Sensory Issue and Autism

Dakota is a hypo active sensory seeker. In other words he searches out for activities that involve motion. Some of the motion that Dakota seeks out is climbing, jumping, and spinning. He doesn’t stand and spin in circles per say. He loves to spin endlessly on the merry go round and the tire swing. He loves going really fast too. He won’t stop until he is so dizzy that he is sick to his stomach. Extreme sensory issues are very common amongst kids with autism. You might notice that some autistic kids do not like loud sounds and some do not even like hugs. Dakota has gotten better as far as the loud noises. There are some noises that really bother him to the point he will cover his ears or say his ears hurt. It will be interesting when he goes back to school to see if he can handle the noise in the classroom. The noise was pretty overwhelming for him and he would tell me he didn’t feel good or that it was to loud. Of course they have head phones with a certain type of music that can help calm him in situations like that. When Dakota was smaller he didn’t really like to be touch nor did he liked to be hugged. At times he still is like that and other times he is huggable and lovable! On the other side of the spectrum you have hyper sensitive sensory seeker. Those kids or adults may avoid engaging in activities that involve motion. For example they may seek out assistance in simple tasks such asking to be carried instead of walking. Walking instead of running. Dakota at one point was hyper sensitive where he didn’t want to engage in activity. He didn’t play with the kids he played side by side. He wanted the older kids and the teachers instead of kids his own age. He is now starting to socialize with kids his own age. He doesn’t understand how to socialize correctly. Part of the autism is that he has to do things his way. He has to learn that things can’t always go his way. I want to share this video as it sort of explains why we are trying to figure out a room around Dakota and his sensory needs. I think it explains it really well. I think Dakota could benefit from a crash area in his room.