Pound Pup Legacy

Children diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome suffer from sensory sensitivity, and is considered part of the autism spectrum.  [Please refer to Behavior Problems in Children]  This sensitivity can encompass any or all of the senses: sound, touch, taste, sight, and smell. These sensitivities are real, and cause the sufferer much discomfort, some describing it as ‘painful’.

But I wonder how much of this "behavioral problem" that's being diagnosed as "genetically linked" is actually caused by a long-history of inconsistent care given to an infant?  For instance, how many newborns are removed from their mothers, and placed in an environment that is institutional and insensitive to the raw sensory needs of a newborn?  I'm not referring to short-term health-emergencies, because those infants are returned to their mothers as quickly as possible because maternal-child bonding is recognized as being crucial to the well-being of both.  I'm asking how many times a professional believes "sensory sensitivity" is a genetic problem, as opposed to it being a reaction to harsh environmental factors experienced during early childhood. 

I think about the infants in foster/group-homes or orphanages who are denied the warmth and comfort of skin-on-skin contact with a parent because only the basic human needs of food, oxygen and elimination are given priority.  I think about the number of children left in hospital-like institutions where they spend hours in urine and feces, because no one comes to check and change a diaper.  I imagine feeding schedules  that are not based on hunger, but what's determined by another, and I wonder how many children have grown to accept the feeling of hunger-pain or bloat and gas because the food is difficult to digest.  I remember my own days and nights in a hospital, and think how the lights, the machines and the sudden movements of loud strangers kept me from the sleep I so desperately needed.

I wonder how all these factors influence the brain and behavior of the child who cannot speak...and I wonder how many professionals are seeing the victims of neglegent child-placement cases, and deciding, "these problems are caused by genetics, not environment".

Below is information about Asperger's Syndrome in children, and how both parents and children can try to cope with "over-sensitivity".

Does your child insist on wearing the same clothes, hat or shoes all the time? Does your child ask for the same foods for every meal? Does he/she shy away from outdoor activities or not like the flashing lights at a school disco? Do they become distracted by strong smells, or notice smells before anyone else? Do they get intensely frightened by balloons popping, fireworks or crowds applauding? Then they may have sensory issues.

Some stimuli your child may be sensitive to:

• Auditory -mower; vacuum; fire alarm; clock ticking
• Visual -sunshine; fluorescent lights; fans; ‘trigger’ colors
• Olfactory (smell) -perfume; deodorant; scented washing powder; toothpaste; insecticides
• Tactile -Shirt; shorts; shoes; socks; static in clothes; feel of wind on skin

A lot can be done in managing these sensitivities, such as Sensory Integration, Auditory Integration Training and Occupational Therapy. For light sensitivity there’s Irlen Lenses.

At home you may consider a "sensory diet" of activities including:

• Whole body actions e.g. swimming; hanging by the arms; push-ups
• Proprioceptive activities e.g. pushing hands together in prayer position; pushing against a wall with legs
• Vestibular-proprioceptive activities e.g. swinging; trampoline; bike riding; dance
• Tactile activities e.g. body brushing; rolling on an exercise ball

For sound sensitivities consider using ear plugs, headphones or even blue-tac in the ears to muffle the sounds. Having your child listen to music they enjoy (of a soothing nature rather than heavy metal) can benefit, and monitor the lighting in your home – natural is best.

There are many other factors that can contribute to sensory overload.

Many Asperger children are extremely sensitive to the moods of other people, especially when they are in close proximity. The effects of other people’s moods seem to wash over ASD children, and it evokes a differing response in each child. This is called referred mood. E.g. For the referred emotion of ANGER, the Asperger child may become angry themselves, or they may withdraw within themselves, and internalize the anger, or feel the anger is directed at them – and think it must be their fault.

Whichever way they experience referred moods, it’s a totaling confusing and exhausting experience for an Asperger child. Referred moods happen with most emotions such as agitation, anxiety, excitement.

Asperger children are also overloaded from too many people (crowds), and some scenarios are shopping centers, school assembly/parade, public libraries, movie theatres, concerts, fairs, playgrounds in the park etc. They seem to soak in all the energy around them. Too much to smell, too much to listen to, too much to see, too much movement!

Another source of overload for the Asperger child is voice, particularly tone of voice. Long before the words or message is decoded, the tone is instantly analyzed by the ASD child. Any hint of criticism or sarcasm is detected and taken personally. A critical tone is destructive, particularly when the Asperger child is not aware of the ‘why’. The ‘loop’ effect can result in the Asperger child going over the statement long after the event took place. They try to analyze the scenario, and this causes an increase in anxiety, agitation and fear.

Most Asperger children find it traumatic to be looked at or stared at. Asperger children feel vulnerable; unable to protect themselves from prying eyes. Staring intrudes on their own private world, and these children feel powerless to deal with it. When Asperger children become over sensitized from staring they often think they are being stared at when they’re not. Their obsessiveness takes over and "being stared at" can become a major source of bother  http://www.buzzle.com

My question is:  How many adults who have been adopted or placed in foster care can relate to these symptoms/sensitivities, because they were abused or neglected, not because they have a form of autism?