Sensory Processing Disorder
What is Sensory Processing Disorders?
Sensory processing refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses like biting a sandwich or riding a bicycle. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), exists when sensory signals are either not detected or don’t get organized into appropriate responses.
A person with SPD finds it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses, which creates challenges in performing countless everyday tasks.
What are the symptoms of SPD?
Sensory processing disorder may affect one sense, like hearing, touch, or taste. Or it may affect multiple senses. And people can be over- or under-responsive to the things they have difficulties with.
Signs of over-responsivity
Dislike of textures (such as those found in fabrics, foods, grooming products or other materials found in daily living)
Discomfort, sickness or threat induced by normal sounds, lights, movements, smells, tastes, or even inner sensations such as heartbeat.
Signs of under-responsivity,
Sluggishness and lack of responsiveness
Sensory cravings (fidgeting, impulsiveness, and/or seeking or making loud, disturbing noises)
Sensorimotor-based problems, (slow and uncoordinated movements, bump into things and poor handwriting)
Sensory discrimination problems, that might manifest themselves in behaviors such as things constantly dropped.
Sensory processing problems are usually identified in children. But they can also affect adults. Many children with SPD start out as fussy babies who become anxious, as they grow older. These kids often don’t handle change well. They may frequently throw tantrums or have meltdowns.
Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder, like those of most disorders, occur within a broad spectrum of severity. While most of us have occasional difficulties processing sensory information, for children, adolescents, and adults with SPD, these difficulties are chronic, and they can significantly disrupt everyday life
What is the cause of SPD?
There is a lot of research going on to know the causes of SPD. Some preliminary research suggests that SPD is often inherited while there are others, which suggests that it has an environmental origin. The exact cause of sensory processing problems has still not been identified.
How to take of my child with SPD?
It is not easy to be a parent of child with SPD. It is important at this time to understand and believe in your child. Treatments like Sensory Integration therapy depends on a child’s individual needs. But in general, it involves helping children do better at activities they’re normally not good at and helping them get used to things they can’t tolerate. Along with the therapies, you can help them at home in different ways:
Reach Up - Do some research
Trying your best to understand sensory processing disorder is beneficial for both the parent and child. This might include talking with a professional, reading a book or looking up information online. Understanding your child’s sensory needs will help you to plan your day with him/her.
Teach your child how to interact with his world through play, fun games, crafts, and activities. Focusing on fun makes it less ‘therapeutic’ and, therefore, less ‘scary’.\
Develop a sensory diet
Making time each day for activities to help fulfill your child’s sensory needs can make a big difference in your childs life.
Create a visual schedule
Make a visual schedule for your child. By visual schedule, we mean is to put each day’s events into writing and make them visible for your child to follow during the day.
SPD is only a small part of who your child is. Help him to accept that part, but also to see the other amazing things inside of him.
Can my child go to a mainstream school or special needs school?
This depends on the severity of the child’s diagnosis. Each and every child’s ability is varied from mild, moderate and severe condition.
With mild condition, nearing age appropriate and minimum behaviour tantrums (no hitting, biting, throwing things, able to follow basic instruction) your child will be able to attend mainstream school provided the school provides your child will adaptive strategies while learning, consessions during exams and test.
With moderate condition and moderate behaviour tantrums
How is SLC creating an inclusive community for my special need child?
SLC has launched a campaign called ‘Jakarta Inclusive’. This campaign focuses on empowering different individuals in the community through various awareness actions. Awareness program is an essential factor when creating an inclusive community. Awareness program through different talks, seminars, workshops towards different organizations, parents, professionals and others in the society, will bring us all together as one whole community enabling an inclusive community with differently abled individual in Jakarta.
ADHD
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a medical condition. A person with ADHD has differences in brain development and brain activity that affect attention, the ability to sit still, and self-control. ADHD can affect a child at school, at home, and in friendships.
A person with SPD finds it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses, which creates challenges in performing countless everyday tasks.
What causes ADHD?
The exact cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not fully understood, although a combination of factors is thought to be responsible.
Genetics:
ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it’s thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition.
