Definition of Sensory Integration Disorder

Sensory integration disorder (SID) is known by several other names, including sensory processing disorder and sensory integration dysfunction. SID is a neurological disorder that causes symptoms of processing dysregulation. In individuals with SID, sensory information is received normally but perceived abnormally. The brain processes incoming sensory information incorrectly, resulting in hypersensitivity or hyposensitivy to common stimuli.

Significance

• The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation estimates that 5% of children and adults show signs of sensory integration disorder. Some of these people may exhibit only minor symptoms, while others may be severely affected. Without treatment, SID often has devastating effects on daily functioning, family and social relationships, emotional regulation, self-esteem, behavior and learning. Children with severe SID may be unable to participate in sports, have great difficulty playing and interacting with other children, suffer nutritional deficiencies due to feeding problems and be at an increased risk of injury.

Symptoms

• Sensory integration disorder may affect one sense or multiple senses, and the symptoms depend on which senses are affected. For example, tactile (touch) hypersensitivity may cause avoidance of rough textures, refusal to eat certain foods and overreaction to physical contact or minor skin injuries. Tactile hyposensitivity causes a craving for rough touch and play and a preference for spicy foods and physical contact.
  Vestibular (movement) hypersensitivity causes a dislike or fear of swings, heights and stairs and often causes clumsiness and lack of coordination. Vestibular hyposensitivity results in the opposite set of symptoms, resulting in thrill seeking and a craving for spinning, rocking and other forms of movement. This over- or under-responsiveness can involve any of the other senses, including auditory (hearing), oral, olfactory (smell), visual, interoceptive (internal regulation and temperature) and proprioceptive (body position).

Causes

• The cause of sensory integration disorder is not known, but evidence shows a genetic link for some people, according to the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation. SID is often seen in people with certain other disorders, including autism, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, Tourette's syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Premature birth, high fevers and brain injury may increase the risk of developing SID.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Developmental pediatricians, neurologists or psychologists typically make diagnosis of sensory integration disorder. The primary method of treatment involves occupational therapy with an emphasis on sensory integration techniques. An occupational therapist will evaluate you or your child and observe responses to various forms of sensory stimulation. Posture, eye movement, coordination and balance are also clues to a diagnosis. When the specific nature of the dysregulation is determined, a treatment plan is designed to address each individual area of concern, according to the American Occupational Therapy Association. Occupational therapists introduce different sensory experiences gradually in order to help the patient adjust to the stimuli.

Considerations

• Children and adults with sensory integration disorder are at greater risk for injury. Due to difficulty processing sensory information that is used by the body to warn of potential danger, such as loss of balance or presence of heat sources, individuals with sensory processing disorders are more prone to accidents. Moreover, thrill-seeking behavior, problems with coordination and gross motor skill dysfunction may result in serious injury. When possible, children with SID should be taught to use other senses to recognize signs of danger in their environment. For example, children with proprioceptive dysfunction should rely on visual and tactile cues to help them determine body position.