Did you know that hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity are not the only problems experienced by children with ADHD? These three symptoms are just the tip of the iceberg of a whole series of brain and bodily dysfunctions. Many children with ADHD also experience problems with sensory integration - the manner by which our brain sorts out the information received from the five senses. We understand the five senses as separate entities that give different kinds of information, but they actually work together to give us a comprehensive picture of the world we move in, the events happening around us, and our position in relation to our environment.
Children with ADHD often have problems with sensory integration, meaning that their brains confuse one kind of sensation for another, preventing the children from understand what is happening in their environment. When this happens, they seek out more of the sensation to try to understand it, or avoid the confusing sensation out of fear. If you look at the symptoms of sensory integration dysfunction, you'll notice that they are similar to those of ADHD:
Over-sensitivity to sensory stimuli like sight, sound, touch, or movement. When these children encounter unfamiliar sensations, they are either easily distracted (to explore the sensation further) or behave aggressively (out of fear or confusion).
Tendency to under-react to stimuli. Instead of avoiding unfamiliar stimuli, they seek out intense sensory experiences like spinning in circles or crashing into people. Children with this symptom are usually thought to be hyperactive.
Unusually low or high activity levels. They are either constantly on the go or easily tired.
Problems with motor coordination. They may have poor motor coordination and encounter difficulty learning tasks that require balance or other coordination skills.
Difficulty with daily tasks. Despite having average or above average intelligence, they may experience problems accomplishing mundane activities like tying shoelaces.
If your child experiences any of these problems along with the core symptoms of ADHD, he or she may benefit from sensory integration therapy. This natural, non-invasive treatment aims to correct abnormalities with sensory information processing so the child can perform daily tasks or encounter new stimuli without difficulty. During sensory integration therapy, a child will be placed in what looks like a normal playroom. With the help of a licensed therapist, the child will perform certain activities that combine sensory input and motion, like swinging in a hammock, balancing on a beam, or doing crafts that involve glue, sand, and other textures. The sensory integration sessions are based on these four principles:
a) Just Right Challenge - The child should be able to accomplish the tasks presented as play.
b) Adaptive Response - Using certain strategies, the child should learn to change his or her behavior in response to challenges.
c) Active Engagement - The child should show active participation and enthusiasm when performing the tasks.
d) Child Direction - The tasks and activities during the sessions should follow the child's preferences.
Consult a qualified occupational therapist for a thorough evaluation and ask their advice to see if sensory integration therapy is the right treatment for your child.
Dr. Yannick Pauli is an expert on natural approaches to ADHD and the author of the popular self-help home-program The Unritalin Solution. He is Director of the Centre Neurofit in Lausanne, Switzerland and has a passion taking care of children with ADHD. Click on the link for more great information about adhd natural treatments.
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