Little Pickel has a hypersensitive auditory sense. Good and Bad.
Good: He hears everything.
Bad: He hears everything.
He hears everything. He hears everything you say, do, and I swear he hears everything you think. He can hear a train 10 miles away, an airplane that he can't even see, a bug buzzing in the next room.
So, why can't he hear everything that is said about him?
Hmmm...
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Hypersensitive Auditory Issues
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Summer School for Preschool?
Little Pickel's teacher asked me to come in yesterday and sign some summer school papers...Summer School papers???? I didn't know there was summer school for preschool. Apparently he is showing decreasing expressive language and fine motor skills as well as continuing issues with transitions. (It takes him more than 30 days to transition completely from a break like Winter Break or Sprin Break and get back into the groove of things.)
So, she wants him to be in summer school and get year round schooling. I, of course, am all for it because I have always known he needs extra help...that is why he is in the Early Childhood Program. But, is this indicative of a regression?
Is he always going to be left behind?
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Fine Motor Skills and Sensory Integration Dysfunction
One of the most common Autism Symptoms is uneven gross and fine motor skills. But, it can also be a sign of Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID), which according to Wikipedia is "is a neurological disorder causing difficulties with processing information from the five classic sensesvision, auditory, touch, olfaction, and taste), the sense of movement (vestibular system), and/or the positional sense (proprioception)".
Because Little Pickel was not exposed to the five senses on a consistent basis when he as in the orphanage he has SID. This was extremely difficult for us to manage at first because we did not know what we were dealing with.
Taken from the "Out of Sync Child" by Carol Stock Kranowitz http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-processing-disorder-checklist.html
TACTILE SENSE: input from the skin receptors about touch, pressure,temperature, pain, and movement of the hairs on the skin. (
Because Little Pickel was not exposed to the five senses on a consistent basis when he as in the orphanage he has SID. This was extremely difficult for us to manage at first because we did not know what we were dealing with.
Taken from the "Out of Sync Child" by Carol Stock Kranowitz http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-processing-disorder-checklist.html
TACTILE SENSE: input from the skin receptors about touch, pressure,temperature, pain, and movement of the hairs on the skin. (
SIGNS OF TACTILE DYSFUNCTION:
1. HYPERSENSITIVITY TO TOUCH (tactile defensiveness):
__ becomes fearful, anxious or aggressive with light or unexpected touch
__ as an infant, did/does not like to be held or cuddled; may arch back, cry, and pull away
__ distressed when diaper is being, or needs to be, changed
__ appears fearful of, or avoids standing in close proximity to other people or peers (especially in lines)
__ becomes frightened when touched from behind or by someone/something they can not see (such as under a blanket)
__ complains about having hair brushed; may be very picky about using a particular brush
__ bothered by rough bed sheets (i.e., if old and "bumpy")
__ avoids group situations for fear of the unexpected touch
__ resists friendly or affectionate touch from anyone besides parents or siblings (and sometimes them too!)
__ dislikes kisses, will "wipe off" place where kissed
__ prefers hugs
__ a raindrop, water from the shower, or wind blowing on the skin may feel like torture and produce adverse and avoidance reactions
__ may overreact to minor cuts, scrapes, and or bug bites
__ avoids touching certain textures of material (blankets, rugs, stuffed animals)
__ refuses to wear new or stiff clothes, clothes with rough textures, turtlenecks, jeans, hats, or belts, etc.
__ avoids using hands for play
__ avoids/dislikes/aversive to "messy play", i.e., sand, mud, water, glue, glitter, playdoh, slime, shaving cream/funny foam etc.
__ will be distressed by dirty hands and want to wipe or wash them frequently
__ excessively ticklish
__ distressed by seams in socks and may refuse to wear them
__ distressed by clothes rubbing on skin; may want to wear shorts and short sleeves year round, toddlers may prefer to be naked and pull diapers and clothes off constantly
__ or, may want to wear long sleeve shirts and long pants year round to avoid having skin exposed
__ distressed about having face washed
__ distressed about having hair, toenails, or fingernails cut
__ resists brushing teeth and is extremely fearful of the dentist
__ is a picky eater, only eating certain tastes and textures; mixed textures tend to be avoided as well as hot or cold foods; resists trying new foods
__ may refuse to walk barefoot on grass or sand
__ may walk on toes only
2. HYPOSENSITIVITY TO TOUCH (under-responsive):
__ may crave touch, needs to touch everything and everyone
__ is not aware of being touched/bumped unless done with extreme force or intensity
__ is not bothered by injuries,like cuts and bruises, and shows no distress with shots (may even say they love getting shots!)
