Sensory Integration Dysfunction
Encyclopedia
Sensory integration dysfunction is a neurological disorder characterized by a neurological sensory integration
deficit. The more current diagnostic nosology (Miller et al., 2007) uses the term sensory processing disorder
to describe this condition.
Sensory integration dysfunction (SID) was first studied in-depth by Anna Jean Ayres
. Ayres describes sensory integration as the ability to organize sensory information for use by the brain. An individual with sensory integration dysfunction would therefore have an inability to organize sensory information as it comes in through the senses.
, succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency
, primary nocturnal enuresis, prenatal alcohol exposure, Learning difficulties
and autism
, as well as people with traumatic brain injury
or who have had cochlear implant
s placed.
, an occupational therapist
. Today, some occupational therapists argue in favor of creating a discrete diagnostic category for sensory integration dysfunction, but this position is disputed. SID is not a recognized diagnosis in the DSM-IV-TR
or the ICD-10
.
Sensory integration
Sensory integration is defined as the neurological process that organizes sensation from one’s own body and the environment, thus making it possible to use the body effectively within the environment. Specifically, it deals with how the brain processes multiple sensory modality inputs into usable...
deficit. The more current diagnostic nosology (Miller et al., 2007) uses the term sensory processing disorder
Sensory processing disorder
Sensory processing disorder or SPD is a neurological disorder causing difficulties with taking in, processing and responding to sensory information about the environment and from within the own body .For those with SPD, sensory information may be sensed and perceived in a way that is different from...
to describe this condition.
Sensory integration dysfunction (SID) was first studied in-depth by Anna Jean Ayres
Anna Jean Ayres
Dr. Anna Jean Ayres , often referred to as "A. Jean Ayres", was an occupational therapist and developmental psychologist known for her work in the area of sensory integration dysfunction, a term she coined in the 1960s to describe a theory used in occupational therapy. She is the author of several...
. Ayres describes sensory integration as the ability to organize sensory information for use by the brain. An individual with sensory integration dysfunction would therefore have an inability to organize sensory information as it comes in through the senses.
As a symptom
Along with sensory processing dysfunction, the term sensory integration dysfunction is used informally in the medical literature to describe any such difficulty. Various conditions can involve sensory integration dysfunction, such as schizophreniaSchizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a disintegration of thought processes and of emotional responsiveness. It most commonly manifests itself as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, or disorganized speech and thinking, and it is accompanied by significant social...
, succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency
Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency
Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency , also known as 4-hydroxybutyric aciduria or gamma-hydroxybutyric aciduria, is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of the degradation pathway of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid, or GABA...
, primary nocturnal enuresis, prenatal alcohol exposure, Learning difficulties
Learning difficulties
Learning difficulties may refer to:*The conditions known in North America as learning disabilities, which are called "specific learning difficulties" in the United Kingdom...
and autism
Autism
Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their...
, as well as people with traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury , also known as intracranial injury, occurs when an external force traumatically injures the brain. TBI can be classified based on severity, mechanism , or other features...
or who have had cochlear implant
Cochlear implant
A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing...
s placed.
As a discrete disorder
The concept of sensory integration dysfunction as a discrete disorder was popularized by Anna Jean AyresAnna Jean Ayres
Dr. Anna Jean Ayres , often referred to as "A. Jean Ayres", was an occupational therapist and developmental psychologist known for her work in the area of sensory integration dysfunction, a term she coined in the 1960s to describe a theory used in occupational therapy. She is the author of several...
, an occupational therapist
Occupational therapist
An occupational therapist is trained in the practice of occupational therapy. The role of an occupational therapist is to work with a client to help them achieve a fulfilled and satisfied state in life through the use of "purposeful activity or interventions designed to achieve functional...
. Today, some occupational therapists argue in favor of creating a discrete diagnostic category for sensory integration dysfunction, but this position is disputed. SID is not a recognized diagnosis in the DSM-IV-TR
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is published by the American Psychiatric Association and provides a common language and standard criteria for the classification of mental disorders...
or the ICD-10
ICD
The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems is a medical classification that provides codes to classify diseases and a wide variety of signs, symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances, and external causes of injury or disease...
.
See also
- AutismAutismAutism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their...
- Hypokalemic sensory overstimulationHypokalemic sensory overstimulationHypokalemic sensory overstimulation is a form of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that has several similarities to disorders of ion channels, in particular to the muscle disorder hypokalemic periodic paralysis.-Characterization of the disorder:...
- Sensory defensivenessSensory defensivenessSensory defensiveness is a condition defined as having "a tendency to react negatively or with alarm to sensory input which is generally considered harmless or non-irritating" to neurotypical persons....
- Sensory integration therapySensory integration therapySensory integration therapy or sensory integrative therapy attempts to treat Sensory Integration Dysfunction. Some of these treatments have a questionable rationale and no empirical evidence. Other treatments have been studied, with small positive outcomes, but few conclusions can be drawn due to...
- Sensory overloadSensory overloadSensory overload , related to Cognitive load in general, is a condition where one or more of the senses are strained and it becomes difficult to focus on the task at hand...
- Sensory Processing DisorderSensory processing disorderSensory processing disorder or SPD is a neurological disorder causing difficulties with taking in, processing and responding to sensory information about the environment and from within the own body .For those with SPD, sensory information may be sensed and perceived in a way that is different from...
- Sensory Processing Disorder FoundationSensory Processing Disorder FoundationThe Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation is a registered 5013, nonprofit organization dedicated to research, education and advocacy for Sensory Processing Disorder. The Foundation was founded in 1979 by Dr. Lucy Jane Miller who serves as the Foundation's Executive Director...
- SchizophreniaSchizophreniaSchizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a disintegration of thought processes and of emotional responsiveness. It most commonly manifests itself as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, or disorganized speech and thinking, and it is accompanied by significant social...
Other sources
- Case-Smith, Jane. (2005) Occupational Therapy for Children. 5th Edn. Elsevier Mosby: St. Louis, MO. ISBN 032302873X
- Biel, Lindsey and Peske, Nancy. (2005) Raising A Sensory Smart Child. Penguin: New York. ISBN 014303488X, website: http://www.sensorysmarts.com
- Heller, Sharon, Ph.D., 2003. "Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight: What to do if you are sensory defensive in an overstimulating world.", Quill: New York. ISBN 0-06-019520-7 or 0-06-093292-9 (pbk.) ((Focuses on Adults))
- Schaaf, R.C., and L.J. Miller. 2005. "Occupational therapy using a sensory integrative approach for children with developmental disabilities", Ment. Retard. Dev. Disabil. Res. Rev. 11(2):143-148.