ADHD or Sensory Needs - Signs and Symptoms to Look for in Your Child Before Seeking an Evaluation

This month, with a new school year starting, I thought it might be an appropriate time to talk about key signs that you might see in a child with Sensory Processing Disorder that would necessitate a more thorough evaluation.

Keep in mind that the following list is in no way exclusive and that your child may have other variations. Also, for a person to actually be shown to have a sensory processing disorder, the symptoms must have a definite impact on activities of daily living such as dressing, grooming, eating, bathing, learning, etc...

- responds to being touched with withdrawal or aggression (hates to be kissed or hugged unless they initiate it)

- irritated by tags, seams or other variations in clothing texture

- is seen as a very "picky" eater; may get stuck on certain foods and/or avoid others

- May be extremely sensitive to smells that do not bother most or may be overly oblivious to smells most cannot stand

- May be uncomfortable in loud or busy environments such as malls or sporting events; May cover ears with hands; Or may seek out loud sounds (i.e. turning up the volume on the radio or television )

- Has significant difficulty with most transitions and/or resists new situations

- May show problems with fine motor (using small muscles for handwriting or buttoning) or gross motor (using large muscles for skipping or jumping ) coordination, muscle tone and motor planning (which basically is figuring out how to make your body do what you want it to).

- May avoid doing schoolwork and/or peer group activities because of motor and/or sensory "differences"

- May show extreme behavioral outbursts, even in public, when confronted with aversive stimuli (such as variations in temperature, loud noises, and smells). Sometimes it may seem as if the person is experiencing extreme pain given the scope of the reaction.

- Often times the child with SPD is seen as having significant behavioral problems, low self-esteem, trouble concentrating, trouble making friends, having frequent temper tantrums, and/or having learning problems. Children with SPD may also be labeled as being "aggressive", "distractible", "impulsive"," withdrawn", "clumsy" etc.

- Often times symptoms of SPD overlap with symptoms of other diagnoses such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder). Research has shown that SPD can exist alone or in combination with other diagnoses.

It is really imperative to seek the support and guidance of knowledgeable professional(s) when you see these types of signs and symptoms in a child you know. It can mean the difference between a lot of suffering for the child and family or a guiding source of help and hope! Take it from me. I've been there and am still working through many daily challenges with my own child with SPD!

Christopher R. Auer, MA is the author of Parenting a Child with Sensory Processing Disorder: A Family Guide to Understanding and Supporting Your Sensory Sensitive Child (New Harbinger, 2006) Additional information at http://www.spdresources.com or email spdresources@comcast.net

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Learn More About Autism in Babies - Signs and Symptoms

Autism is only one of the five Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). It is a neurological disorder that impairs the development of a child. It affects the social and communication skills of the child as well as his or her activities and interests. Parents must be able to recognize as early as possible the early signs of autism in babies. Signs may vary in severity and symptom in every child and in every type of ASD.

Here are the five different Autism Spectrum Disorders:

Classic Autism
Asperger Syndrome
Rett Syndrome
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Recognizing which spectrum your child belongs is very important in your endeavor in helping your child and treating him or her. You do not have to be an expert about autism in babies. Signs must be recognized and you must understand the effects, and know what to do about it.

Children with ASD are affected differently, with unique challenges, symptoms, and abilities. The level of disability and the combination of symptoms vary from one child to another. This is what makes ASD difficult to deal with - its diversity.

Here are the red flags of autism in babies - Signs and Symptoms:

Social interaction - Do not make eye contact. They prefer to be alone. Do not want to be touched, hugged, or cuddled and they line up toys or other objects such as cans or water bottles. Do not smile or respond when played.

Communication skills - In most cases, the loss of speech or the delay in its development is the biggest red flag for autism in babies. Signs such as not using single words upon reaching 16 months and two word phrases upon reaching 24 months are the most common in autism cases. Not babbling, pointing on things of interest, or similar gestures may also be apparent.

Repetitive movements - Unusual sensory interest or unusual body movement such as repetitive tapping and flapping can be observed. Stereotype interest is also common like eating the same food and adherence to specific routines or rituals.

It is important to remember that no one sign automatically means autism in babies. Signs must be convincing or evident and it must be the combination of several signs or all of it that must make you concern. If you suspect your child to be autistic or if he exhibits the signs and symptoms, he must be brought to his pediatrician immediately for evaluation.

Also, a child with ASD will develop differently from others. Children may be able to walk early and talk later or vice versa. Or talk early but have trouble with basic motor skills such as walking and running.

There are still a lot of things that we have to work on about autism in babies. Signs of autism become apparent usually before the child is 3 years old. But the thing is that the child is usually diagnosed only upon reaching 4 years.

In most cases, parents report not noticing the early warning signs of autism until years later when they watched early home videos of their children. This is why it is very important for parents to observe carefully their babies in their development.

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability and is now the third most common childhood disorder. Parents should educate themselves about the disorder to give their child a brighter future. Understanding more about the different autism spectrum disorders will help you understand the condition of your child. Visit AUTISM IN BABIES and learn more about the top 3 books online about autism.

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