Sensitivity - Anabaptist Disabilities Network

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Anabaptist Disabilities Network
PO Box 959
Goshen, IN 46527-0959
Phone: 574-535-7053
Ph/Fax: 877-214-9838

Sensory Sensitivity

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is newer terminology for what occupational therapist and theorist Dr. A. Jean Ayres originally described as Sensory Integration Dysfunction (sometimes abbreviated as DSI or SID). Many occupational therapists still use the language of "sensory integration" extensively. In an attempt to get this condition recognized as a medical diagnostic category, the term "Sensory Processing Disorder" was described in 2004 along with three major sub-types. The SPD Foundation offers more information about terminology related to sensory processing differences.

SPD or equivalent terminology is most often applied to children. SPD often co-exists with other conditions such as autism spectrum disorders (including Asperger Syndrome), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD), Fragile X syndrome, and dyslexia.

Sensory Processing Disorder Network and
Sensory Processing Disorder Resource Center are good starting points for information on SPD.

Resources for Churches:

An introduction for churches to heightened sensory sensitivity appeared in the May 2008 issue of ADNotes.

A Healing Community in an Overstimulated World
This article by Paul Leichty and Christine Guth gives practical tips on ways congregations can be more welcoming and sensitive to people with sensory processing differences.

A Primer on Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder
Kelly Simpson, an occupational therapist and blogger for Orlando Grace Church, offers helpful tips for understanding sensory challenges in a church environment. This article is an attachment to her blog post, "A Theology of Disability."

Cover of Autism and Your Church: puzzle pieces form church shape

Revised 2011 edition

A new chapter offers tips on responding to challenging behaviors

Autism and Your Church by Barbara J. Newman is a resource from Friendship Ministries. This workbook offers practical ways to welcome and include individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) into the full life of a congregation.

This excellent practical book is reviewed by Christine Guth. You can now order this and other Friendship Ministries resources directly from ADNet.

Newman offers suggestions for monitoring the sensory input in your church environment (see the book for more details):

Provide a "reset" area
Offer "break time" instead of imposing "time out"
Don't insist on eye contact
Weigh the effects of touch
Add rocking chairs and trampolines
Think along with an individual

Book Review by Christine Guth
Order this book

Autism and Your Church Training DVD by Barbara Newman produced by Faith Alive Christian Resources

A Relentless Hope: Surviving the Storm of Teen Depression by Gary E. Nelson (Cascade Books, 2007). Nelson offers to teens and their parents insights that he has learned from walking closely with his son through prolonged depression, and from counseling many struggling teens and their families.
See a review of this book by Christine Guth. this book from ADNet.
Watch an 8-minute video on teen depression by Gary Nelson.

For a succinct introduction to sensory differences and their implications for life in communities of faith, see the May 2008 issue of ADNotes.

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