In my recent posts, about Sensory Processing, I discussed what I had learned from my OT colleagues about Sensory Processing Disorder. At one inservice our resident OT taught us a valuable lesson, helping us to understand Sensory Processing. She had put the rough side of sticky velcro on our, the participants, shirt tags. She told us, “I just wanted you to see how children who are sensitive to touch feel about the tags in their shirts. This is how irritating it is to them, like the rough side of velcro rubbing against their neck.”
In another post I wrote about a subsequent inservice given by this OT. She had all the participants put on gloves and then do simple tasks, like buttoning our shirts, zipping our zippers, writing, or reading a book. She explained to us that many children with Sensory Processing issues feel as if they are moving through their day with gloves on their hands, causing them a tremendous amount of frustration.
According to the SPD Foundation: “Children with Sensory Processing Disorder often have problems with motor skills and other abilities needed for school success and childhood accomplishments. As a result, they often become socially isolated and suffer from low self-esteem and other social/emotional issues.
These difficulties put children with SPD at high risk for many emotional, social, and educational problems, including the inability to make friends or be a part of a group, poor self-concept, academic failure, and being labeled clumsy, uncooperative, belligerent, disruptive, or “out of control.” Anxiety, depression, aggression, or other behavior problems can follow. Parents may be blamed for their children’s behavior by people who are unaware of the child’s “hidden handicap.”
Effective treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder is available, but far too many children with sensory symptoms are misdiagnosed and not properly treated. Untreated SPD that persists into adulthood can affect an individual’s ability to succeed in marriage, work, and social environments.”
Do you want to learn more about Sensory Processing and how it may be effecting your child?
Come and hear A+ Solution’s talented Occupational Therapist, Aliza Feldman, OTR, speak about:
Understanding Sensory Processing In Young Children
You can sign up here:
Understanding Sensory Processing In Young Children
References:
Information retrieved on 12/3/14 from http://spdfoundation.net/about-sensory-processing-disorder.html