Sensory Processing Disorder, ADD, ADHD or a Naughty child?
1 February 2008SENSORY DISORDERS MAY BE MISDIAGNOSED AS ADHD
“Students who can’t control their impulses and pay attention are popping up in classrooms across the nation.”
This headline appeared in the local Charlotte N.C., newspaper just before Christmas. It quotes a therapist at the center my son attends. My son has been receiving occupational therapy as part of his Autism therapy for many months now. Often times my sons is viewed by other people as either just plain naughty or as hyperactive / ADD. But what he really has is a “Sensory Processing Disorder”. For him this disorder goes hand-in-hand with his diagnosis of Autism; SPD is only part of the challenges he faces on a daily basis.
The article explains “… Some children seek out more, more, more,…” And you may recognize your own child in the following:. These children are “…disruptive, up and down in their seats, chew on non-food items and have to touch everything. This behavior gets many kids mislabeled as having AHDH, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, …”
My son has this absolute desire to “mouth” everything; his shirts, shoes, toys, crayons, anything that fits, and sometimes things that don’t! Despite this, he is unable to tolerate textures such as toothpaste, a toothbrush or consistencies such as mashed potato, in his mouth. Usually he chooses something hard as his “chew toy” of choice. As a little baby he would gnaw my husbands metal watch band. Happily we have now found a sanitary, safe way to satisfy his desire to chew. We purchased a “chewy tube” which is a semi hard piece of chewable plastic in the shape of a T-tube. We never leave home without it!
These kids with Sensory Disorders obviously have a hard time in a learning environment, and rest assured their roaming in the classroom is detrimental not just for the other students, but more importantly for their own learning abilities.
The article goes on to say “…they are having difficulty regulating the information taken in through their senses. The nervous system either overreacts or under reacts to what’s going on around them. At either extreme, the problem can be a sensory processing disorder that disrupts a child’s daily life.” And we have seen first hand how this is true.
What are some of the signs to look for with a possible sensory disorder?
Look for a child who covers her ears both at loud noises and sounds, maybe the child melts down at a family event or birthday party, this is versus a child who craves loud music and busy arcades, both extremes can be true.
Look for the child who thrives on big tight hugs, one who seems to have little idea of their own strength; in contrast there is the child who only likes gentle touching and has weak fine motor skills (i.e., pencil grip).
Look for the child who is a picky eater; yes the one who gags at the smell or texture of food, in contrast to the other end of the spectrum where we have a child who stuffs food in their mouth seeming to have no awareness of the mess left around their face.
So if we know there is a problem, why do we care if it’s ADHD, ADD or Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing can be helped immensely by Occupational Therapy aimed at maturing the central nervous system, thereby soothing the need for constant input. OT can help manage the desire to not be touched or the need to crash onto things, and it can give the child tools to manage the overwhelming interruptions from outside stimuli. In addition to OT, take a look at their diet: remove food dyes and other hidden chemicals, you may find it helps. And especially talk to their teachers about them being able to move around at school. Really focus on them being given heavy work and jobs to keep their minds and hands busy. The other alternative is to medicate, but even then, you want to be sure you are medicating for the right disorder.
Although ADHD is typically thought to affect between 3 and 5 percent of school-age children, it is currently estimated that 10 percent of all 10-year-old boys in the United States are taking ADHD drugs, such as Ritalin, Concerta, Strattera and Adderall. These drugs bring in about $1.3 billion each year for the manufacturers.
Interestingly, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, has reported a 93-percent increase in the abusive use of ADHD drugs, including Adderall and Ritalin, between 1993 and 2005. College students crush the pills and “snort” them; this enables the student to stay awake and alert, going without sleep for hours or even days. Even though the drug initially produces euphoria, when the drugs effects wear off the user can experience headaches, anxiety, depression, a rise in blood pressure, and even stroke. Long term abuse has been linked to hallucinations and psychosis.
For more information on Sensory Processing Disorders read “Sensational Kids” (Putnam, 2006, $24.95) and “The Out-Of-Sync Child. Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder” Carol Kranowitz, M.A. (Penguin Books). Available widely at bookstores and online retailers.
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at (303) 674 1500 to schedule a consultation or email office@fontanachiro.com
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