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Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory Processing Disorder goes by many names (Sensory Integration Dysfunction, Neurosensory Dysfunction, etc.) but no matter what you call it, the underlying causes of it don't change. What is more, we strongly feel that sensory issues are one of the most commonly missed diagnoses out there. A properly trained health care provider understands that many common conditions such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and many learning and behavioral issues have many sensory-based challenges, and therefore proper treatment must address these.
Unfortunately, most of our current health care providers have little to no clue how to recognize and treat sensory challenges, especially in young children. There are many warning signs that sensory challenges are developing, but too often are missed at a young age and dismissed by the child’s doctor with “he’ll grow out of it” or “let’s wait and see what happens.” Well, waiting and seeing is the same as doing nothing, and too often these children have a difficult time later in life overcoming these challenges. It is our mission to educate the community, and especially parents, how to recognize these challenges and also how to treat them as soon as possible.
In most cases when these sensory challenges are finally realized, therapy is the first option. If done properly this care is usually done by specifically trained occupational and/or physical therapists in a "sensory gym" or setting. While we support this form of therapy whole-heartedly, at Krukowski Family Chiropractic we offer even more. The sensory-based care provided by our office is one of the only places in the country where neurosensory rehab and therapy is combined with neurologically-based chiropractic adjustments. This combination of care can provide more effective and longer-lasting results than either alone.
Our sensory system is a "read and react" system. What this means is that our body is "preprogrammed" to respond appropriately to environmental stimuli. This programming occurs throughout life and can be thought of as 'sensory learning' or processing. The clearest example of this is a child placing their hand upon a hot stove... once it is done, it is rarely done again. This is because the burning and painful 'sensation' of the hot stove becomes ingrained in our sensory memory, and helps prevent us from making this mistake again. All sensory patterns in the body work in this way.
For children with SPD, this system is essentially not "programmed" correctly. For various reasons, it becomes “chaotic” and “disorganized” as the child develops improperly. This can be caused by a variety of different things. In our office the most common causes we encounter are traumatic birth (i.e. forceps, vacuum extraction, C-section), childhood falls, and improper development through excessive use of infant car carriers, walkers, and jumpers.
The first few months and years of life are more important to our sensory programming and development than any other. When children are put through events like the ones mentioned above, their neurosensory system develops improperly, leaving them either hyper (too much) or hypo (not enough) sensitive to their environment. These imbalances can lead to major challenges and difficulties in social and academic settings, and contribute to other issues such as ADHD, anxiety, OCD, social withdrawal, and learning disabilities.
Dr. Krukowski is currently involved in coursework specific to treatment of this disorder and can help determine if your child is developing properly or not. Her examination includes computerized testing of the neurosensory system that gives her a great look at how well that nervous system is functioning and how well it is organized and integrated. If imbalances are found, they can be addressed through specific adjustments, neurosensory therapy, and holistic approach to treating the whole child. Nowhere else is a combination of care like this available. Give us a call today and let us help, you won’t be disappointed!
Common signs and symptoms of children who have this issue can be found on this link: Sensory Processing Disorder Checklist
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