Sensory Intergration dysfuction

[Mrs D]

My pre-teen daughter has been dx with sensory intergration dysfunction and ADHd ( inattention ).  Last year she attended a special program for Gifted children with LD,and made the honor roll but she was very unhappy because she felt teased by other children at the school. She found it very hard to make new friends. Because of her SI disfunction we were told that she would do much better emonionally and socially is a small, structured, nurturing environment this year she is attending a small private school near our home.

My question is she has started to make noise sounds with her lips, snap her fingers in from of her eyes and mumbles to herself while pointing at various objects.  I think this is stress related. She will be attending OT for sensory intergation soon and last year recieved visual processing therapy but at this point I'm concerned that her current behavior
an the impact on  her socialization processs. Have you ever heard  of children displaying unusual behavior with SI to cope.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

It's also possible that the symptoms are manifestations of a psychotic disorder - i.e., that they indicate a thought disorder or perceptual disorder (in response to auditory hallucinations). Whatever the case, they certainly warrant further evaluation.

[Mrs D]

She is not on any medication for ADHD. I will speak to our family Dr about your comments. I also thought her current behavior might be based on something she might have observed in the GT/LD class.
She seems to be aware of what she is doing, when questioned she responds that she's "shooting" shame at objects(?).  We've asked her to stop the behavior but she sometimes laughs in response and then in a few moments continues.  When walking down the street she will walk behind me, mumbles ,points and make lisping sounds at various objects.  We even demonstrate what it looked like but she just laughed. She's a great kid, we love her very much but we are concerned.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The behaviors you are describing are likely not directly related to your daughter's sensory integration problems. If she is taking stimulant medication to treat her ADHD, such behaviors can be side effects of such treatment. If she is not taking stimulant medication, it is possible that the behaviors (forms of motor tics) represent onset of Tourette Disorder or other neurological condition.