A Sensory Processing Breakdown
What is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing refers to the body’s natural ability to take in input from the world around us and then organize that information to respond to what’s happening in the environment. The sensory systems that absorb this information include the most common senses – sound, touch, smell, taste, sight – and some less commonly known senses.
These additional senses include:
Proprioception – the awareness of our body in space, recognized via feedback received through the muscles and joints.
Vestibular sense - the sense of balance and the body’s movement, interpreted through fluid within the inner ear.
Interoception - the awareness and perception of the meaningful sensations occurring within the body systems, such as feeling hungry or tired.
All this incoming information is first sent to the brainstem, at the very lowest portion of our brain. When the sensory information is not able to be registered in a productive way it affects how the higher centers of the brain will be able to function. This in turn can impact all the “high order functioning” such as attention, memory, behavior, and emotional regulation, something similar to when someone may get more easily irritated if they haven’t eaten or exercised as part of their usual routine. However, when this is happening with a child or someone who has a harder time processing the incoming information, it may be harder for them (and you) to recognize the cause and how to help.
When a child has difficulties processing information coming from their senses it can be hard to then elicit what would normally be thought of as an accepted or appropriate response. In some cases, individuals will process too much or too little of the received sensory information, resulting in responses and behaviors that make it hard for children to learn, complete self-care and daily tasks, and interact with others. It is important to recognize that adverse responses and sensory processing difficulties look different from one child to the next, as well as from one environment to the next for the same individual. It’s beneficial to be aware of why a child is presenting with certain behaviors to know how to help them adjust to the input that they are receiving.
What does Sensory Processing Disorder look like?
While it is common for sensory processing disorder (SPD) to be present in individuals who experience developmental delays and disabilities it ultimately can affect anyone, including adults.
Sensory Processing Disorder can look different for anyone, however, some common characteristics that may indicate your child is experiencing SPD include:
Being easily distracted by lights or background noises
Being avoidant to touch or hugs from others
Being fearful OR fearless on playground equipment
Appearing as clumsy, often bumping into people or objects
Using excessive force with items
Constantly touching objects or people
Being unable to sit still
Unable to tolerate clothing textures or grooming activities (brushing teeth, cutting hair)
How does Sensory Integration help?
Occupational Therapists are trained to identify when a child is experiencing difficulties or delays with participation in daily activities due to sensory processing challenges. OTs can utilize an intervention called Sensory Integration (SI) to promote successful sensory processing through play-based activities that can help change the way the brain reacts to sensory inputs, such as sounds, visuals, touch, and movement. This can help to make the child feel more comfortable and safer within their environments, affecting how they can regulate, perform motor skills, and utilize higher-level brain functions.
While SI therapy often looks like “just play” to the untrained eye, it involves providing ideal levels of sensory input according to each child’s individual needs so that they can best absorb and learn from the inputs being provided. When provided correctly and by a trained professional, SI therapy can significantly help children with SPD to participate in more of their daily activities and experience an improved quality of life.
