Finley: "Pale Warrior", Part 2

In my last post, I barely crop-dusted you with information about sensory processing.  This topic is pivotal to all people with neuro-divergent brains because, often, they experience some degree of disordered sensory processing.  It affects all of us, to at least a small degree, even if our sensory processing is not considered "disordered". 

It is extremely important for me to mention that sensory processing is directly linked to the body's nervous system, so someone with a sensory processing disorder can feel physical pain when presented with stimuli that trigger the disorder.  In folks that experience life on the Autism spectrum, the common reaction to hyper-stimulation is what we often refer to as "meltdown".  A legitimate meltdown is a much different behavioral expression than that of a "tantrum".  More on this in Part 3.  :)   

There are three stages of sensory processing: 

1. Input/Stimulus 
2. Integration/Processing
3. Motor Output 

The input/stimulus stage can be broken down into 8 sub-categories:

1. Visual (sight)
2. Auditory (sound)
3. Olfactory (smell)
4. Gustatory (taste)
5. Tactile (touch)
6. Vestibular (balance and orientation within the environment)
7. Proprioception (muscle/joint movements)
8. Interoception (the overall feeling of wellness in the body-hunger, thirst, fatigue)

Within the integration or processing stage is where things get wonky for folks that live with disordered sensory processing.  People on the Autism spectrum neurologically misinterpret sensory input.  Each person with sensory processing issues will present differently, so you cannot ever assume that one individual will react similarly to another. 

This is why it is so imperative for teachers and parents of students with Autism to build a relationship and utilize effective communication on a regular basis.  I can't tell you how many times as a teacher that X has triggered a huge meltdown for "George" and I've contacted the parent and heard, "Oh yeah, that's ALWAYS a big trigger for him!"  Well, gee...thanks, "Linda".  Wish I'd have known that BEFORE we had to initiate a room clear!

#sorrynotsorry

During the motor output stage is where you see the person's behavioral expression of how their brain has processed the stimulus.  Many people with Autism can become hypo-reactive (meaning they kind of mentally "zone out" or physically go "limp noodle") or hyper-reactive (meaning they experience meltdown or other expressions of opposition/avoidance).

One of Finley's occupational therapists with First Steps explained to me that everyone has a sensory threshold.  Kids with Autism often have either a high need for sensory input ("sensory seekers") or a low need for sensory input ("sensory avoidant").

Finley is a sensory seeker down to the marrow of her bones.  She craves stimulation.  Her favored source of stimulation is vestibular.  This means she finds joy and comfort in running, jumping, climbing, swimming, swinging, spinning, and anything else that makes her momma's heart jump to her throat!  She can often be found climbing the counters in the kitchen, running back and forth between two rooms, or jumping on furniture.  If she has received enough stimulation throughout the day, these behaviors markedly decrease.  However, once she decides she's bored, she becomes a ping-pong ball.

Many kids with ADHD can be seen as "sensory seekers" or "sensory avoidant".  This is why sometimes kids with Autism will be misdiagnosed or diagnosed with both disorders.  Because, neurologically speaking, they are very, very similar.  Especially during the younger years.  The main difference to look for there is in communication and language.  More on that in a future post.  :)