SID: Sensory Intergrations Dysfunction

One common characteristic of Autism is sensory issues; Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID)/Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). SID is a neurological disorder, my understanding is that in a person with SID they do not process exterior stimuli correctly whether visual, touch, auditory, taste, and olfaction. SID can also effect movement and positional senses. Are great definition of SID can be read at Incredible Horizons and at Wiki. For my boys it was a challenge in the beginning going anywhere with them, each have their own unique sensory issues. For a couple of years we could not take them place that would have large groups of people, lots of noise, and smells. My oldest would begin to meltdown about 30 minutes into a visit and we would have to leave. His brother got to this point in about the same amount of time. One Thanksgiving 3 years ago, we went to my brothers it was supposed to just be the five of us and the four in his family. Well, his in-laws all came, one sister-in-law gets loud and louder with each glass of wine. We where only there for 45 minutes, we just ended up eating as fast as we could, both boys where screaming, crying, and banging their heads on the hardwood floor (they would not even eat). God Bless my brother and wife for taking them into the attached garage so the rest could eat with out the noise. We felt so terrible for having to eat and run. That was the last time, for a long time, we went to any family gatherings. It was difficult for our families to understand that we did not want to subject anyone to their meltdowns. Our families want to see us and where willing to listen to the screams. As parents we where not willing to listen to it, we heard it enough at home. In the last 3 years both boys have come along way, through the help of OT we can now spend holidays with family and get a good 3 hours out of them both. The OT helped tremendously! 

Some of the things that helped my boys; a large exercise ball, ankle weights, compression vest, weighted blanket, and a weighted lap pad.

If your child has sensory issues, read "The Out of Sync Child" by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A. Her book sheds light on sensory issues in children. She also has a companion "The Out of Sync Child Has Fun" this book contains activities for kids with Sensory Integration Dysfunction".