POSTER sayings…
Clockwise @ 12 o’clock, starting with –
Part 7 BLOG #5G Sensory Response
Know Your Child:
Bogdashina & Casanova (2016) give examples which are often reported by those with sensory issues may be… unable to tolerate smells from the lunch room, or intolerance for noise such as that of other children or fireworks/vacuum cleaners, being unable to move without fear or feeling nauseous, clothes that are intolerable, craving bumping and crashing into things/people.
Or, perhaps the opposite is observed where the child does not seem cuddly or recognize when they are hurt, does not seem to hear auditory information, or will not sit still. Often one may hear this being described as being over-reactive or under-reactive to eat, drink, and learn new skills.
Sensory Reactivity definition
Important here is that sensory reactivity is a Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, 2013 (DSM-5) criterion for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Sensory System Modalities are Auditory (what we hear), Visual (what we see), Tactile (what we feel or touch), Gustatory/olfactory (taste & smell) and Vestibular/propriceptive (sensory signals from ears & eyes which affect body movement & balance).
Tavassoli, et al. (2015) help clarify between the two terms – Sensory Reactive and Sensory Responsive. In their article, they clarify the term Sensory Reactive is more consistent with the DSM-5 language. As in the new DSM-5, Sensory Reactivity is included in the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder specifications.
Specifically, hyper or hypo reactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment. While these authors feel there is a need for more objective direct clinical assessments, here is a list of some currently used by clinicians –
READ MORE - CLICK HERE
Clockwise @ 12 o’clock, starting with –
- I can be sensitive to loud noises
- I don’t like to brush, wash, or cut my hair
- I like to smell people & objects, sometimes
- I don’t like tags on my clothes
- I don’t like to wear clothes
- I enjoy being squeezed, I like pressure
- I don’t want my hands dirty
- I have poor fine motor skills
- I get overstimulated & meltdown
- I get fearful & anxious sometimes
- I overreact to minor scrapes & cuts
- I cling to adults I trust
- I sometimes walk on my toes
- Poor body awareness
- I crave fast spinning
- I lose my balance
- I like wearing the same clothes
- Sometimes I don’t like to be touched
- I have poor gross motor skills
- Can be clumsy & fall over things sometimes
- I am a picky eater
- Some smells really bother me
- I don’t like bright lights
- I don’t like to brush my teeth
Part 7 BLOG #5G Sensory Response
Know Your Child:
Bogdashina & Casanova (2016) give examples which are often reported by those with sensory issues may be… unable to tolerate smells from the lunch room, or intolerance for noise such as that of other children or fireworks/vacuum cleaners, being unable to move without fear or feeling nauseous, clothes that are intolerable, craving bumping and crashing into things/people.
Or, perhaps the opposite is observed where the child does not seem cuddly or recognize when they are hurt, does not seem to hear auditory information, or will not sit still. Often one may hear this being described as being over-reactive or under-reactive to eat, drink, and learn new skills.
Sensory Reactivity definition
Important here is that sensory reactivity is a Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, 2013 (DSM-5) criterion for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Sensory System Modalities are Auditory (what we hear), Visual (what we see), Tactile (what we feel or touch), Gustatory/olfactory (taste & smell) and Vestibular/propriceptive (sensory signals from ears & eyes which affect body movement & balance).
Tavassoli, et al. (2015) help clarify between the two terms – Sensory Reactive and Sensory Responsive. In their article, they clarify the term Sensory Reactive is more consistent with the DSM-5 language. As in the new DSM-5, Sensory Reactivity is included in the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder specifications.
Specifically, hyper or hypo reactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment. While these authors feel there is a need for more objective direct clinical assessments, here is a list of some currently used by clinicians –
- Sensory Processing Scale Assessment (SPS)
- Sensory Integration & Praxis Tests (SIPT)
- Sensory Processing Assessment for Young Children (SPA)
- Tactile Defensiveness & Discrimination Test (TDDT-R)
- Infant Test of Sensory Functioning
READ MORE - CLICK HERE
Evans, et al. (2012) say persons who are ‘sensory reactive’ may be told by their Sensory System that the world around them is scary and threatening. Therefore, reactivity often seems to be connected to withdrawal and aggressive behavior. Said to be the ‘core’ to autism behavior, and that the Sensory Reactivity is tied to the nervous system fight or flight reaction to the environment.
