Sensory Integration Disorder

  
  The senses work together telling us who we are, where we are, and what is happening around us.  Believed to be a neurological dysfunction, Sensory Integration Disorder (SID) occurs on its own and often comorbidly with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The child with SID may be overly sensitive or under-reactive to touch, sounds or movements and may be inattentive, unorganized, suffer from lack of confidence and a perceived lack of motivation.  Social and emotional problems, distractibility, difficulty with transitions, and impulsiveness.

Though children with SID are best severed by occupational and/or physical therapy, a school environment like PLC that is calm, positive, predictable, features few transitions, and individualizes the curriculum  for each child will make a significant difference.

Your child may participate in "sensory diet" activities in order to stay calm, focused, and attentive. The activities, of course, vary from child to child as individual needs vary. A sensory diet at school might include taking brief walks in the hall at specified intervals or listening to calming music through headphones during "quiet time." An OT can help you to identify which activities will be most helpful to your child before, during, and after school.

At PLC, your child is allowed to avoid eye contact when answering a question that requires concentration if he needs to "block off" his visual sense in order to focus. he or she will never be forced to "line up" with other children to avoid crowding and bumping. Your child will be seated preferentially according to his needs; the best spot varies from child to child

Most schools require children of all ages to sit still and  be quiet with no accommodations for sensory or concentration issues. A variety of seating arrangements from cushions to rugs on the floor will enable a child to be comfortable and move about.  A child who "fidgets" can use clay or a soft ball for manipulation.  Some parents bring weighted lap dads or vest for calming input.

PLC offers quiet areas for students to work and at all times strives to keep sensory input like noise and light to a minimum.  Al instructions are given verbally and visually and, when necessary, picture lits are provided as well.

Please section on AD/HD for more strategies for organization.