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The theory of sensory integration (SI) dysfunction was developed by an occupational therapist by the name of A. Jean Ayres, Ph.D. in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Sensory integration dysfunction or sensory integrative dysfunction is a problem with processing information received through the senses. It can also be described as inefficient neurological processing.
When the dysfunction occurs, the brain has problems analyzing and organizing information or sensory messages. For example, a person with sensory dysfunction may have difficulty reading cues such as a dog growling. That person may be unable to assimilate the information that the dog is displeased and he or she should not approach. That person may suffer a dog bite that would have been avoided by most people.
Learning
Sensory integration may affect different kinds of learning. It may involve adaptive, motor, and academic learning. Adaptive learning involves the ability to respond, such as the dog bite scenario. Motor learning involves the ability to master complex movement skills such as how to use a pencil or kick a ball. Academic learning is the ability to read and the ability to take what one learns today and apply it to what one learned yesterday.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of SI dysfunction include sensory processing problems and behavior problems. Processing problems involve people that are over sensitive and under sensitive to certain stimuli. Behavior problems result from inefficient sensory processing and other developmental problems. Behavior problems do not always indicate a sensory problem.
Sensory Processing Problems
Sensory problems can result from an over or under sensitivity to touch, movement, sights, sounds, tastes, and smells.
Over sensitivity to touch results in avoidance of contact. A person may avoid becoming dirty and respond negatively to another person’s light touch. He or she may also dislike certain textures of clothing and food. Under sensitivity to touch may result in someone who is unaware of pain and personal space. He or she may seek out stimuli such as touching mud and sand as well as chew on inedible objects such as hair and clothing.
Over sensitivity to movement results in an insecurity and avoidance of being off balance. He or she may avoid swings, running, crawling, and may become carsick easily. An under sensitivity to movement results in sensory-seeking behavior such as rocking, fidgeting, and daredevil behavior.
An over sensitivity to sights results in excitability when there are too many visual stimuli. He or she may have poor eye contact and overreact to bright light. Under sensitivity may manifest itself in someone touching everything they see because of their inability to coordinate visual cues. He or she may miss visual cues such as facial expression and signs.
An over sensitivity to sound will cause someone to cover their ears and complain about noises that don’t bother other people. An under sensitivity to sound may result in problems following verbal direction and the appearance of ignoring people.
A person who strongly objects to certain tastes and textures of food could be over sensitive to taste. An under sensitivity to taste results in cravings spicy foods and tasting inedible objects and toys.
A person with an over sensitivity to smell may object to perfume or fragrant foods. Under sensitive people will ignore smells that bother others such as dirty diapers. They also may sniff food and objects frequently.
Behavior Problems
Sensory integration dysfunction may exacerbate other problems such as hyperactivity or unusually low activity. SI may contribute to distractibility, problems with motor coordination, poor eye-hand coordination, social and emotional problems and academic problems. Since all these problems can result from attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder one must not jump to conclusions. A person with allergies or visual problems may also exhibit these symptoms.
Careful diagnosis is needed to determine if someone has a sensory issue or other problem such as central auditory processing disorder. Since not all professionals are cognizant of sensory integration disorder, one should make sure they see a licensed occupational therapist for an accurate diagnosis.
Should you have a diagnosis of SI dysfunction it's imperative that you seek the advice and services of a licensed occupational therapist. There are therapies specific to the different types of sensory integration dysfunction that are often quite successful. A therapist may prescribe lots of swinging and jumping activities for someone under sensitive to movement and may recommend moving through obstacle courses to improve motor planning. Your therapist will develope an individual program based on your individual needs.
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