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Sensory Integration Dysfunction - FAQ
Sensory Integration Dysfunction is an inability to pull together and understand (or process) sensory information from the environment. This includes the ability to understand sensory information that arises from one's own body (such as from muscles and joints), as well as understanding sensory information that arises from other people (such as language) and objects in the environment.

Everyone experiences difficulties in pulling together this type of information at one time or another, particularly during periods of growth, change, or stress. However, people who have sensory integration dysfunction experience these difficulties consistently throughout most of their day. These difficulties impact their performance at home, at work, at school, and at play.

How Common Is It?
Sensory Integration Disorders, also referred to as sensory based learning disabilities, is estimated to impact 15 to 25% of our children in each classroom according to some sources. This means that approximately one in every 4 children suffers some type of learning disability that can be explained by sensory processing deficits.

Are There Any Early Warning Signs?
Early signs of Sensory Integration Dysfunction may include over or under sensitivity to touch, movement, sights, or sounds; unusually high or low activity level; poorly organized behavior; delays in speech, language, motor skills; poor play skills; social detachment, or delays in acquiring developmental skills

What are the Most Common Symptoms?
Symptoms of Sensory Integration Dysfunction sometimes include several of these behaviors that occur persistently:

• Persistent negative behaviors Difficulties with motor control
• Persistent oppositional behavior Motor planning deficts
• Hyperactivity or under-activity Fine motor difficulties
• Frequent irritability or moodiness Oral-motor difficulties that impact
• Hypersensitivity to touch, sights, food intake or articulation
• sounds, smells, or tastes Visual perceptual difficulties
• Poor attention Visual spatial deficits
• Clumsiness Organizational deficits
• Language deficits Attention deficit

What Can Be Done?
Treatment is usually only provided for moderate to severe instances of Sensory Integration Dysfunction when the disorder impacts two or more aspects of a persons' life.

Treatment usually consists of:

1. A home program of regularly scheduled sensory events (commonly referred to as a "sensory diet") that is prescribed by a trained professional
2. Direct services by a trained professional

Although the outcomes are generally more successful when treatment is provided during childhood, sensory integration treatment can also be provided for adults. Sensory integration treatment requires the combined effects of a trained professional and the availability of specialized equipment. Specially trained Occupational, Physical, and Speech therapists are often consulted for treatment of Sensory Integration Dysfunction.

Where Can I Get More Information?
To learn more about Sensory Integration Dysfunction, you can obtain a copy of any of the following books:

• "The Out-Of-Sync Child" by Carol Kranowitz publisher: The Berkley Publishing Group,NY, NY
• "Unlocking the Mysteries of Sensory Dysfunction" by Elizabeth Anderson and Pauline Emmons publisher: Future Horizons, Arlington, TX
• "Sensory Integration and the Child" by A. Jean Ayres publisher: Western Psychological ServicesLos Angeles, CA

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