__ may not be aware that hands or face are dirty or feel his/her nose running
__ may be self-abusive; pinching, biting, or banging his own head
__ mouths objects excessively
__ frequently hurts other children or pets while playing
__ repeatedly touches surfaces or objects that are soothing (i.e., blanket)
__ seeks out surfaces and textures that provide strong tactile feedback
__ thoroughly enjoys and seeks out messy play
__ craves vibrating or strong sensory input
__ has a preference and craving for excessively spicy, sweet, sour, or salty foods
Little Pickel is both Hypo and Hyper Sensitive to touch. What is interesting about Little Pickel is that many of the items highlighted in purple are contradictory...which makes him such a mystery. When he first came home we had night time episodes wherein he would be awake and crying until 4 am only to realize that his pajamas were too itchy.
Little Pickel is what one would call a "crasher". He seeks out tactile input by crashing into things to get deep pressure. We have solved most of this problem by providing him with this tactile input during the day and at night. He wears what is called a "Bear Hug" vest during the day when he is over stimulated and he uses a weighted blanket at night to calm him. We also use vibrating mouthing pieces like oral motor Jigglers, Stinky and Fatso and pressure chewies like P's and Q's.
The oral motor issues were significant, as Little Pickel did not know how to chew and also had a very high oral tactile aversion. He could not tolerate anything in his mouth that was not smooth and so he ate baby food for almost a full year. His tactile aversion was so severe that he would find every chunky piece of fruit in yogurt and spit it out. He would, however, eat crunchy foods by breaking them with his front teeth and them mashing them with his tongue and the roof of his mouth. He would allow it to soak there until it was soft enough to swallow. (Don't we wish we knew this when we gave him Chicken McNuggets in Moscow???)
3. POOR TACTILE PERCEPTION AND DISCRIMINATION:
Little Pickel is both Hypo and Hyper Sensitive to touch. What is interesting about Little Pickel is that many of the items highlighted in purple are contradictory...which makes him such a mystery. When he first came home we had night time episodes wherein he would be awake and crying until 4 am only to realize that his pajamas were too itchy.
Little Pickel is what one would call a "crasher". He seeks out tactile input by crashing into things to get deep pressure. We have solved most of this problem by providing him with this tactile input during the day and at night. He wears what is called a "Bear Hug" vest during the day when he is over stimulated and he uses a weighted blanket at night to calm him. We also use vibrating mouthing pieces like oral motor Jigglers, Stinky and Fatso and pressure chewies like P's and Q's.
The oral motor issues were significant, as Little Pickel did not know how to chew and also had a very high oral tactile aversion. He could not tolerate anything in his mouth that was not smooth and so he ate baby food for almost a full year. His tactile aversion was so severe that he would find every chunky piece of fruit in yogurt and spit it out. He would, however, eat crunchy foods by breaking them with his front teeth and them mashing them with his tongue and the roof of his mouth. He would allow it to soak there until it was soft enough to swallow. (Don't we wish we knew this when we gave him Chicken McNuggets in Moscow???)
3. POOR TACTILE PERCEPTION AND DISCRIMINATION:
__ has difficulty with fine motor tasks such as buttoning, zipping, and fastening clothes
__ may not be able to identify which part of their body was touched if they were not looking
__ may be afraid of the dark
__ may be a messy dresser; looks disheveled, does not notice pants are twisted, shirt is half untucked, shoes are untied, one pant leg is up and one is down, etc.
__ has difficulty using scissors, crayons, or silverware
__ continues to mouth objects to explore them even after age two
__ has difficulty figuring out physical characteristics of objects; shape, size, texture, temperature, weight, etc.
__ may not be able to identify objects by feel, uses vision to help; such as, reaching into backpack or desk to retrieve an item
At the age of 4, Little Pickel still struggles with Fine Motor Skills, particularly because of his Tactile discrimination. He gets Occupational Therapy every day at his Early Childhood Preschool and we work on activities all the time at home. However, he is continually resistant to using his hands to do things.
For example, this morning (and the reason for this post), I asked him to get dressed by himself. It resulted in a screaming session. He stood in front of me, stark naked and pitched a fit, a car in each hand. I asked him to put the car down to put his underwear on. He threw it at me in protest. He used one hand to try to put on his underwear, his pants, and his shirt, screaming "Help Me" the entire time...never putting down the car that he just had to pick up. By the time he got to his socks he had finally calmed down (realizing he could do it) and sat on my lap. He clumsily maneuvered his socks on, sauntered out of the bathroom with his zipper down, and found another car.
An excellent site for toys and sensory equipment is Southpaw Enterprises.
