Sensory defensiveness syndrome: a paediatric perspective and case study

Sensory defensiveness syndrome includes sensory defensiveness and the associated behavioural difficulties that can occur when a child or adult perceives non-threatening sensory input as potentially harmful. This paper presents a paediatric case study where sensory defensiveness syndrome was diagnosed and treated. The effectiveness of the sensory summation technique was confirmed. Effective behavioural strategies are explained and differential diagnosis between sensory defensiveness syndrome and other disorders such as autism spectrum disorders is emphasized. Changes to Willbarger and Wilbarger's three levels of severity of sensory defensiveness are suggested to aid clarity in diagnosis and as a guide for future research.