Week #12- Sensory Processing Disorder

We are covering so many topics on this blog and the Video Diary! We've discussed nutrition and diet, glutamate, magnesium deficiencies, secretin, and of course, homeopathy.

One area we are going to cover this week is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Below is information I've gathered from Understood.org

"A child’s brain receives a steady stream of sensory information—from the smell of cookies baking to the feeling of shoes rubbing against her feet. Most kids can “tune out” or “filter” that information as needed. They can deal with unexpected sensations, such as a loud crash on the playground.

But children with sensory processing issues may be oversensitive or undersensitive to the world around them. When the brain receives information, it gives meaning to even the smallest bits of information. Keeping all that information organized and responding appropriately is challenging for them.

All kids can be finicky or difficult at times. But children with sensory processing issues can be so emotionally sensitive that doing simple daily tasks is a constant challenge. Certain fabrics or tags in clothing might irritate them. On the other end of the spectrum, they might have a high tolerance to pain and not realize when they’re in a dangerous situation.

Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitive (or oversensitive) children may have an extreme response to loud noises or notice sounds that others don’t. They may dislike being touched, even by adults they know. They may be fearful in crowds, reluctant to play on playground equipment or worried about their safety (being bumped into or falling)—even when there’s no real danger.

Hyposensitivity: Hyposensitive (or undersensitive) children lack sensitivity to their surroundings. They might have a high tolerance for or indifference to pain. They may be “sensory seeking,” meaning they have a constant need to touch people or things—even when it’s not appropriate.

They may also have trouble with personal space or be clumsy and uncoordinated. They might be constantly on the move and take risks on the playground, accidentally harming other kids when playing.

Some kids with sensory processing issues show signs of both hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity. They may react in one or both of the following ways:

• Extreme response to a change in environment: Kids may be fine in familiar settings but have a meltdown in a crowded, noisy store. These meltdowns can be scary for parents and kids, since children who are oversensitive might have trouble stopping once they get started.
• Fleeing from stimulation: Children who are undersensitive might run away from something that’s too stimulating. Or they might run toward something that will calm them down. For example, they might zip across the playground toward a familiar teacher without paying attention to the other kids they’re jostling."

So there is a brief description of what it is exactly. But how can homeopathy help? The information below is from Homeopathy Center of Houston

"Homeopathy Center of Houston and its homeopaths have been addressing sensitive and “sensational” children since 1998 by assessing each person’s individual history, illnesses, responses to stimuli, and applying homeopathic principles to help the immune system and the brain chemistry reset themselves to a more functional level.  Most of our clients will eventually totally lose their sensitivities, and move forward to live life to its fullest, without the shackles of the inability to process the input of the world around them.

The integrated approach with the Houston Homeopathy Method for the physiological sensitivities and to eliminate the causations behind them and occupational therapy for desensitization can bring about life-changing positives for these sensational children and their families!"

Leo isn't as severe as some of the clients they see, however he does show similar signs of both hyper sensitivity and hypo sensitivity. I discuss this in more detail in our Video Diary. 

Now let's discuss Deep Pressure Therapy.

Below is an excerpt taken from My T Jacket

"Deep touch pressure refers to a form of tactile sensory input which is often provided by firm holding, firm stroking, cuddling, hugging, and squeezing. Deep touch pressure acts as a calming or focusing agent to increase activity in the parasympathetic division, and lower activity in the sympathetic division of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). This opposite movement of activity in the two divisions together work to amongst other things, increase endorphin levels (happy hormones) and decrease heart rate and blood pressure (indicators of anxiety and stress). Deep touch pressure also causes the release of both serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These are "happy" neurotransmitters and produce a feeling of calm within our nervous system. 

Deep touch pressure's role as a calming agent benefits individuals suffering from chronic stress, anxiety pain and unrest (for eg: individuals with developmental disabilities, dementia and other special needs).  It also benefits individuals with high levels of anxiety (anxiety disorders) or arousal. By helping to calm these individuals, deep touch pressure improves their ability to cope with stress and anxieties, giving them more control over their lives, hence allowing for a better quality of life. For individuals with proprioceptive, vestibular and tactile sensory seeking behaviors, deep touch pressure gives them the sensory input they require and crave in order for the body to function effectively with the environment." 

Below is a link to Wearable Therapeutics. They specialize in deep pressure therapy with products designed for SPD children!

Wearable Therapeutics