In my opinion, they have the most effective blankets and vests, as they are evenly weighted. Their customer service is also top-notch. Many of the items listed on the site you can find at regular toy stores for better prices but don't skimp on things like vests, swings/suspensions, and chewies.
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No Fear, the Vestibular FUNction
Again, Little Pickel is a study in contrast. He has absolutely no fear when it comes to spinning, climbing, sliding, swimming, jumping, you name it. But, when you place him on a swing he will scream bloody murder!
The vestibular function refers to the inner ear that detects movement. Autistic children, children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, or children with Sensory Integration Dysfunction can function in two ways...they can seek movement or shy away from it.
Typically there are two extremes: children who have trouble learning to walk, climb stairs, and appear clumbsy and children who are in constant motion...whirling, twirling, spinning.
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Water Tables
Now that spring is upon us I decided to categorize a little so that I can focus! I have a little Spring Fever. :)
On Tuesdays I will be highlighting some great new sensory toys on the market (or the best old ones that everyone should have).
Every kid loves water and every kid loves sand...why not combine the sensory input?
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Thursday, June 7, 2007
New York Times and Sensory Integration
A great story on Sensory Integration...its about time the nation gets caught up, right? But I am sure that won't happen...
It was a California occupational therapist and psychologist named A. Jean Ayres who, in a widely read 1972 book, first argued that sensory problems were more than symptoms of other disorders. They were the primary cause of many motor and behavioral problems, she argued, and far more common than doctors recognized.
Pediatricians, psychiatrists and psychologists mostly ignored Dr. Ayres’s message at the time, and most do so today. Occupational therapists are not M.D.’s, many don’t have Ph.D.’s, and they have little voice in mainstream medicine. But increasing numbers of parents have been listening, particularly in the last few years. To explain why, they usually point to their own children.
“All I know is that when I heard a loud sound in first grade, I hid under my desk,” said Matthew Pougnet, who just finished third grade and lives in Denver with his parents and two brothers.
A capable student who seemed unable to relax, Matthew soon was told he had attention deficit disorder and was given a prescription for the stimulant drug Ritalin. “It made no difference at all,” his father, Antony Pougnet, said in an interview.
Convinced there was more to it than that, the Pougnets found their way to the Sensory Therapies and Research Center near Denver, a clinic devoted to treatment and study of sensory problems in children and adults. The center’s director, Lucy J. Miller, an occupational therapist, is the country’s leading research scientist specializing in sensory processing disorder. She assembled the petition that was sent to the American Psychiatric Association, and she has been working to develop the first manual-based standards for diagnosis and treatment of sensory problems to be used for research.
For a child particularly sensitive to certain sensations, Dr. Miller said, the first step in treatment is simply to make the parents aware of what is causing many of the disruptive behaviors. “This is a very important step in itself, because it means that the family now understands the cause of the behaviors, and the extended family too, so it gives the child a community that is looking out for these sensitivities,” she said.
Occupational therapists’ child clinics typically look like indoor jungle gyms, with an assortment of swings, mats, blow-up balance balls, blocks and other toys. And the therapy itself, usually given in hourlong sessions that meet once or twice a week, looks a lot like one-on-one playtime.
But it is playtime with a purpose. If you calm an over-aroused child, the theory goes, by using low lighting, gentle touch and rocking movements, then he or she will be better able to handle the sensations that are upsetting — sudden, sharp noises, for example — when they are presented gradually. Being absorbed in a game can also blunt a child’s response to the dreaded sensations.
For children who seem undersensitive, the approach is reversed: Get them lifting, pushing, pulling — working — until they gradually become more alert to the feel of their body and its surroundings.
“You are playing with them with a very specific goal: to get them back into the classroom more organized, more settled, so they can learn,” said Debra Fisher, an occupational therapist who works at the Manhattan School for Children.
Watching this therapy, many parents say, it is hard not to wonder whether another half-hour of recess would not be just as good and far cheaper. And some techniques intended to help treat sensory problems for which occupational therapists are best known, like brushing children’s limbs with a soft brush, or spinning them, have no proven benefits, researchers say.
But parents who have good experiences with occupational therapy say that over time, and usually within months, the techniques somehow teach their children how to better manage their behavior in ways that regular playtime had not. The youngsters may still tense when touched or hug others too tightly, for instance, but they stop tackling classmates. Matthew Pougnet still hates the sound of fire alarm drills, but he no longer ducks for cover.
At a national conference in Denver in May held by the SPD Foundation, which promotes education and research on sensory processing problems and supports Dr. Miller’s clinic, hundreds of parents and therapists, and some children, traded stories of frustration, breakthroughs and hope. It had the feel of a revival meeting.
