Low sensory input: headstands, Altoid binge, etc.

I read that the balance (vestibular) system is the first sensory system to develop in the womb. This makes sense because of how "Pickle" [her latest favorite nickname] rolled and rolled endlessly when I was pregnant. Just always moving. She still moves nonstop to this day--spinning, marching in circles, trying to get upside down, trying to BALANCE on everything in sight, etc. I think she receives very low sensory input in general, so she craves constant stimulation, and especially of the vestibular variety. Yet, she can also become easily overstimulated when she gets too much, which usually happens out in public.

People around us doubt her diagnosis because she does not flap or rock or flail. I believe this is because those are autistic behaviors needed to "drown out" TOO MUCH sensory input. What Pickle feels is TOO LITTLE input, so she does other things like try to stand on her head all day, and is constantly needing to roll around on the floor no matter if we are at home or waiting in line at a store. More evidence of this is the other day when she got into my tin of Altoids ("curiously strong mints" if you don't know) and ate a handful--a dozen or more--all at once. And wanted more! That reminded me of the time when she was about 12 months old and we gave her a half of a lemon. She chewed that thing whole thing right up (while we all watched in a state of discomfort) and then wanted more. May we offer you another helping of sensory input...?