Author: Sheryn
Date: 09-08-04 04:10
I've been reading a lot of postings about 'quirky' kids and people worrying if their children have Asperger's syndrome. Here's a reference book written by an American school teacher which offers another take on 'quirky behaviours' (relating to how the brain processes sensory information for use): Kranowitz, C. (1998). "The out-of -synch child" (1st ed.) New York: Perigee Book. Children can have quite quirky behaviours relating to how their brain organises sensation at lower brain levels - which does not preclude them having exceptional intelligence. Carol's book offers check lists by which parents can identify which behaviours relate to which sensory systems. For example aversion to certain textures, labels on clothes, barefeet on grass, interpreting touch as uncomfortable, or a need to 'fiddle' or constantly hold something in the hands all relate to the tactile system. Inability to sit still, distractibility, love of spinning (rolling around the floor!) or lack of fear of heights, or the reverse such as fear of any situation away from firm ground are all related to the little understood vestibular sensory system which controls our responses to gravity and movement in space. These two powerful sensory systems underlie much of our emotional makeup and how we relate to many situations. Finding the right 'frame of reference' can really help undrestand a child's behaviour - children are complex little human beings and one size does not fit all. Sometimes things can 'look' the same but have different causes i.e. sometimes it maybe food intolerance; sometimes environmental factors such as lack of opportunity or experience; and sometimes one's own brain! Hope this is of interest. Cheers Sheryn.
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