Glossary

Here is an informal glossary. It will grow over time.

Definitions of Modulation, etc.

Modulation: State of actitivy within an individual. This refers to movement, communicative expression and emotional expression.

Sensory modulation: the "capacity to regulate and organize the degree, intensity, and nature of responses to sensory input in a graded and adaptive manner" (Miller & lane, 2000, p3.).

Overactive / hyperactive: be in an excited state motorically or emotionally. For example, rarely stand still, alwasy on the move. This is often combined with emotional activity.

Underactive / hypoactive: be in a low state of arousal with slowed movements. This is often accompanied by an emotional state of low affect.

Overreactive: over-respond to input sensory stimuli. Some examples: scream when a door is slammed, not tolerate elastic or tags in clothing, cover eyes in the presence of bright light.

Underreative: ignore stimuli to one's sensory system. Some examples: not react to painful bumps and bruises or to questions or to noxious smells.

Definitions of Autism, ADHD, etc.
These are formally defined by the DSM IV, and I will paraphrase the criteria. However, OT literature has added a wealth of information about sensory processing & modulation for persons with autism that is not yet covered by the DSM, and so I will add that material. ADHD is added to this list because 1) a number of children with autism also are diagnosed with ADHD and 2) it is interesting to see the differences between ADHD (with autism) and autism (without ADHD).

Autism:
Aspberger's Syndrome:
PDD/NOS:
ADHD:

References:
Miller, L. J., & Lane, S. J. (2000, March). Toward a consensus in terminology in sensory integration theory and practice: Part 1: Taxonomy of neurophysiological processes. Sensory Integration Special Interest Section Quarterly. 23, 1-4.