Sensory Integration Dysfunction

Hi, The connection between the senses and studying and ADHA had been discussed a lot. For some people tratment like that ( dealing with sensory sensetivity) is very helpful. Ii really depends on each indevidual case.
However when it comes to young children it is very important to try it also as a preventive method.

What is NLD. What is good SID “training” Any suggestions? My grandson has ADDH and he is always repeating something differently than what was said. One man band+ “I’m not a rubber band!” Thanks.

There is no doubt in my mind that the two can be related. I am 44 discovered that I had ADHD at age 40 by chance. I’ve been on medication almost 5 years and it has helped tremendously. I don’t think without it I would have had the presence of mind on a daily basis to notice that something else was wrong as well. I began to see I had issues, and started questioning them. When I finally went for psychological testing about 2 years ago, they discovered that I had a problem with visual motor integration, visual perception, and organization. After doing research and asking around I got referred to a great occupational therapist. My OT upon testing me found I had motor skill delays in both gross and fine motor skills, and problems with visual perception. These have played havoc on my life and career. I managed to become an accountant, pass the CPA exam, and find out that I had problems with many of the daily duties that should have been easy. I managed to get through the school work fine with out being able to visually process, but the work itself is pretty impossible to do well without it.
I’ve been going to OT for about 18 months, and vision therapy for 6 months, and I definitely feel I’ve made progress. My therapy is pretty much the same as the kids, because I have the same issues they do. I don’t think it’s common because I have yet to meet another adult who is doing it but in my case my difference between my verbal and performance IQ was pretty extreme 36 points and my performance IQ was below average enough to cause plenty of problems because it is fairly well hidden and the last thing that an employer expected.
I hope I answered your question.

Marleedrew

HI Marleedrew,

I read you story here on the website Adults with ADHD. And it sounds like I have some of the same problems you do. Do you where I can get tested like you did to get help with my adhd?

I am glad you life is doing alot better.

sincerely steve

Hi Steve,

Since I don’t know how old you are or whether you are in school or not, and I noticed you asked for help with both ADHD and sensory integration dysfunction, I’ll try to address both. I found out about the first part just before I turned 40, I’m sure if I had questioned more I would have been diagnosed much earlier, or other areas like having a more effective therapist. I actually found out about adult ADHD by chance when I turned on “The View” . I’ve never written to thank them. It made sense to me when I heard the guest’s story about adult ADHD. (Incidentally I’m combo type). After reading “Driven to Distraction.”, I had no doubts about whether I had it, and I made the social worker I went to give me a referral to a psychiatrist. I could not have survived in the temp job I was at without medication.

Two years later, I had enough courage and some job security to tackle the rest of it, which was to get psychological testing. ( I had it done at a college by their psychology department. It was much cheaper) Since you already have more knowledge of your situation than I did and have been investigating your situation by doing research on the internet you are way further along than I was. Since I knew I had a motor skill problem and that my niece had PT and speech intervention at a young age, I had the feeling that she had inherited her condition, and not from my sister in law or brother, but probably from me. I got the name of an occupational therapist from a learning specialist who I had met with, and referred myself for an evaluation. I was lucky and found someone who is wonderful. She is truly great, supportive, listens, gives constructive criticism when necessary. You will need to find an occupational therapist who is willing to work with adults. Sensory Integration therapy is not common among adults. You also will need to get a perscription from your doctor for Occupational therapy. I have found all of this worth it, and the vision therapy as well. I definitely can see things that I hadn’t seen two years ago and can verbalize with proper language what I am looking at.

I hope I helped you. Goodluck. If you have more questions let me know. I check the bulletin board.

I agree with Marlee Drew. You should be aware that many people who treat ADHD have no idea what SI is and many people who treat SI do not believe in ADHD. A psychologist who specializes in ADHD is your best bet to find out about that. Universities have the added advantage of keeping up with research. Or you could contact your local CHADD (Children & Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder) to inquire about a good psychologist. Don’t use a general practitioner alone, you want someone who really knows ADHD. A good psychiatirst is even better as they can prescribe medication. For the OT I recommend you going to the website for Sensory Integratiojn International or The American Occupational Therapy Association to research OTs who do SI. Even if most work with kids the principles are the same. I work with OTs who work with kids and they have given me good tips and I figured the rest out myself working in a therapy practice that specializes in SI.

