Occupational therapist advises families about children with sensory integration issues

A person who holds an occupational therapy job offered assistance to Chicago-area families who have children with sensory integration issues, according to a published report.

Occupational therapist Kimberly Bryze spoke on September 20 at the Garfield School in Forest Park, The Forest Park Review reports. The chief of the occupational therapy program at Midwestern University in Downers Grove said problems with behavior and eating can result from an increased sensitivity to stimulation.

"There are millions of kids with sensory integrative disorders and it's a hidden disability. They can look completely typical until gym class when they completely break down," the occupational therapist said. "We all have quirks. But when does a quirk become a problem?"

She said the majority of pre-school children who have troubles with sensory processing are boys and symptoms include walking on tiptoes, temper tantrums, having muscle tone that tends to be weaker, finicky eating, problems with speech and having sensitivities to loud noises.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapists help patients address injury, illness and disabilities with the assistance of everyday activities.