Read the rest of the story at New York Times:
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Tactile Defensiveness
Tactile system "plays a major role in determining the physical, mental, and emotional being" (Kranowitz) thus it is one of the most important senses. Every human needs touch and contact. Without it we become lost, desensitized, unorganized, non functioning.
The root cause is neurological dysorganization in the midbrain region of the brain which is largely responsible for filtering incoming stimuli, and, may not adequately screen out all extraneous tactile stimulation causing the child to perceive the input as extreme and uncomfortable. The central nervous system ability to process tactile sensory input is distorted causing the child great discomfort. Their brain may register even the most subtle sensations as extreme irritation or even painful and he may respond in an abnormally reactive way such as grimacing or pulling away from the stimulus.
The central nervous system must rely on five sensory nerve receptors in the skin to keep it informed about its environment. These receptors are; light touch (surface), pressure (deep), temperature (hot & cold) and pain. It is quite possible for one type of receptor to be sensitive and the other normalized. This explains why he may tolerate light touches, but dislike firm hugs; or hate tags and hair cuts. 
SIGNS OF TACTILE DYSFUNCTION:
1. HYPERSENSITIVITY TO TOUCH (tactile defensiveness):
__ becomes fearful, anxious or aggressive with light or unexpected touch
__ as an infant, did/does not like to be held or cuddled; may arch back, cry, and pull away
__ distressed when diaper is being, or needs to be, changed
__ appears fearful of, or avoids standing in close proximity to other people or peers (especially in lines)
__ becomes frightened when touched from behind or by someone/something they can not see (such as under a blanket)
__ complains about having hair brushed; may be very picky about using a particular brush
__ bothered by rough bed sheets (i.e., if old and "bumpy")
__ avoids group situations for fear of the unexpected touch
__ resists friendly or affectionate touch from anyone besides parents or siblings (and sometimes them too!)
__ dislikes kisses, will "wipe off" place where kissed
__ prefers hugs
__ a raindrop, water from the shower, or wind blowing on the skin may feel like torture and produce adverse and avoidance reactions
__ may overreact to minor cuts, scrapes, and or bug bites
__ avoids touching certain textures of material (blankets, rugs, stuffed animals)
__ refuses to wear new or stiff clothes, clothes with rough textures, turtlenecks, jeans, hats, or belts, etc.
__ avoids using hands for play
__ avoids/dislikes/aversive to "messy play", i.e., sand, mud, water, glue, glitter, playdoh, slime, shaving cream/funny foam etc.
__ will be distressed by dirty hands and want to wipe or wash them frequently
__ excessively ticklish
__ distressed by seams in socks and may refuse to wear them
__ distressed by clothes rubbing on skin; may want to wear shorts and short sleeves year round, toddlers may prefer to be naked and pull diapers and clothes off constantly
__ or, may want to wear long sleeve shirts and long pants year round to avoid having skin exposed
__ distressed about having face washed
__ distressed about having hair, toenails, or fingernails cut
__ resists brushing teeth and is extremely fearful of the dentist
__ is a picky eater, only eating certain tastes and textures; mixed textures tend to be avoided as well as hot or cold foods; resists trying new foods
__ may refuse to walk barefoot on grass or sand
__ may walk on toes only
2. HYPOSENSITIVITY TO TOUCH (under-responsive):
__ may crave touch, needs to touch everything and everyone
__ is not aware of being touched/bumped unless done with extreme force or intensity
__ is not bothered by injuries,like cuts and bruises, and shows no distress with shots (may even say they love getting shots!)
__ may not be aware that hands or face are dirty or feel his/her nose running
__ may be self-abusive; pinching, biting, or banging his own head
__ mouths objects excessively
__ frequently hurts other children or pets while playing
__ repeatedly touches surfaces or objects that are soothing (i.e., blanket)
__ seeks out surfaces and textures that provide strong tactile feedback
__ thoroughly enjoys and seeks out messy play
__ craves vibrating or strong sensory input
__ has a preference and craving for excessively spicy, sweet, sour, or salty foods
3. POOR TACTILE PERCEPTION AND DISCRIMINATION:
__ has difficulty with fine motor tasks such as buttoning, zipping, and fastening clothes
__ may not be able to identify which part of their body was touched if they were not looking
__ may be afraid of the dark
__ may be a messy dresser; looks disheveled, does not notice pants are twisted, shirt is half untucked, shoes are untied, one pant leg is up and one is down, etc.
__ has difficulty using scissors, crayons, or silverware
__ continues to mouth objects to explore them even after age two
__ has difficulty figuring out physical characteristics of objects; shape, size, texture, temperature, weight, etc.
__ may not be able to identify objects by feel, uses vision to help; such as, reaching into backpack or desk to retrieve an item
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