Types of Sensory Needs

Along with my whole newfound love of blogging about sensory "stuff" I thought I might outline some of the different sensory processing dysfunctions out there. I found these very simplistic (yet very helpful) descriptions on wikipedia:

"There are now three types of Sensory Processing Dysfunction, as classified by Stanley I. Greenspan as supported by the research of Lucy J. Miller, Ph.D., OTR. These new terms are meant to increase understanding between Occupational Therapists and other professionals who frequently encounter SID and physicians and other health professionals who approach sensory integration dysfunction from a more neurobiological vantage.

This understanding is critical as physicians are responsible for diagnosing SPD, which is a necessary step in accessing reimbursement (eventually from insurance companies) for professional services to treat SPD.

Sensory Processing Dysfunction is being used as a global umbrella term that includes all forms of this disorder, including three primary diagnostic groups:

Type I - Sensory Modulation Disorder
Type II - Sensory Based Motor Disorder
Type III - Sensory Discrimination Disorder

Type I - Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD). Over, or under responding to sensory stimuli or seeking sensory stimulation. This group may include a fearful and/or anxious pattern, negative and/or stubborn behaviors, self-absorbed behaviors that are difficult to engage or creative or actively seeking sensation.

Type II - Sensory Based Motor Disorder (SBMD). Shows motor output that is disorganized as a result of incorrect processing of sensory information affecting postural control challenges and/or motor planning dyspraxia.

Type III - Sensory Discrimination Disorder (SDD). Sensory discrimination or incorrect processing of sensory information. Incorrect processing of visiual or auditory input, for example, may be seen in inattentiveness, disorganization, and poor school performance."

Information found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensory_processing_disorder

My kids are both Type 1 but very different forms of type 1. Gracie is mixed. She over-responds to some things and under-responds to others. She is a mixed bag. Abby is more of an under-responder with some over response. She also has a lot of issues with her vestibular system (knowing where her body is in space) which adds another dimension.