My son is SI and can at times look adhd. His therapist (who actually believes in ADHD because her daughter has it) does not think he is truely adhd.

He can be extremely focused at times. With some teachers he is totally focused others he can’t concentrate at all. When he is in a setting where he is overstimulated he acts like a different child. Taking him out of the situation and gently rubbing his back has a dramatic affect with him. The right sensory diet makes a huge difference for him.

When I read “The Out of Sync Child” I definitely knew it was him.

I still have adhd on the back burner but feel the need to address the SI issues before going there.

I am a 44 year old adult with both ADHD and SI issues. My discovery of ADHD came first, yet even after I was taking medication I still knew that something wasn’t right. I think the medication definitely made me more aware of the fact that I had a problem than if I was not taking medication, and I still do take it. My occupational therapist feels I have more SI issues than ADHD issues but that I definitely do have both and that as an adult taking medication is definitely a good thing because I am more aware than I would be otherwise, and it definitely keeps me out of trouble. I am much more conscious of what is socially appropriate than I had been prior to taking medication. I can stop and notice whether someone is busy so I don’t interrupt them at innappropriate times, or notice that someone is wearing headphones and probably is not in the mood to speak. I grew up in a home with parents who are definitely also ADHD and to some extent SI as well, so the things I just mentioned are things that my parents do because they do not take medication. Before taking medication I would talk about things that bored others, not be aware that someone didn’t want to talk and was blasting the radio to drown me out etc.

My friends who are all non ADHD for the most part and definitely not SI say that the medication has definitely improved things, and I would agree on that. I think that it also makes it easier to focus on what I need to do in both my occupational therapy and vision therapy. Like a kid I am resistant as well to doing the homework at times but I understand what is taking place at the time.

In my case addressing both issues has helped. Thankfully parents are much more aware of helping their children today than when I was growing up, but then again if you have the same issues and no one corrects them in you, you’re going to think that the same behavior in your child is totally normal.

I often feel like I am being punished by my parents for not accepting my limitations and trying to change things. I got through college and passed the CPA exam but the LD and SI make doing the work nearly impossible. I’m hoping that the therapy and visual training will help me to advance further, at present I can’t even tell anyone that I have passed the CPA exam on my resume anymore, it hurts more than it helps, and that hurts. I have to be satisfied with a much lower level job until I learn how to look at information that I can’t just read. Anyone wants further clarification write me I’m on aol.

I’ve always had sensory issues, and for years I thought that was my only “problem.” It wasn’t until I was an adult and formally diagnosed with ADD, that I finally understood it all and put it together. Finally, it all makes sense. Knowing it and accepting it allows me to rationally figure out how to make my life work.

Hi folks,
Newbie here—I’m 45, diagnosed w/ADD & on Concerta for about 6 months now. What is SI about??? I’m not gathering enough between the lines here and have looked, but still don’t know what it is or the symptoms. Any guidance? Thanks.

Sensory Integration is how our bodies/nervous systems take in and organize incoming sensory input including tactile (touch), vestibular (movement) and proprioceptive/kinesthetic (awareness of body and body position) in addition to the more traditional senses as sight and hearing. Sensory Integration therapy addresses deficits in the way our systems become aware of incoming sensory input (sensory registration), process this information, make a plan to react to or ignore this information and act on it. It is an unconscious process. Some people have difficulties along the way, for example they may overreact to sound or touch that others would barely notice. Persons with ADD and autism quite often are hypersenistive (and some are hyposensitive) to many sensory experiences. Some of the treatment techniques include use of a special brush to provide a deep pressure touch (“The Wilbarger Protocol”)and use of various therapy swings to provide vestibular input ( have you ever noticed how rocking in a rocking chair is very relaxing? or seen an individual with autism rocking? It is a very calming input when used in the correct way). Deep pressure(proprioception) is very calming. Ways to get this include “chair pushups” (while sitting, just push down into your chair with your hands under your thighs), getting under heavy things as a weighted blanket or big heavy cushions, doing “heavy work” as carrying, pushing or pulling heavy objects can be very calming. Another technique which helps with calming and focus is “Brain Gym” which is a series of movement experiences that help organize the hemispheres of the brain for better focus and function. I myself use a scrubbing washcloth when I take my shower which helps me to focus and function during my workday. I work with children but have spoken to many adults with some sorts of “S.I.” problems and have attended many workshops on the topic. If any of you are in the Philidelphia area, I highly recommend you get in touch with an occupational therapist named Jeannetta Burpee who treats both children and adults with many of these issues. Good luck to all!! Oh by the way I also have a 13 year old daughter who benefits from S.I. as well as Concerta for her ADD.

