Sensory complications are a unique type of health complications that are often foreign to parents of children who suffer from them. When your child develops a sensory complication, parents are often initially confused as to what the problem is with the child and are shocked to learn the condition may be related to an autistic spectrum disorder. If you are the parent of a child who has complications with certain types of fabrics or touch sensations, it may be prudent to investigate into the possible diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome.
Commonly referred to as “touch sensitivity”, this type of sensory complication in common among children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, and even Asperger’s syndrome. In children with Asperger’s, the complication may manifest as a non-verbal physical defiance against wearing certain types of clothing, or complaining about tags on clothing. In some children, the complication with touch sensitivity may cause your child to refuse to wear undergarments or even socks.
While it is not clear what causes touch sensitivity, it is believed that children with Asperger’s syndrome develop sensory complications in response to a miscommunication between the physical sense and the message to the brain. In some children with Asperger’s syndrome, the condition can be alleviated with occupational therapy and exposure therapy by a licensed mental health specialist, but most children will have complications that will never resolve fully.
As a parent, you may be quite frustrated with your child’s complications involving touch sensitivity and, at times, have a tendency to force your child to wear clothing that they would otherwise prefer not to wear. It is important to remember that this type of forceful behavior may cause your child to become anxious and lead to secondary mental health complications. Therefore, never force your child to overcome a touch sensitivity complication and, instead, work with the pediatric therapists to determine how you can manage the complication at home.
Asperger’s syndrome, like many autistic spectrum disorders, can lead to a variety of unique sensory complications. Whenever you notice a change in your child’s senses, always seek out the proper assistance with therapy and mental health services and be sure the condition is, indeed, related to the Asperger’s spectrum of symptoms. Ultimately, learning to adapt to the complication may be the best way to help your child live with this syndrome effectively.
Sources: Parenting a Child with Asperger Syndrome, by Brenda Boyd
