To "Stim" or Not To "Stim"

     Dysfunction of Sensory Integration can turn a seemingly normal child into a self-stimulating ball of emotions. Dysfunction of Sensory Integration (DSI) is a neurological disability in which the brain is unable to accurately process the information coming in from the senses. This term is also synonymous with Sensory Integration Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder. Self-stimulation, “stimming” or “stim”, can be used to describe any apparently non-functional behavior involving repetitive or rhythmic action in an unconscious or purposeful response to anxiety, stress or boredom.
     A child who lives without Dysfunction of Sensory Integration experiences life at home, as it is meant to be lived. Every new day brings exploration and infinite fun. Articles of clothing are just that, clothing; things that are to be worn to cover, enhance a certain look, or to make a child stand out. Common noises blend into ambient sounds of a child’s soundtrack for the day. An opportunity to have family or friends over is a joyous occasion for a child living without interference from Dysfunction of Sensory Integration. Toys of every kind litter a child’s room, awaiting their creative side to take over and take them to another world born from the child’s mind.
     A child who is affected by Dysfunction of Sensory Integration may suffer from frequent bouts of self-stimulation by everyday activities at home. Clothing can be a huge daily obstacle for a child with DSI. Because Dysfunction of Sensory Integration is a neurological disability, every nerve in a child’s body can become over-sensitive. Clothing can feel scratchy, rough, and even physically painful, or a certain color can be visually distracting or stressful to a child with DSI. A child may become attached to a certain article of clothing or color, because the fabric or color does not trigger their senses, causing them to become over-stimulated. Noises can be extremely stressful to a child with DSI, especially spontaneous or loud noises.  Toys can be difficult to choose because of the many colors, noises, blinking lights, and types. All of these sensory overloads can cause self-stimulation. “Stimming” is a way to cope with the sensory overload they are experiencing. Common forms of self-stimulation are hand flapping, feet tapping, spinning in circles, and rocking.
     A child without Dysfunction of Sensory Integration can function fairly normally in a school setting. Crowded classrooms and loud bells do not cause stress or over-stimulation, and the child is able to process the busy activity. Transition from classroom to lunchroom to playground is an easy job for a child without DSI. Unexpected events, such as assemblies and fire drills, are dealt with as minor disruptions in the child’s daily routine.
     A child with Dysfunction of Sensory Integration can suffer an emotional melt-down daily at school. Over-crowding in classrooms is a cause for major distraction for a child with DSI. The more people around, the more stressful the situation is, which in turn could lead to “stimming” for a child affected by DSI. Loud bells and announcements will almost always cause a reaction that could range from the child covering his or her ears, to self-stimulation, such as rocking or hand flapping until the announcement or bell is over. Transition and unexpected events can be major issues, confusing the child who has finally begun to process their current surroundings, only to be forced to move into a different area or situation, where they have not learned what to expect yet. Fire drills are a triple-whammy for a child with DSI, because they are loud, unexpected, and cause a transition from one area to another. Self-stimulation can be expected during most if not all of these examples.
     Public life for a child without Dysfunction of Sensory Integration is a sometimes an unexpected, but usually welcome trip for exploration, whether it is to a park or the grocery store. Strangers of all kinds are observed and sometimes well-met, and with the security of a parent or guardian nearby, rarely are they seen as a threat. Every trip could be an adventure to a child without DSI, the opportunity to see, hear, taste, touch, and smell new things are at every turn.
     A child who suffers from Dysfunction of Sensory Integration can find an unexpected trip, and even planned excursions, over-stimulating. Strangers can pose a threat to a child’s senses. Their voices, characters, the way they look at a child, and even the color of their skin can be stressful, creating a perfect opportunity for self-stimulation. A grocery store can be an especially overwhelming place for a child with DSI. The multitude of strange smells and sounds, artificial lights, and strangers in every aisle can be extremely stressful, causing multiple “stimming” fits.
     Dysfunction of Sensory Integration can be a major speed bump for a child and his or her family. Even if the smallest thing triggers self-stimulation, life is still meant to be enjoyed, and a new route around the speed bump that is DSI can be found, in order to provide a child affected by Dysfunction of Sensory Integration as much normalcy as possible.