i live in opelika, alabama. i believe i have add or ld. i have been tested but to be told i have a memory problem. I have been like this since a child. THe psychologist suggested just accept it. I went to a neuroligist and he said it was anxiety and suggest antidepressants. I am struggling for just a little help with my memory. I have lived with this for 30 yrs i am not 53. My husband does not understand and says i just don’t try to learn.
thanks

Hi Everybody,

I know I have learning disabilities, OCD, depression, anxiety, and ADHD.

I was clumsy as a child, the last to be picked for teams, couldn’t learn to skate, had trouble catching a ball, have slow reflexes, etc. I haven’t learned to drive because my reflexes are slow, and I have trouble judging traffic when I cross streets. I’ve always had some trouble with left and right. Also, I bump into people more frequently than most people do. I have problems with imagery (see my post on mental imagery, if you’re interested in this type of thing). Handwriting is good.

I’ve always been uncomfortable with any kind of physical challenge (e.g., climbing jungle bars, walking over rough terrain, even riding on a see saw) As a child, I couldn’t learn dance steps, couldn’t carry a tune, had trouble learning to sew, etc. I have tremendous difficulty following movement patterns (e.g., in an exercise class) . In Junior high school, we’d have to follow a series of commands such as turn a quarter left, turn half right, etc. and I’d end up totally bewildered and out of step. I once tried a physical therapy group, but was thrown out because I couldn’t keep up.

I’m currently in vision therapy and in psychotherapy. I’m exploring medication for anxiety and depression, but because of severe side effects in the past, I’m hesitant to use medication. (I developed a serious balance/walking problem which may have been related to zoloft, and on prozac I ended up in the emergency room with hot flashes, severe anxiety, and an extremely fast pulse) A few years ago I was tried on ritalin, but I never reached a therapeutic dosage due to blood pressure problems. I was advised that it was too risky to continue.

I’m 60 years old and have been on disability for the past 5 years, but still want to do what I can to get better. I’m very bright, am a creative thinker (like most people with ADD), and have work skills that I’d still like to be able to use .
I just can’t seem to deal with the pressures created by work environments that are not sympathetic to special difficulties, and can’t deal with the stresses created by trying to do tasks that the disabilities make harder. My health has paid too great of a price!

I’d like to learn more about individual experiences with occupational or physical therapy to deal with the kind of problems that I’ve been describing.
I’m considering a neuropsychological evaluation. Since I do have problems that seem to point to sensory integration difficulties, I’m wondering if there’s something in this area that would be helpful to investigate.

I’ve been working on myself for many, many years. It’s really hard having this many problems and still trying to lead a “normal” life.

Arlene, You sound like a perfect candidate for Sensory Integration therapy with a skilled Occupational Therapist or at least for trying “Brain Gym” which is a series of very simple and quick exercises which can have amazing results. The Brain Gym web site is: www.braingym.org and through it you should be able to locate an instructor or book or video about brain gym. Good luck!

Arlene, You sound like a perfect candidate for Sensory Integration therapy with a skilled Occupational Therapist or at least for trying “Brain Gym” which is a series of very simple and quick exercises which can have amazing results. The Brain Gym web site is: www.braingym.org and through it you should be able to locate an instructor or book or video about brain gym. Good luck!

what kind of medication?