Week 6, Summary 1

This article explains a subtype of sensory processing disorder known as sensory over-responsivity. It lists some of the characteristics of children that struggle with sensory processing disorders including getting upset after hearing certain noises, being light-sensitive, and only being able to wear 100% cotton clothing. A young girl initially diagnosed with sensory over-responsivity was taken to a psychiatrist, diagnosed with juvenile bipolar disorder, and was prescribed numerous medications. The mother of the child is writing in to a psychologist asking whether or not she thinks her daughter should be placed on medication. Dr. Jennifer Brout is a psychologist dedicated to learning more about sensory processing disorder and its affect on mental health. This article is her response to the mother’s question. She explains that mood swings are common in children with SPD. Further, individuals diagnosed with SPD often jump from being calm one minute and irritable the next. Therefore, sensory-responsivity often appears to be bipolar disorder. In order to diagnose, one must observe the child’s irritability and trace the source of it. When children are irritable to specific sensory stimuli, it is a general indication that bipolar disorder is not the problem. Another characteristic to look for is the location where sensory stimuli may be irritating and whether or not the child acts out in those kinds of places (lunchroom, supermarkets, etc.). Unfortunately, differential research to distinguish between the two (bipolar and SPD) is hard to come by because SPD along with its subtypes cannot be found in the DSM-IV, the tool used to diagnose mental disabilities.


Reference: 
Brout, D. (2008). Sensory over-responsivity or juvenile bipolar disorder?. Exceptional Parent, 38 (7), 48. Retrieved from CINAHL with Full Text database.