

The Kern Autism Network provides support, awareness, information and education to families, professionals and the public throughout Kern County.  New members are always welcome.  For more information, visit our website at www.kernautism.org.

 

Kern Autism Network

www.kernautism.org
661 588-4235

 

 

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