What are Sensory Disorder signs in children?

What is Sensory Disorder?

The sensory disorder, also known as sensory integration disorder, is a developmental condition that occurs when the nervous system and, in particular, the brain are unable to properly process sensory inputs to the body. This results in the body’s inability to respond appropriately to the needs of the surrounding environment [2]. In other words, it is the inability of the senses to perform their intended function.

It is not uncommon for one or more of the body’s senses to not fully develop in shape. The nervous system responds in one of two ways: Excessive Reaction. As in a child’s annoyance with loud noises. Or vomiting when exposed to a specific odour. Or the child’s inability to eat certain textures of food. Alternatively, it is a weakness in the sensitivity Under Response. For example, children who have poor eye contact or who frequently fall and stumble. This disorder affects one or more of the human senses, including vision, hearing, touch, gustatory, olfactory, and vestibular sense and balance [2].

Sensory disorder is caused by a flaw in the human brain. This disorder affects 5-13% of people. Children with autism make up the majority of the population, accounting for roughly 70% of the total. [7] [1].

Autism is classified as a sensory disorder in several studies [1]. Some research and therapy pioneers recommend that a child diagnosed with a sensory disorders participate in a multi-sensory environment such as a sensory room, sensory gym, or sensory garden. Where the specialist works with the child on psychological and motor exercises based on his needs and condition. To gain a better understanding of himself and his body in the void.

Signs of Sensory Disorder

A sensory disorder has some symptoms. Which typically manifest as behavioural or psychological symptoms. For example, the child may avoid touching certain items such as fabrics and food, or may avoid touching another person. The child will not try to innovate while playing, and feels safe playing the same games or watching the same TV shows over and over. Physical symptoms of the disorder may also appear, such as difficulty waking up and not feeling pain quickly, or having difficulty hearing and responding to sounds. Or the inverse, such as the condition known as sensory seeking, which causes children to be constantly in pursuit of making noise, jumping, climbing, and smashing things [5].

Treatment of Sensory Disorders

Occupational therapists might create a treatment plan for sensory integration children known as the “Sensory Diet.” It includes a variety of activities based on the child’s conversational and sensory needs. The treatment plan’s success is heavily reliant on the cooperation of everyone in the child’s environment, including parents, school, and relatives.

Although there is no definitive treatment for sensory disturbance, more than one method can be used to improve dealing and coping in children. Physical therapy based on sensory integration principles is one of these methods and methods. as well as visual therapy to enhance visual communication. Auditory therapy is used to alleviate their discomfort from certain sounds and to improve their ability to perform other activities in the presence of those sounds. Most of the time, speech therapy is required due to the effect of sensory integration disorder on tongue movement, letter exits, and pronunciation. Food Therapy: under the supervision of a specialist, work on the child’s acceptance of foods of different textures by smelling the food’s smell and touching it with the hands in a gradual, rehabilitative, and thoughtful manner. [8]

Sensory Integration

Sensory integration is the neural process that expresses the brain’s processing of various sensory inputs and issuing the correct response to these inputs. The sensory inputs are touch and deep touch, vestibular sensation, and deep sensation in the joints. To encourage her to achieve a level of sensory integration with the child. This is usually accomplished with the assistance of sensory room tools [3].

The value of sensory integration lies in increasing interaction with the environment and with others, as well as in learning new skills. This has the most impact on the nervous system, increasing neural maturity and active neuronal nutrition.

During treatment sessions, children’s sensory integration is stimulated by following a specific protocol. The sensory room provides an environment in which the child or adult can control and adjust the sensory inputs to be appropriate for each individual[3].

During the sessions, the treatment protocol includes the use of several tools inside the sensory room to stimulate their senses. Among these tools are the jockey swing and the sailor’s swing, both of which aim to improve children’s balance and stimulate the vestibular sensation. Optical fibres, bubble tubes, and a light-up table that serves as a visual, tactile, and cognitive sensory stimulator. The contact wall and contact floor stimulate touch while decreasing sensitivity from various contacts. And it assists the space bag in balancing and knowing the limits of their bodies within the room. The aromatic tools contained within the scent bag help to stimulate the sense of smell [6].

References

1. باوكاد. اسراء. 2018. اضطرابات المعالجة الحسية لدى الأطفال ذوي اضطراب طيف التوحد.
2. عزازي. أحمد. 2017. فعالية برنامج العلاج الوظيفي في خفض بعض الاضطرابات الحسية لدى الأطفال ذوي اضطراب التوحد
3. بن بوزيد. مريم. 2017. التكامل الحسي وطرق التكفل بالطفل التوحد
4. Carly’s Café – Experience Autism Through Carly’s Eyes
5. أدريس. هند. 2021. تأثير الاضطرابات الحسية وتدخلات العلاج الحسي على الأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة الفکرية: مراجعة منهجية
6. Butera. Christiana.2020. Impact of Sensory Processing on School Performance Outcomes in High Functioning Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
7. Lucy Jane Miller, Sharon Milberger, Daniel N McIntosh. 2004. Prevalence of parents’ perceptions of sensory processing disorders among kindergarten children. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15202626/
8. Nassar . Nour . mumzworld.