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The nervous system acts based on excitation and inhibition. Under typical circumstances, the nervous system receives both excitatory and inhibitory messages, and must balance these competing inputs to determine an appropriate and adaptive response. Sometimes, the nervous system responses are out of balance; when those responses are smaller than we would normally expect in a particular situation, it is referred to as ‘hypo responsive’. We hypothesize about a person’s hyporesponsiveness by observing behavior in a particular context. For example, a child who seems oblivious to her family’s activities during family fun night may be exhibiting hyporesponsiveness to the movement, sounds and visual stimuli of the family activities.
References(s):
Dunn, W. (1997). Implementing neuroscience principles to support habilitation
and recovery. (chapter 8), in Christiansen, C. & Baum, C. (eds.), Occupational
Therapy: Enabling Function and Well-Being. Slack, Inc., Thorofare, NJ. (p.
182-232).
Suggested Reading(s):
Lane, S., Miller, L. & Hanft, B. (2000). Toward a Consensus in terminology
in sensory integration theory and practice: part 2: sensory integration patterns
of function and dysfunction. Sensory Integration Special Interest Section Quarterly
(23:2), American Occupational Therapy Association, Rockville Maryland.
Greenspan, S., & Wieder, S. (1994). Diagnostic classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders for Infancy and Early Childhood. Zero to Three, Washington DC.
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