While we cannot respond to individual inquiries, we will use your comments to guide us as we post new material. It is most beneficial to have a team approach to diagnosing DSI including physicians, occupational therapists, teachers and parents or caregivers. The physician is essential of course to complete the medical history and physical and neurological examination. The occupational therapist can carry out a specific sensory integration evaluation. The psychologist can carry out a cognitive or neuropsychological assessment.
Psychologists are usually well trained to assess attentional problems and emotional health.
It is critical to realize that DSI can be co-morbid with other difficulties and the treatment approach often involves a variety of intervention modalities. I feel confident diagnosing DSI when it presents. I have found that with aggressive short-term treatment many patients make good gains in occupational therapy. If you ask the right questions and dysfunction occurs for this child on a day to day basis, I feel very positive and confident about making this diagnosis. I don't think of it as a throwaway diagnosis.