They continue that the persons with autism tend to react to their environment with avoidance to certain or to unknown stimuli, as sensed by their sensory system. Or, they become aroused by what may be interpreted as a false impression, rather than a real one. There are persons reacting to an inwardly perceived threat, rather than an actual outward threat.
The authors felt that highly sensory reactive children appear to be less friendly, and more likely to engage in solitary-active play, even prone to aggression in certain social situations. The study suggests that ‘temperament’ is also at play here.
< My Thoughts >
Some say that a Sensory Response is a thoughtful, investigative process taking in all information from the sensory system, and regulating it in order to discriminate a response. While a Reactive Sensory Response is associated with the outward behavior of avoidance and fear.
Fear of the unknown seems to encourage repetitive and even ritualistic behavior to help them react defensively to the world around them. Then, depending on their sensory thresholds and their activity level in these areas, they may be ruled by the emotions which make them more anxious and fearful.
Looking at the following Response Factors, you may see different responses to different stimuli. Evans et al. (2012) tell us that Highly Sensory Reactive children appear to be less friendly and more prone to solitary play. Some on the spectrum are high in ‘novelty awareness’ and quite the opposite to the highly reactive persons. They are friendly, control impulses, are able to engage socially and recognize negative social interactions like bullying.
Those with Low Sensory Reactivity are persons with thresholds more susceptible to environmental influences. Those who prefer both solitary-passive and solitary-active behaviors. While those who seem to have more ‘novelty awareness’ may see the world as more interesting; creating and exhibiting ‘seeking behavior’ in their environment.
This study suggests that understanding both can help to better understand the person’s temperament, too.
REFERENCES used here are:
Bogdashina, O. & Casanova (2016). Sensory Perceptual Issues in Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Different Sensory Experiences – Different Perceptual Worlds; Second Edition: London; Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Evans, C., Nelson, L., Porter,C. (2012). Making Sense of Their World: Sensory Reactivity & Novelty Awareness as Aspects of Temperament & Correlates of Social Behaviors in Early Childhood; Journal of Infant & Child Development; V21, p503-520.
Tavassoli, T., Bellesheirm, K., Siper, P., et al. (2015). Measuring Sensory Reactivity in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Application & Simplification of a Clinician-Administered Sensory Observation Scale; Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders; V46, p287–293.
==================
NOTE: The Sensory Processing Scale Assessment (SPS) is described by Tavassoli, et al.
The Sensory Processing Scale Assessment (SPS) is described by Tavassoli, et al. (2015) as fifteen structured games which participants play and clinicians observe and note the behavior displayed as they perform these tasks. (Described there in five categories).
These games are said to address each sensory domain, vision, hearing, and touch. The Sensory Reactivity is determined by clinicians; for instance –
REFERENCES used here are:
Tavassoli, T., Bellesheirm, K., Siper, P., et al. (2015). Measuring Sensory Reactivity in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Application & Simplification of a Clinician-Administered Sensory Observation Scale; Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders; V46, p287–293.
Note: NEXT is BLOG #5H Sensory Categories (1. Hypo, 2. Hyper, 3. SIRS, 4. EP)
==================
< My Thoughts > What I am offering here are powerful stories which may capture at this moment, what it is like to have this experience.
Twirling Naked in the Streets and No One Noticed; Growing Up with Autism by Jeannie Davide-Rivera; eBooks 2013 Edition with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
From Extended Review with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker (4% indicates location in the Kindle version of the book, instead of page numbers.)
4% They missed it; they missed me. I am a survivor; an autism survivor.
< My Thoughts > “They missed it; they missed me.”
“…Until a child or adult begins to have serious difficulties in school, the workplace, or their lives,” they will probably go undiagnosed. There may be other diagnoses such as anxiety issues, hyperactivity or other ‘behavioral issues,’ which will bring them to the attention of teachers and coworkers. Retrieved from: Autism Speaks website.
