Sensory Issue and Autism
August 23rd, 2009 | 
Author: Dakota is a hypo active sensory seeker. In other words he searches out for activities that involve motion. Some of the motion that Dakota seeks out is climbing, jumping, and spinning. He doesn’t stand and spin in circles per say. He loves to spin endlessly on the merry go round and the tire swing. He loves going really fast too. He won’t stop until he is so dizzy that he is sick to his stomach.
Extreme sensory issues are very common amongst kids with autism. You might notice that some autistic kids do not like loud sounds and some do not even like hugs. Dakota has gotten better as far as the loud noises. There are some noises that really bother him to the point he will cover his ears or say his ears hurt. It will be interesting when he goes back to school to see if he can handle the noise in the classroom. The noise was pretty overwhelming for him and he would tell me he didn’t feel good or that it was to loud. Of course they have head phones with a certain type of music that can help calm him in situations like that. When Dakota was smaller he didn’t really like to be touch nor did he liked to be hugged. At times he still is like that and other times he is huggable and lovable!
On the other side of the spectrum you have hyper sensitive sensory seeker. Those kids or adults may avoid engaging in activities that involve motion. For example they may seek out assistance in simple tasks such asking to be carried instead of walking. Walking instead of running. Dakota at one point was hyper sensitive where he didn’t want to engage in activity. He didn’t play with the kids he played side by side. He wanted the older kids and the teachers instead of kids his own age. He is now starting to socialize with kids his own age. He doesn’t understand how to socialize correctly. Part of the autism is that he has to do things his way. He has to learn that things can’t always go his way.
I want to share this video as it sort of explains why we are trying to figure out a room around Dakota and his sensory needs. I think it explains it really well. I think Dakota could benefit from a crash area in his room.
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Theta Mom said,
You always amaze me with how you are always trying to do what is best for your child, and educating the rest of us in the process. Although my child does not have autism, I do notice some “sensory” related issues with him, including some degree of hyperactivity.
Thanks for being such an advocate for your child and such an awesome mom! It makes me so proud to be blogging with you!!
Theta Mom´s last blog ..Rocks in My Jellies
[Reply]
admin Reply:
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Even kids without autism can have sensory issues. I actually learned some more about sensory issues. I am going to try to share the different types later this week. There are exercises you can do for the sensory part. I had a great book called The Out Of Sync Child Has Fun. I have no idea where in the world it went though. It was a great resource for different activities.
[Reply]
Twitted by autismsaas said,
[...] This post was Twitted by autismsaas [...]
Libertine said,
It’s quite amasing how it works. I have just written of Cirwen’s sensory issues. She is a seeker – in her case touch and sound. She would give us a hug but on her own conditions, it her seven years to accept a kiss on her head (never on her skin). Thank you for the video!
Libertine´s last blog ..Hypersensitivity
[Reply]
admin Reply:
August 24th, 2009 at 6:57 am
Your very welcome. I am really happy that I could inspire you to write also. Have a great Monday.
[Reply]
Grampy said,
I am always sad reading about Autistic children. My wife has worked with some in the past. She was the only person at the center that could communicate and calm down the little girl.
I believe more of the child care centers and any where that they have childrens activities should be educated better in problems of the Autistic child.
Thank you for shedding a little more light on the subject.
Grampy´s last blog ..Doll House and Etc.
[Reply]
admin Reply:
August 24th, 2009 at 7:05 am
You are definitely right. The girl probably felt very safe with your wife. By the sounds of it your wife is something special. Sounds like she has a lot of patience and understanding.
[Reply]
Elisa said,
All children neurologically have a sensory integration process. Those that retain issues longer than other children need a bit of help. Environments now and are growing that ‘tell’ a brain that it must be able and want to process input at an alarming rate. It also programs the brain to act like it has ADD/ADHD. Graphics, faster cuts in telvision shows, higher and faster pitched cartoons and children’s shows.
I am not a medical person, just a mom of an Aspie and all 4 of us have retained sensory issues. Sensory Integration issues lessened the amount of adhd medication required and toned down a lot of the constant ’stim’ type behaviors that were a way to calm the brain into handling input or to shut down when things were too much. It is not so expensive an OT program to do and might prevent children that would otherwise get stuck on medication to regroup neurologically and not require other assistances. Teachers also might consider as a whole not overloading a classroom with bright colors and too much too fast. It’s hard for a neurotypical adult to focus on just one thing in there, let alone to have a child be able to attend the right input at the right time. Providing simple resources for the different sorts of learners with each lesson isn’t so difficult either and ‘catches’ any child to be helpful not only those with official labels.
[Reply]
Sherri said,
Thanks for posting about this. I LOVE how you are posting pretty regular about autism and the many things that effect our children.
Gannon has MAJOR sensory issues. He too is a sensory seeker. We did really good in the beginning of summer break, but here lately we can’t seem to do enought for his sensory needs. Unfortantly Gannon has so many sensory needs that is does get in the way of his learning and such. If its not one thing, its another
But I do think we are getting better.
Sherri´s last blog ..Recap thru pictures
[Reply]
admin Reply:
August 24th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I am trying to get ideas to post. LOL I do have some ideas and want to touch on sensory this week. I am hoping the structure of school will help with Dakota’ sensory needs. In fact a little later today I am going to take the kids to the park so they can burn off some energy. I am hoping some of that climbing, jumping and spinning will wear Dakota out.
[Reply]
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