Research shows that parents and siblings of a child with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves. However, the way ADHD is inherited is likely to be complex and is not thought to be related to a single genetic fault.
Brain function and structure:
Research has identified a number of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD from those without the condition, although the exact significance of these is not clear. For example, studies involving brain scans have suggested that certain areas of the brain may be smaller in people with ADHD, whereas other areas may be larger.
Signs of over-responsivity
Dislike of textures (such as those found in fabrics, foods, grooming products or other materials found in daily living)
Discomfort, sickness or threat induced by normal sounds, lights, movements, smells, tastes, or even inner sensations such as heartbeat.
Signs of under-responsivity,
Sluggishness and lack of responsiveness
Sensory cravings (fidgeting, impulsiveness, and/or seeking or making loud, disturbing noises)
Sensorimotor-based problems, (slow and uncoordinated movements, bump into things and poor handwriting)
Sensory discrimination problems, that might manifest themselves in behaviors such as things constantly dropped.
Sensory processing problems are usually identified in children. But they can also affect adults. Many children with SPD start out as fussy babies who become anxious, as they grow older. These kids often don’t handle change well. They may frequently throw tantrums or have meltdowns.
Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder, like those of most disorders, occur within a broad spectrum of severity. While most of us have occasional difficulties processing sensory information, for children, adolescents, and adults with SPD, these difficulties are chronic, and they can significantly disrupt everyday life
What are the types of ADHD?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) states that all cases of attention deficit are diagnosed as ADHD, with one of three different types: Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive, Primarily Inattentive, or Combined.
1. ADHD, Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive type:
People with hyperactive ADHD feel the need for constant movement. They often fidget, squirm, and struggle to stay seated. They appear to act as if “driven by a motor” and often talk and/or run around excessively. They interrupt others, blurt out answers, and struggle with self-control. This is more common in children and men.
3. ADHD, Combined type
People with combined-type ADHD demonstrate six or more symptoms of inattention, and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
Some symptoms to look at for children with ADHD are:
Symptoms of Inattention:
Make careless mistakes in schoolwork or at work
Problems sustaining attention in tasks, play or conversations
Have problems organizing tasks and activities, such as what to do in sequence, keeping materials and belongings in order, having messy work and poor time management, and failing to meet deadlines
Avoid or dislike tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork
Lose things necessary for tasks or activities
Be forgetful in daily activities, such as chores, errands, returning calls, and keeping appointments
Symptoms of Hyperactivity-impulsivity:
Fidget and squirm in their seats
Leave their seats in situations when staying seated is expected
Run or dash around or climb in situations where it is inappropriate
Be unable to play or engage in hobbies quietly
Be constantly in motion or “on the go,” or act as if “driven by a motor”
Talk nonstop
Blurt out an answer before a question has been completed, finish other people’s sentences, or speak without waiting for a turn in conversation
Interrupt or intrude on others, for example in conversations, games, or activities
What are the available treatments of ADHD?
While there is no cure for ADHD, currently available treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy, education or training, or a combination of treatments.
Psychotherapy
Behavioural therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aims to help a person change his or her behavior. It might involve practical assistance, such as help organizing tasks or completing schoolwork, or working through emotionally difficult events. This therapy also teaches them to monitor their own behaviour, give oneself praise or rewards for acting in a desired way, such as controlling anger or thinking before acting.
Medication
For many people, ADHD medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve their ability to focus, work, and learn. Medication also may improve physical coordination. Sometimes several different medications or dosages must be tried before finding the right one that works for a particular person. Their prescribing doctor must monitor anyone taking medications closely and carefully. It should be noted that medicine is not the only solution for ADHD. It should be combined with Psychotherapy for effective results.
What can I do to help my child with ADHD?
Parents and teachers can help kids with ADHD stay organized and follow directions with tools such as:
Keeping a routine and a schedule.
. Keep the same routine every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. Include times for homework, outdoor play, and indoor activities. Keep the schedule on the refrigerator or on a bulletin board in the kitchen. Write changes on the schedule as far in advance as possible.
Organizing everyday items.
Have a place for everything, and keep everything in its place. This includes clothing, backpacks, and toys.