4% I’ve heard people say that they didn’t see many autistic children when they were growing up, but I am here to tell you that we indeed were in your midst.
When they noticed me walking on tip-toes, they made me a ballerina. When I twirled round and round, I was only dancing. When I had imaginary friends, they said that’s what little girls do. When the light bothered me, I was allergic to sunlight. When smells overwhelmed me, I had a sensitive stomach. When I only ate a few select items, I was a picky eater. When I could not stray from my rigid routine, I was hard-headed.
< My Thoughts > “…noticed me walking on tip-toes…”
Toe-walking, by Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D. (2016). “Toe-walking is quite common in young children 3 years and younger. However, when children “5 years and older are still walking on their toes, “…this is often associated with neurological immaturity.” “A dysfunctional vestibular system, a common problem in autism…” “The vestibular system prepares the brain with feedback between the brain and the body’s motion and position.
Therapeutic intervention such as swinging on a swing, prism glasses are available, as are exercises and/or surgery for the Achilles tendon. Edelson cautions that the parents should consider whether or not the toe-walking is a safety issue when determining the cost of treatment. Retrieved from – https://www.autism.coqm/symptoms_toe_walking
4% When I couldn’t stand certain fabrics touching my body, I was being a princess. When I cried and screamed, I was spoiled. When I rocked back and forth, I was concentrating. When I sat alone, I was in my own world.
< My Thoughts > “When I couldn’t stand certain fabrics touching my body…”
My feeling is that sensory issues are valid and very real. At home, the kind of soap used to wash the child or their clothes can make a real difference in their comfort level… how it smells and how it feels on their skin. At school, the computer screen or room lights too bright, room temperature fluctuations, uncomfortable chairs, or even the smell of whiteboard markers can create real physical pain for the student; overriding any chance of the child focusing on lessons.
4% When I couldn’t keep up, I was not living up to my potential. When I didn’t think the way others did, I was just too smart for my own good. When I didn’t connect with my peers, I just didn’t care about them. When I misinterpreted situation, I was inconsiderate. When I inserted myself, I was inappropriate.
When I stayed in my pajamas for days, I was depressed. When I was overwhelmed by the world, I was agoraphobic. When I was tired and frightened, I had an anxiety disorder. When I realized something was wrong with me, I was making excuses.
< My Thoughts > “I was agoraphobic…”
According to Cornacchio, et al. (2015), “Left untreated, agoraphobia is associated with decreased well-being and daily functioning” … and is correlated with other things such as depression and substance abuse.
Bogdashina & Casanova (2016) tell of early reports of what were later to be known as persons with Autism and Asperger’s as having abnormal, odd, and even bizarre reactions. Reactions to sound, touch, sight, taste, and smell. Certain behaviors which seem to come out of nowhere were in fact most likely sensory response behaviors. Often times these reactions were avoidance behavior in an attempt to eliminate a sensory assault.
The authors add that many persons with Asperger’s have never been diagnosed because they were able to adapt and lead a functional life. While other felt they were relieved to get a diagnosis because it gave them options
5% Everything was my fault!
No one recognized my autism; no one saw that I had Asperger’s syndrome. How could they? “Aspies” did not exist; not yet.
REFERENCES used here are:
Bogdashina, O. & Casanova (2016). Sensory Perceptual Issues in Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Different Sensory Experiences – Different Perceptual Worlds; Second Edition: London; Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Cornacchio, D., Chou, T., Sacks, H., Pincus, D. Comer, J. (2015). Clinical Consequences of the Revised DSM-5 Definition of Agoraphobia in Treatment-seeking Anxious Youth; Depression & Anxiety, 32:502-508.
Sicile-Kira, C. (2014) Autism Spectrum Disorder (revised): The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism; New York, New York: Penguin Random House Company.
===================
They continue that the persons with autism tend to react to their environment with avoidance to certain or to unknown stimuli, as sensed by their sensory system. Or, they become aroused by what may be interpreted as a false impression, rather than a real one. There are persons reacting to an inwardly perceived threat, rather than an actual outward threat.
