Problems with sensory integration are common among children living in and adopted from orphanages in Eastern Europe. Sometimes, it occurs as a result of undiagnosed fetal alcohol exposure, abuse, or post-traumatic stress disorder. The sensory deprivation of orphanage life also contributes to inefficient neural pathways that are unable to adequately process and integrate sensory information.

When these children come to their adoptive homes and are exposed to a huge array of new and unfamiliar experiences and sensory information, they may be unable to deal with it and either be overstimulated to the point of hyperactivity or shut down and appear to lack interactivity and alertness.

Parents who are adopting children from overseas orphanages should start their new little ones off with just a small amount of sensory stimulation and slowly build up to the degree that would be normal for a child who had grown up in a family. Don't start in immediately with lots of get-togethers and toys and television. Occupational therapy with a sensory integration approach may also be an important part of helping these children adjust and become secure and confident family members.