Hypo and Hypersensitivity in Sensory Integration Disorders
When I first started to learn about Sensory Integration (almost 3 years ago…gosh it seems like a lifetime ago) I was so confused with all of the terminology, mostly because AJ didn’t fit any of the categories…he fit them all.
AJ is one of those kids who is both Hyper and Hyposensitive and would be classified as Mixed Type Sensory Processing (meaning he both stimulates and needs calming at the same or alternate times).
Hyposensitivity is an unusually high tolerance for environmental stimuli. A child who is Hyposensitive seeks sensory stimulation to what we call “push up” or stim to keep himself active.
On the other side of the spectrum is the Hypersensitive child. This child has sensory defensiveness and will shy away from sensory activity, can not tolerate normal stimuli like lights or dishwashers.
Our main issue is finding the correct balance for AJ every day (and some days it is very difficult). We try to mix in deep pressure and heavy work for calming activities, avoid large stores when we know he is already overstimulated because the lights, sounds, smells, and crowds stimulate and send him past his breaking point. We keep noise to a minimum inside the house (we only run the washer and dryer, not the washer, dryer, dishwasher, television, and talk on the phone). We make sure his day clothing is not itchy and that his pajamas are tight fitting, that he has a variety of textured foods throughout the day to oral balance.
For some great ideas on sensory diets and how to balance a complex sensory integration child check out the links below.
Beyond Play
Treatment activities
Heavy Work Activities
New Pressure Vest
What is a Sensory Diet?
Visual Calming Activities
Calming Activities for Sensory Seekers
What exactly is sensory integration?
June 4th, 2008 at 8:21 am
It was a very steep learning curve for me too. [especially since the boys are so different] Then I’d think that I had it just about right and then they’d go and grow or something and put everything out of whack again.
Needless to say we’re on our third [small indoor] trampolene.
Best wishes
June 8th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I have 2 good friends that have kids with SID and they have done wonders for their kids with early detection and therapy. My heart goes out for all who struggle with this.
June 10th, 2008 at 1:05 am
[...] because often times he can’t control his actions. His hitting is because he is scared or overstimulated, his screaming is because sounds really do scare him, and if he can’t have something his [...]
June 11th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Nice series of articles. Did you take the online course at stanley greenspan last month with Rosemary White? It was very informative and I enjoyed the videos.
I wanted to ask you for examples of textured foods for oral balance. I never heard that term before and think it would be helpful to my son who has been getting feeding therapy for years and we seem to be going around in circles now.