Sensory Processing and Eating Problems in Children with Autism

By Lee Wilkinson - examiner.com

Atypical or unusual sensory responses are common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and often one of the earliest indicators of autism in childhood. Although sensory processing problems are not universal or exclusive to this neurodevelopmental disorder, a large percentage of children with ASD (78 to 90%) have sensory processing problems. These are mostly problems of sensory modulation expressed as hyper-or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment (e.g., apparent indifference to pain/heat/cold, adverse response to specific sounds or textures, excessive smelling or touching of objects, visual fascination with lights or movement). When present, sensory problems may interfere with performance in many developmental and functional domains across home and school contexts, including daily living activities such as eating. Research suggests that extreme reactions or rituals involving taste, smell, texture, or appearance of food or excessive food restrictions are fairly common and may be a presenting feature of ASD. This includes “selective” or “picky eating,” which is defined as eating a limited variety of food and refusal to eat or taste new foods.

Read more HERE.

Bullying and Youth with Disabilities and Special Health Needs

Children with disabilities—such as physical, developmental, intellectual, emotional, and sensory disabilities—are at an increased risk of being bullied. Any number of factors— physical vulnerability, social skill challenges, or intolerant environments—may increase the risk. Research suggests that some children with disabilities may bully others as well.

Kids with special health needs, such as epilepsy or food allergies, also may be at higher risk of being bullied. Bullying can include making fun of kids because of their allergies or exposing them to the things they are allergic to. In these cases, bullying is not just serious, it can mean life or death.

Get more information at Stop Bullying.gov

Activities for Sensory Processing Disorder

Read Michaela Davila's, eHow Health article HERE.

Hard to Be Part of the Gang With Sensory Processing Disorder

When it Comes to socializing, what will happen to my growing child wth Sensory Processing Disorder? Blending in with their peers and keeping friends becomes the most important aspect of many school age kids’ lives. For this to happen in the future, early, intensive intervention by health professionals will make the life of your sensitive tween or teen much easier later. Children with Sensory Processing Disorder, who do not receive integration therapy, will problably have more difficulty socializing because they will not be able to tolerate the environment where many of the activities of their friends take place nor the unintentional disturbing actions or habits some might have.

Read more of the article from Kid Companions HERE.