Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory processing disorder and sensory integration dysfunction occur when children have difficulty processing normal information from their typical senses – sound, sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing, and two hidden senses – proprioceptive (where they are in space) and vestibular (movement). The exact cause is not known, but this is commonly seen in children with autism or Asperger’s disorder as well as other developmental disabilities.

Children with sensory processing disorder and sensory integration dysfunction cannot properly process sensations from the outside world and therefore, have difficulty with even ordinary tasks.

Symptoms can include, but not limited to:

Withdrawing when touched

Oversensitivity to odors

Refusal to eat certain foods due to the feel

Hypersensitivity to certain fabrics

Appearing clumsy

Having difficulty calming oneself

Being overly sensitive to sound and much more.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopment disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.

Types of ADHD

There are three different ways ADHD presents itself, depending on which types of symptoms are strongest in the individual:

Inattentive Type: It is hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines.

Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: The person fidgets and talks a lot. It is hard to sit still for long (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework). Smaller children may run, jump or climb constantly. The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity. Someone who is impulsive may interrupt others a lot, grab things from people, or speak at inappropriate times. It is hard for the person to wait their turn or listen to directions. A person with impulsiveness may have more accidents and injuries than others.

Combined Presentation: Symptoms of the above two types are equally present in the person.