Using homework and notebook organizers.
Use organizers for school materials and supplies. Stress to your child the importance of writing down assignments and bringing home the necessary books.
Being clear and consistent.
Children with ADHD need consistent rules they can understand and follow.
Giving praise or rewards when rules are followed.
Children with ADHD often receive and expect criticism. Look for good behaviour, and praise it.
Autism
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is said to be a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.
Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. Therefore, no two people with ASD have the same symptoms.
In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association merged four distinct autism diagnoses (autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome) into one umbrella diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
What is the causes of (Autism Spectrum Disorder)ASD?
The exact cause of ASD is not known but research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors influence the development of autism. Although scientists are still trying to understand why some people develop ASD and others don’t, some risk factors include:
- Having siblings or other people in the family with ASD
- Having certain genetic conditions—people with conditions such as Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and Rett syndrome are more likely than others to have ASD
- Exposure to drugs during pregnancy
- Having older parents
- Premature birth or very low birth weight
- Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders
- Seizures
- Sleep Disturbances
When does Autism appear?
Signs of Autism usually appear by age 2 to 3. Often, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Some associated development delays can appear even earlier.
1. ADHD, Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive type:
People with hyperactive ADHD feel the need for constant movement. They often fidget, squirm, and struggle to stay seated. They appear to act as if “driven by a motor” and often talk and/or run around excessively. They interrupt others, blurt out answers, and struggle with self-control. This is more common in children and men.
3. ADHD, Combined type
People with combined-type ADHD demonstrate six or more symptoms of inattention, and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
Some symptoms to look at for children with ADHD are:
Symptoms of Inattention:
Make careless mistakes in schoolwork or at work
Problems sustaining attention in tasks, play or conversations
Have problems organizing tasks and activities, such as what to do in sequence, keeping materials and belongings in order, having messy work and poor time management, and failing to meet deadlines
Avoid or dislike tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork
Lose things necessary for tasks or activities
Be forgetful in daily activities, such as chores, errands, returning calls, and keeping appointments
Symptoms of Hyperactivity-impulsivity:
Fidget and squirm in their seats
Leave their seats in situations when staying seated is expected
Run or dash around or climb in situations where it is inappropriate
Be unable to play or engage in hobbies quietly
Be constantly in motion or “on the go,” or act as if “driven by a motor”
Talk nonstop
Blurt out an answer before a question has been completed, finish other people’s sentences, or speak without waiting for a turn in conversation
Interrupt or intrude on others, for example in conversations, games, or activities
What are the available treatments of ADHD?
While there is no cure for ADHD, currently available treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy, education or training, or a combination of treatments.
Psychotherapy
Behavioural therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aims to help a person change his or her behavior. It might involve practical assistance, such as help organizing tasks or completing schoolwork, or working through emotionally difficult events. This therapy also teaches them to monitor their own behaviour, give oneself praise or rewards for acting in a desired way, such as controlling anger or thinking before acting.
Medication
For many people, ADHD medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve their ability to focus, work, and learn. Medication also may improve physical coordination. Sometimes several different medications or dosages must be tried before finding the right one that works for a particular person. Their prescribing doctor must monitor anyone taking medications closely and carefully. It should be noted that medicine is not the only solution for ADHD. It should be combined with Psychotherapy for effective results.
What can I do to help my child with ADHD?
Parents and teachers can help kids with ADHD stay organized and follow directions with tools such as:
Keeping a routine and a schedule.
. Keep the same routine every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. Include times for homework, outdoor play, and indoor activities. Keep the schedule on the refrigerator or on a bulletin board in the kitchen. Write changes on the schedule as far in advance as possible.
Organizing everyday items.
Have a place for everything, and keep everything in its place. This includes clothing, backpacks, and toys.
Using homework and notebook organizers.
Use organizers for school materials and supplies. Stress to your child the importance of writing down assignments and bringing home the necessary books.
Being clear and consistent.
Children with ADHD need consistent rules they can understand and follow.
Giving praise or rewards when rules are followed.
Children with ADHD often receive and expect criticism. Look for good behaviour, and praise it.
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