The authors felt that highly sensory reactive children appear to be less friendly, and more likely to engage in solitary-active play, even prone to aggression in certain social situations. The study suggests that ‘temperament’ is also at play here.
< My Thoughts >
Some say that a Sensory Response is a thoughtful, investigative process taking in all information from the sensory system, and regulating it in order to discriminate a response. While a Reactive Sensory Response is associated with the outward behavior of avoidance and fear.
Fear of the unknown seems to encourage repetitive and even ritualistic behavior to help them react defensively to the world around them. Then, depending on their sensory thresholds and their activity level in these areas, they may be ruled by the emotions which make them more anxious and fearful.
Looking at the following Response Factors, you may see different responses to different stimuli. Evans et al. (2012) tell us that Highly Sensory Reactive children appear to be less friendly and more prone to solitary play. Some on the spectrum are high in ‘novelty awareness’ and quite the opposite to the highly reactive persons. They are friendly, control impulses, are able to engage socially and recognize negative social interactions like bullying.
Those with Low Sensory Reactivity are persons with thresholds more susceptible to environmental influences. Those who prefer both solitary-passive and solitary-active behaviors. While those who seem to have more ‘novelty awareness’ may see the world as more interesting; creating and exhibiting ‘seeking behavior’ in their environment.
This study suggests that understanding both can help to better understand the person’s temperament, too.
REFERENCES used here are:
Bogdashina, O. & Casanova (2016). Sensory Perceptual Issues in Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Different Sensory Experiences – Different Perceptual Worlds; Second Edition: London; Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Evans, C., Nelson, L., Porter,C. (2012). Making Sense of Their World: Sensory Reactivity & Novelty Awareness as Aspects of Temperament & Correlates of Social Behaviors in Early Childhood; Journal of Infant & Child Development; V21, p503-520.
Tavassoli, T., Bellesheirm, K., Siper, P., et al. (2015). Measuring Sensory Reactivity in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Application & Simplification of a Clinician-Administered Sensory Observation Scale; Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders; V46, p287–293.
==================
NOTE: The Sensory Processing Scale Assessment (SPS) is described by Tavassoli, et al.
The Sensory Processing Scale Assessment (SPS) is described by Tavassoli, et al. (2015) as fifteen structured games which participants play and clinicians observe and note the behavior displayed as they perform these tasks. (Described there in five categories).
- The ‘paint your arm’ game – participants paint their are with a feather, a brush, & rough sponge
- The ‘goo’ game – participants remove two plastic animals from goo.
- The ’sparkle’ game – participants observe a spinning sparkle wheel for 20 seconds.
- The ‘round & round’ game – participants observe a black & white spinning wheel for 20 seconds.
- The ‘orchestra’ game – participants play along to music, making noise with certain instruments.
These games are said to address each sensory domain, vision, hearing, and touch. The Sensory Reactivity is determined by clinicians; for instance –
- Hyper-reactivity was identified by an adverse response, discomfort, worries and/or avoidance.
- Hypo-reactivity was identified when participants did not respond, or were slow to respond.
- Sensory seeking behavior was identified when the participant continued to use items after tasks were completed.
REFERENCES used here are:
Tavassoli, T., Bellesheirm, K., Siper, P., et al. (2015). Measuring Sensory Reactivity in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Application & Simplification of a Clinician-Administered Sensory Observation Scale; Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders; V46, p287–293.
Note: NEXT is BLOG #5H Sensory Categories (1. Hypo, 2. Hyper, 3. SIRS, 4. EP)
==================
< My Thoughts > What I am offering here are powerful stories which may capture at this moment, what it is like to have this experience.
Twirling Naked in the Streets and No One Noticed; Growing Up with Autism by Jeannie Davide-Rivera; eBooks 2013 Edition with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
From Extended Review with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker (4% indicates location in the Kindle version of the book, instead of page numbers.)
4% They missed it; they missed me. I am a survivor; an autism survivor.
< My Thoughts > “They missed it; they missed me.”
