Whether hyposensitive (needing extra stimuli) or hypersensitive (needing less stimuli), autists battle their senses everyday. The hyposensitive kids can appear rough, clumsy or loud. The hypersensitive kids prefer low volumes, darker areas, and may dislike clothing.
While the five senses get bombarded, the other senses, such as the vestibular system, can be more dysfunctional. If you get carsick, you are well aware of your vestibular system. It detects changes in balance and is closely related to vision. An autist may trip easily because of carpet patterns, or he may fall out of his chair at school if his vestibular system doesn't function well.
Another affected sense, the proprioceptive system, tells our bodies to compensate for changes in our balance and our environment. This system is closely related to fine motor skills and coordination and tells us how far to reach for an object, how hard to squeeze a glass while drinking, and the correct pressure for stroking a pet. An autist may write too hard; grip, squeeze or twist her toys agressively, or talk too loud. She may be unable to make her fingers use scissors, buttons, zippers, or eating utensils. She may know how to ride a bike, but can't get her legs to do the work.
Also on the battlefield is the oral sense, which helps us to blow, suck, whistle, speak, bite, chew, eat and drink.
If your child struggles terribly getting her muscles to do what her mind wants them to, break each activity into baby steps. Your first step might just strengthen the muscles needed for the activity. For example, building hand and finger strength with play dough long before learning to write, can help ensure success. With time, a big dose of patience and practice, you can help your autist build a peace treaty with her senses!
Annie Eskeldson writes for families of very young autists and has 2 published children's books:
Ashi's Gift and the sequel Ashi: In a Class all by Myself. Visit http://www.authorannie.com/ for more details.
Her autist loves gravel, trampolines, swings, water and music; but hates plumbing noises, food and clothes. Ashi could write with a pencil at 6, and at 7, is able to ride her scooter.
Resources:
http://www.incrediblehorizons.com/sensory-integration.htm, http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/proprioceptive-dysfunction.html,http://www.suite101.com/content/proprioceptive-dysfunction-sensory-issues-in-children-with-autism-a331019, http://autism.lifetips.com/cat/66419/sensory-issues-and-autism/index.html, http://autism.healingthresholds.com/therapy/sensory-integration, http://www.beyondplay.com/, http://www.authorannie.com/
Resources:
http://www.incrediblehorizons.com/sensory-integration.htm, http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/proprioceptive-dysfunction.html,http://www.suite101.com/content/proprioceptive-dysfunction-sensory-issues-in-children-with-autism-a331019, http://autism.lifetips.com/cat/66419/sensory-issues-and-autism/index.html, http://autism.healingthresholds.com/therapy/sensory-integration, http://www.beyondplay.com/, http://www.authorannie.com/
sschell73 Added: 31 Mar, 2011 9:16 am
ReplyDeleteI remember that I was sensitive to light and touch before I was diagnosed with AS. delete
jcannaster Added: 30 Mar, 2011 3:46 pm
ReplyDeleteI had sensory issues when I was younger...very true. Very good post! delete
birdakamaude Added: 30 Mar, 2011 3:44 pm
wonderful post! my kids both have sensory issues, some same some very different, its so important for us to recognize these things so we can identify the source of meltdowns and such..thanks for such an informative post! ;) delete
PChallab Added: 01 Apr, 2011 12:53 pm
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Annie! All Definitely valid
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daiel_boyd Added: 31 Mar, 2011 6:03 pm
Annie, I agree! Our boy is 10 years old now, and that was definitely the toughest time for our family! Dealing with all sensory issues :-( delete
Comment by Pavarti Devi 19 hours ago Wonderful, thank you. I have a daughter with PDD-NOS who is 7 and in second grade. Also, I have an audio sensory disorder so I know what you're talking about as a parent and from my own experianse. Thank you for sharing
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GrreaterTots.org Added: 02 Apr, 2011 12:22 am
ReplyDeleteGreat to-the-point explanation of the sensory issues we deal with every day. My autist is 4, and I have a neuro-typical 2 year old ~ our days are ... long ! hah! But ALWAYS adventurous! ;o)) Water is fantastic for us, I love that you included that. We collect water tables for the backyard! And my daughter's favorite ANYTIME is when I plug the bathroom sink and fill it with dry beans. I give her 2 cups and she literally pours the beans back and forth for hours.
Claire_radley Added: 04 Apr, 2011 1:13 pm
ReplyDeleteDealt with this when our baby was diagnosed 8 years back...glad those days are behind us, but willing to help anyone. Please message me privately. great post Annie! delete
Michelley Added: 03 Apr, 2011 10:40 pm
Super informative post...thank you ! delete
MysonJACKSON Added: 07 Apr, 2011 11:52 am
ReplyDeleteGreat post... delete
Rebecca_mom_of_2 Added: 06 Apr, 2011 1:40 pm
Couldn't have said it any better myself, Annie...:-) delete
jason_halloway Added: 05 Apr, 2011 6:57 pm
Reading and Learning...thank you for this post delete