Sensory Processing: Sight

Sensory Processing is the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’ of Autism Spectrum Disorders. We understand the world around us through our senses. This blog will focus on sight: hyper-sensitivity and hypo-sensitivity

SIGHT

 Hypersensitivity to Visual Input (Over-Responsive):
  • Sensitive to bright lights; will squint, cover eyes, cry and / or get headaches from the light 
  • Has difficulty keeping eyes focused on task/activity he / she is working on for an appropriate amount of time 
  • Easily distracted by other visual stimuli in the room; i.e., movement, decorations, toys, windows, doorways etc. 
  • Has difficulty in bright colorful rooms or a dimly lit room 
  • Rubs his / her eyes, has watery eyes or gets headaches after reading or watching TV 
  • Avoids eye contact 




Hyposensitivity to Visual Input (Under-Responsive):
  • Difficulty with Tracking, Discrimination, or Perception
  • Has difficulty telling the difference between similar printed letters or figures; i.e., p & q, b & d, + and x, or square and rectangle 
  • Has a hard time seeing the "big picture"; i.e., focuses on the details or patterns within the picture 
  • Has difficulty locating items among other items; i.e., papers on a desk, clothes in a drawer, items on a grocery shelf, or toys in a bin / toy box 
  • Often loses place when copying from a book or the chalkboard 
  • Difficulty controlling eye movement to track and follow moving objects 
  • Has difficulty telling the difference between different colors, shapes, and sizes 
  • Often loses his / her place while reading or doing math problems 
  • Makes reversals in words or letters when copying, or reads words backwards; i.e., "was" for "saw" and "no" for "on" after first grade 
  • Complains about "seeing double" 
  • Difficulty finding differences in pictures, words, symbols, or objects 
  • Difficulty with consistent spacing and size of letters during writing and / or lining up numbers in math problems 
  • Difficulty with jigsaw puzzles, copying shapes, and / or cutting / tracing along a line 
  • Tends to write at a slant (up or down hill) on a page 
  • Confuses left and right 
  • Fatigues easily with schoolwork 
  • Difficulty judging spatial relationships in the environment; i.e., bumps into objects / people or missteps on curbs and stairs


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Chris Brocious developed the “Autism Awareness Screening Test” application. It is available for download in the Apple Store. Mr. Brocious holds two Bachelor of Science degrees. One is in political science from the University of Arkansas – Little Rock (USA) and the other degree is in Spanish from La Autónoma de Guadalajara (Mexico).  To learn more about Chris, read his profile on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-brocious-04386121/ or contact him at Chrisbrocious@yahoo.com for your application / website design needs.
Why did you decide to become a app/web designer?
I have always been intrigued with the potential of learning certain programming languages. Of course, learning a new skill like web/app development might be an opportunity to open doors to a 21st century job market.
Why did you want to do this project pro bono?
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Sensory Processing : Sound

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Sensory Processing is the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’ of Autism Spectrum Disorders. We understand the world around us through our senses. This blog will focus on sound: hyper-sensitivity and hypo-sensitivity

SOUND

Hypersensitivity to Sounds (Auditory Defensiveness):
Distracted by sounds not normally noticed by others; i.e., humming of lights or refrigerators, fans, heaters, or clocks ticking Fearful of the sound of a flushing toilet (especially in public bathrooms), vacuum, hairdryer, squeaky shoes, or a dog barking Startled with or distracted by loud or unexpected sounds Bothered / distracted by background environmental sounds; i.e., lawn mowing or outside construction Frequently asks people to be quiet; i.e., stop making noise, talking, or singing Runs away, cries, and / or covers ears with loud or unexpected sounds May refuse to go to movie theatres, parades, skating rinks, musical concerts etc. May decide whether they like certain people by the sound of their voice
Hyposensitivity to Soun…
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Annual "well child" Check-ups

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Annual "Well Child" check-up:
A “well child” check-up should include a developmental screening test.  If your child’s healthcare provider does not routinely check your child with such a test, insist that it be done. If your child receives Medicaid services, this annual check up is known as the  EPSDT, or Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment Program.





The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for developmental delays and disabilities during regular well-child doctor visits at:
9 months18 months24 or 30 months The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that children be screened for autism at 18 and 24 months or whenever a parent or provider has a concern. Ask your child’s doctor about your child’s developmental screening.

Your personal observations and concerns about your child’s development are essential in helping to screen your child as effectively as possible. Remember, you are the expert on your child. Review family vide…
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