“…Until a child or adult begins to have serious difficulties in school, the workplace, or their lives,” they will probably go undiagnosed. There may be other diagnoses such as anxiety issues, hyperactivity or other ‘behavioral issues,’ which will bring them to the attention of teachers and coworkers. Retrieved from: Autism Speaks website.
4% I’ve heard people say that they didn’t see many autistic children when they were growing up, but I am here to tell you that we indeed were in your midst.
When they noticed me walking on tip-toes, they made me a ballerina. When I twirled round and round, I was only dancing. When I had imaginary friends, they said that’s what little girls do. When the light bothered me, I was allergic to sunlight. When smells overwhelmed me, I had a sensitive stomach. When I only ate a few select items, I was a picky eater. When I could not stray from my rigid routine, I was hard-headed.
< My Thoughts > “…noticed me walking on tip-toes…”
Toe-walking, by Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D. (2016). “Toe-walking is quite common in young children 3 years and younger. However, when children “5 years and older are still walking on their toes, “…this is often associated with neurological immaturity.” “A dysfunctional vestibular system, a common problem in autism…” “The vestibular system prepares the brain with feedback between the brain and the body’s motion and position.
Therapeutic intervention such as swinging on a swing, prism glasses are available, as are exercises and/or surgery for the Achilles tendon. Edelson cautions that the parents should consider whether or not the toe-walking is a safety issue when determining the cost of treatment. Retrieved from – https://www.autism.coqm/symptoms_toe_walking
4% When I couldn’t stand certain fabrics touching my body, I was being a princess. When I cried and screamed, I was spoiled. When I rocked back and forth, I was concentrating. When I sat alone, I was in my own world.
< My Thoughts > “When I couldn’t stand certain fabrics touching my body…”
My feeling is that sensory issues are valid and very real. At home, the kind of soap used to wash the child or their clothes can make a real difference in their comfort level… how it smells and how it feels on their skin. At school, the computer screen or room lights too bright, room temperature fluctuations, uncomfortable chairs, or even the smell of whiteboard markers can create real physical pain for the student; overriding any chance of the child focusing on lessons.
4% When I couldn’t keep up, I was not living up to my potential. When I didn’t think the way others did, I was just too smart for my own good. When I didn’t connect with my peers, I just didn’t care about them. When I misinterpreted situation, I was inconsiderate. When I inserted myself, I was inappropriate.
When I stayed in my pajamas for days, I was depressed. When I was overwhelmed by the world, I was agoraphobic. When I was tired and frightened, I had an anxiety disorder. When I realized something was wrong with me, I was making excuses.
< My Thoughts > “I was agoraphobic…”
According to Cornacchio, et al. (2015), “Left untreated, agoraphobia is associated with decreased well-being and daily functioning” … and is correlated with other things such as depression and substance abuse.
Bogdashina & Casanova (2016) tell of early reports of what were later to be known as persons with Autism and Asperger’s as having abnormal, odd, and even bizarre reactions. Reactions to sound, touch, sight, taste, and smell. Certain behaviors which seem to come out of nowhere were in fact most likely sensory response behaviors. Often times these reactions were avoidance behavior in an attempt to eliminate a sensory assault.
The authors add that many persons with Asperger’s have never been diagnosed because they were able to adapt and lead a functional life. While other felt they were relieved to get a diagnosis because it gave them options
5% Everything was my fault!
No one recognized my autism; no one saw that I had Asperger’s syndrome. How could they? “Aspies” did not exist; not yet.
REFERENCES used here are:
Bogdashina, O. & Casanova (2016). Sensory Perceptual Issues in Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Different Sensory Experiences – Different Perceptual Worlds; Second Edition: London; Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Cornacchio, D., Chou, T., Sacks, H., Pincus, D. Comer, J. (2015). Clinical Consequences of the Revised DSM-5 Definition of Agoraphobia in Treatment-seeking Anxious Youth; Depression & Anxiety, 32:502-508.
Sicile-Kira, C. (2014) Autism Spectrum Disorder (revised): The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism; New York, New York: Penguin Random House Company.
===================
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