SHARE - CARE - AWARE

Charlotte DSI Parent Connections
(A support network for anyone interested in Dysfunction of Sensory
Integration)

Dysfunction of Sensory Integration (DSI): also known, as SID (Sensory
Integration Dysfunction) is the inability of the brain to correctly process
information brought in by the senses. Every day, we receive a great deal of
information from our senses: (Touch, Vision, Hearing, Smell and Taste; The
Vestibular sense (Knowledge of Balance and Movement), and The Proprioceptive
sense (Body awareness and Postural stability); We use this information to
organize our behavior and successfully interact in the world. Our senses
give us information about the physical status of our body and the
environment around us. When someone's body perceives it's own senses as
unreliable and/or inconsistent, they do not feel the usual security and
safety that others experience; therefore their behaviors are greatly
affected.

Most DSI is treatable with therapy. Therapy helps people with DSI gain
understanding about how their body perceives different situations, so that
they can move towards becoming comfortable with their own bodies and the
world around them. No two people will be affected in the same way. DSI can
be present in people with ADD/ADHD, Autism and Cerebral Palsy or can be a
person's only diagnosis. The range of symptoms goes from Mild, Moderate to
Severe SI deficits.

Below is a list of behaviors, which may be exhibited by children with DSI:

Loves to spin, swing or jump (also can have a calming effect). Complains of
how clothing feels, do not like tags left in their clothing, have to have
their socks on just so, or hates shoes altogether. Picky eaters- also gets
stuck on a certain food and it is almost impossible to get them to eat
anything else. Oversensitive to smells. Or under sensitivity-may sniff
people, objects, and food. Oversensitive to sounds-frequently covers ears,
or undersensitive. May tire easily. Unusually high or low activity level.
Resists new situations. Problems with muscle tone, coordination, motor
planning. Can be very impulsive or distractible. Persistently walks on toes.
May have a high or low tolerance for pain, both internal and external pain.
Poor Fine-Motor skills.

Anyone interested in learning more and sharing info. about DSI is Welcome

(Please reframe from bringing your children with you; it may be distracting
to others)

Charlotte DSI Parent Connections Meetings are held the Second Wednesday of
each
month
@  7:00pm  @ Child and Family Development Office, 7006 Shannon Willow Road
in South Charlotte

*** This group is run by parents, all medical comments or advice should be
understood to be the opinion of that parent and not a recommendation for
treatment.  Please seek the advice of a medical professional in regards to
all types of diagnosis or treatments. Parents should be free to share their
experiences about DSI. ***

Professionals who work with people who have DSI are more than welcome to
come to share, or come to teach!

Please RSVP to Colleen Jenny @ cjenny2@cs.com