> In light of all the breast refusal discussions here lately, I wonder if
> anyone has experience with this disorder?  Sensory Integration
> Disorder.  Or
> SID as I have heard it called.

My son has SID.  It is common in autistic children.  He has had sensory
integration therapy with an OT but hasn't been since the summer.  We help
him with his sensory issues at home by using a weighted blanket, a spandex
wrap, a mini-trampoline and a swing in his room.  We did joint compression
and brushing for a while but he hated it and when he got chicken pox we
stopped and couldn't get started again.  Andrew is both hypo- and
hyper-sensitive to touch, but primarily he is a sensory seeker.  He also has
proprioceptive problems and chews on everything so we try to provide him
with appropriate chewing items to protect his shirts (he chews holes in all
his clothing) and teeth (he chews pencil leads).

Additionally, he has a reduced reaction to pain.  Once, his eardrum burst
and puss was pouring out of his ear and he just got off the school bus
casually mentioning that he had "stuff" coming out of his ear.  Never
complained of pain or thought to mention it to his teacher.  He had hand
surgery and did not take so much as a Tylenol for pain after he hurt his
hand or after the surgery.  He also doesn't react normally to temperatures.
He went out in blowing snow yesterday in short sleeves...refused to wear a
coat...and often wears turtle necks in 90 degree weather.  He also has
trouble with utensils and prefers to eat with his hands...even soup.  It
makes me crazed but he has a real need to feel his food.  He reacts badly to
loud sounds inside...for example he completely lost it (screaming, tearing
at his clothes) in an indoor arena during a ice hockey game but does okay at
an open air baseball game...just gets a little more anxious.

Interestingly enough, he has a congenital eye disorder (strabismus) but just
this week the ophthalmologist diagnosed the addition of nystagmus
(oscillations of the eyes) which can be related to sensory issues as well.

To make this breastfeeding related ;-) as a baby he would spend HOURS at the
breast and could not be put down.  He would not sleep unless in arms or in
the car.  He could not stand being in a stroller but would spend 2-3 hours
at a time in the sling pulled very tight.  As a toddler he would scream to
be picked up and as soon as I did he would hit to be put down.

I think these sensory issues do present very early on and might be
significant in some babies who refuse the breast or who are very fussy.  I
worked with a mother who had a traumatic birth and a disabled child as a
result and he was very difficult to settle.  She did consult with the OT and
was given some suggestion to help mitigate the sensory issues and improve
his nursing but I don't think the mom followed through.

I have sensory integration problems as well, although not as severe as most
people.  I have problems with touch and sounds.  If anyone wants to know
more, I highly recommend "The Out-of-Sync Child" by Mary Stock Kranowitz.

Kathy

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