What is Your Child's Sensitivity Profile?

by Kristyn Crow | More from this Blogger

30 Jun 2006 11:26 AM

When we have a better understanding of our child's sensory reactivity levels, we can decode some of his or her puzzling behaviors. Many children with disabilities of all types struggle with sensory integration disorder (DSI), and have oversensitivity or undersensitivity to normal stimuli. By getting in tune with how your child manages the sensory input from his environment, you can improve your interactions. This knowledge can give teachers, therapists, and doctors a head start in relating to your son or daughter, and break down barriers to learning.

By making careful observations while your child goes about her day, you can uncover the biological challenges she is facing.

The Sensitivity Scale

Using this sensitivity scale as a guide, examine your child in various settings, and experiment. Circle the number that best represents your child's level of sensitivity. 1=Undersensitive (the child is not bothered by the stimuli, and even craves it). 2=The child is barely affected by the stimuli. 3=The child seems to have a normal response to the stimuli. 4=The child seems negatively affected by the stimuli. 5=Oversensitive - The child is bothered and agitated by the stimuli.

• Sound: It's very common for special needs children to be over or undersensitive to sound. Experiment with different types of music. Watch your child's reactions to lawn mower sounds, dishwashers, clanging pots, whistles, whispers, etc. Does your child plug his ears and hide? Does he seem totally unaffected? When you speak in a regular tone of voice, does he respond? Rank the response on the sensitivity chart.

• Touch: Some children hate to be touched, because the sensation is so displeasing. They are extremely sensitive to certain fabrics or sensations against their skin. They might scream at getting wet, or tantrum when standing in grass. These children would rank a four or five on the sensitivity scale, and are "oversensitive" to touch. A child who is undersensitive might crave being held and cuddled, and might constantly touch and rub things around her, needing MORE sensations, because hers are lacking. She might like long sleeves and the feeling of pressure against her skin. This child would rank a one or two.

• Visual: Does your son or daughter react to bright light? Does he get agitated in bright sunlight? Does the flickering T.V. screen cause a frustrated reaction? Does he cover his eyes in certain situations? This child would be oversensitive to visual stimuli. A child who flips flingers in front of his eyes, puts toys up by his face, and is stimulated by lights and colors, would be undersensitive on the scale. The undersensitive child would crave more visual input to compensate for what he lacks.

• Movement: Some children are undersensitive to movement sensations, and so they have the strong desire to run, twirl, flap, spin, jump, and twist to fill the void. These children also enjoy swinging for long periods of time. A child who is oversensitive to movement will be nervous, easily startled, afraid of what movement to do next, etc. He or she might be very reluctant to play outside or cower rather than participate in a game of catch.

• Smell and Taste: These two senses are often combined because the physiology of the two senses is so similar. Pay attention to how your child reacts when there are strong smells present. Have him smell perfumes or cooking food. Is there a noticeable aversion? If so, your child is oversensitive to smell. If your child is constantly sniffing things, she is undersensitive. Does your child insist on eating the same bland foods every day? Does he refuse to eat anything with spices or an unusual taste? He is likely oversensitive to taste.

By watching for your child's sensory clues, you can create a general sensitivity profile for him or her. Now suddenly behaviors that seemed strange start to make sense. With this information, you can gear your child's learning and interactions based on what sensory input she tolerates best. For example,if your daughter is oversensitive to touch and sound, but responds to visual input in a normal way, you can focus on visual techniques for teaching, and use eye contact for building stronger relationship bonds.

Do you know your child's sensitivity profile?

Kristyn Crow is the author of this blog. Visit her website by clicking here.

Learn more about Kristyn Crow

Kristyn Crow is the mother of seven children, and the author of three children's books. Visit her website at www.kristyncrow.com.

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Christina Huffman (1406) 30 Jun 2006 12:09 PM

Thanks Kristyn! This is a very helpful article. I have been wanting to do a profile on my son with SI.