Learning Differences Part 6: Autism Spectrum and Sensory Processing Issues

Autism Spectrum and Sensory Processing Issues are currently labeled as behavior disorders, however, they are now known to be neurobiologically based. This means the neurological and chemical connections within the child’s brain are different from what we might consider in the average brain.

Sometimes those differences can cause profound difficulties in a child’s ability to function in the world. Sometimes those differences come with profound gifts that allow a child’s brain to understand things in unique ways.

Currently, these conditions may qualify as a legal “disability” but are not considered legal “learning disabilities.” I believe this is wrong and hope that at some point they will be reclassified to make intervention more universal. It is also well known that these neurobiologically based behavior disorders are often found with other learning disorders. You may need to push your school district to look for hidden learning disorders.

From a scientific perspective, it can help to label and define these “behavioral” conditions. That process of definition can aid in identifying and helping these kids.

However, as parents, I think it’s important we recognize our child’s brain has its own unique arrangement of neurons. We need to understand that behavior we may see as exasperatingly inappropriate may, to them, be neurologically reasonable. They may be living in a world which is antithetical to their own neurobiological self.

When we see kids in this way, it opens our eyes to a more compassionate appreciation of who they are. I suspect there is little else that is as important to a child, a parent, or a family than finding the compassion, the love, and the appreciation of a child that allows you to build a space in the world that welcomes them.

With this in mind, I try to shift back and forth between perspectives in my head. On the one hand, I focus on a scientific understanding of their “condition” and effective “interventions.” On the other hand, I focus on the child as perfectly different so I can stretch my understanding to encompass their reality.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are often improperly diagnosed in children who actually have other issues. Every symptom of autism can be found in other disorders, and this can make it challenging to diagnose correctly. The key to identifying autism is that the first and primary impairment must be in social impairment.

Some of the early signs can be a child who does not pay any attention to nor have much awareness of other people. They may not make eye contact or smile while taking a bottle. A toddler may not look up when a parent enters a room. When lacking language skills, they will fail to use gestures to communicate. You may roll a ball to them, and they don’t look at it or try to get it. They don’t engage in reciprocal interactions.

If you have a child who is showing these signs then I’d encourage you to have them evaluated by a developmental psychologist. Early intervention for children with ASD can have profound life changing benefits.

If your child is diagnosed with ASD, you’re going to need to find yourself all the supports you can get. Fortunately, the parents of children with autism have become extremely active and organized in recent years. Many resources are now readily available for parents newly facing this challenge. One great place to start is Autism Speaks. You’ll find a wide range of useful tools including “First 100 Day Tool Kits for Families of Those Newly Diagnosed.” Three different kits are available based on your child’s age at diagnosis.

You can also find regional support groups on Facebook. These groups can provide guidance and insight into local services and specialists. I encourage you to tap into these communities. You no longer need to take this journey alone. Often these autism support groups can give you more current information than you’re unlikely to find elsewhere.

Children with Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD) will present with a spectrum of behaviors depending on the nature of their individual sensory challenges.

For some kids the “volume” of their incoming sensory input is tuned up so high that minor things can be overwhelming. A tag on a shirt may feel like constant deep scratching that they can’t filter out. A loud classroom may feel like a pounding chaotic rock concert.

For other kids the intensity of incoming sensory input may be “tuned” so low that they miss things. These can be inputs from internal or external signals. They may not recognize they are so hot they are over heating or that their bowel or bladder is signaling time to void. Sometimes these kids will seek out high levels of stimulation.

Children with SPD are usually diagnosed and treated by Occupational Therapists. Your pediatrician can refer them for evaluation.

Resources:

1. Autism and Insurance Coverage: State Laws. National Conference Of State Legislatures, August 2018. Ncsl.org

2. Autism Speaks: autismspeaks.org

Sensory Processing Disorder/ Behaviors:

1. The Unbearable Sensation Of Being: Some Kids Find Everyday Stimuli Excruciating. Scientists Are Finally Figuring Out Why. Clair Conway, UCSF Magazine, summer 2018.

Next week in Learning Differences: How to Pursue Intervention for Your Child

Kathleen Cawley is a physician assistant and author. She is a regular guest columnist for the Auburn Journal and Folsom Telegraph where she writes on parenting and childhood. Her books, Navigating the Shock of Parenthood: Warty Truths and Modern Practicalities — from a mom with twins, And Grandma Becky’s Blue Tongue, a children’s picture book, are available where books are sold.