When I first started to learn about Sensory Integration (almost 3 years ago...gosh it seems like a lifetime ago) I was so confused with all of the terminology, mostly because AJ didn't fit any of the categories...he fit them all.

<!--more-->AJ is one of those kids who is both Hyper and Hyposensitive and would be classified as Mixed Type Sensory Processing (meaning he both stimulates and needs calming at the same or alternate times). Hyposensitivity is an unusually high tolerance for environmental stimuli.

A child who is Hyposensitive seeks sensory stimulation to what we call "push up" or stim to keep himself active. On the other side of the spectrum is the Hypersensitive child. This child has sensory defensiveness and will shy away from sensory activity, can not tolerate normal stimuli like lights or dishwashers.

Our main issue is finding the correct balance for AJ every day (and some days it is very difficult). We try to mix in deep pressure and heavy work for calming activities, avoid large stores when we know he is already overstimulated because the lights, sounds, smells, and crowds stimulate and send him past his breaking point. We keep noise to a minimum inside the house (we only run the washer and dryer, not the washer, dryer, dishwasher, television, and talk on the phone). We make sure his day clothing is not itchy and that his pajamas are tight fitting, that he has a variety of textured foods throughout the day to oral balance.

For some great ideas on sensory diets and how to balance a complex sensory integration child check out the links below.

Beyond PlayTreatment activities

Heavy Work Activities

New Pressure Vest

What is a Sensory Diet?

Visual Calming Activities

Calming Activities for Sensory Seekers

What exactly is sensory integration?