A Problem of the Senses

Sensory Integration Dysfunction

Pat is a fourth-grader who seems to be in constant motion. He pokes and bumps into other students and gets into confrontations that seem irrational and unnecessary. What's his problem?

His doctor says it's "sensory integration dysfunction," an inability to "modulate, discriminate, coordinate, or organize sensation adaptively." There are ways to help him—ways to avoid setting him off and also ways to help him learn to change how he responds to stimulation. NEA's Web site has more information on this problem, and links to other sites that can help if Pat, or someone like him is one of your students.

Find them at www.nea.org/specialed/resources-specialed.html, along with a wealth of other materials and links for educators of children with disabilities.