Sensory Processing
Kids with sensory processing issues behave in ways that their parents find difficult and confusing. They might react strongly to loud noises or bright lights or complain that their clothes are uncomfortable. They may be clumsy or show extreme behaviors like screaming when the lawn mower goes on. If your child has been labeled with words like picky, clumsy or oversensitive, they may be struggling with a sensory processing disorder (SPD) also called sensory integration disorder (SID).
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition in which the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses.
Sensory integration is the process by which we receive information through our senses, organize this information, and use it to participate in everyday activities. Although most people think they have five senses, in truth there are really 7! They are:
1. Hearing
2. Sight
3. Smell
4. Taste
5. Touch
6. Vestibular (Movement)
7. Proprioceptive (Body Position)
Sensory processing is all about the sensory systems working together properly. Sensory processing disorder may affect one sense, like hearing, touch, or taste. Or it may affect multiple senses. And people can be over- or under-responsive to the things they have difficulties with. Sensory processing problems are usually identified in children. But they can also affect adults.
Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder
Many children with sensory processing disorder start out as fussy babies who become anxious as they grow older. These kids often don't handle change well and frequently throw tantrums.
All typically developing children have symptoms like these occasionally. But therapists consider a diagnosis of sensory processing disorder only when the symptoms become severe enough to affect normal functioning and significantly disrupt everyday life.
Some signs of a sensory processing disorder include:
Overly sensitive or under reactive to touch, movement, sights, or sounds
Uncoordinated and appear clumsy
Poor Body Awareness
· Think lights seem too bright, sounds too loud
· Think clothing feels too scratchy or itchy
Experience food textures that make them gag
Picky eater
Difficulty calming down
Difficulty with tasks that require using both hands at the same time
Difficulty with transitions between activities or environments
Easily distracted
Sensory processing disorder isn't a recognized medical diagnosis at this time but many experts think that should change.
Treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder
After a proper evaluation reveals a sensory processing disorder, then the most beneficial treatment for SI dysfunction is occupational therapy. An OT will help the child actively take in movement and touch information in a fun, playful and meaningful way that will help his brain modulate these fundamental neural messages. Because a child’s brain is pliable, therapy can teach the child to succeed in overcoming his deficits.
Here are some great book recommendations to help understand your child and learn how to help them:
1. RAISING A SENSORY SMART CHILD:
This groundbreaking book is an invaluable resource for children with sensory processing challenges Now in its third edition, Raising a Sensory Smart Child is even more comprehensive and helpful than ever.
This revised edition includes expanded information about SPD “look-alikes,” including Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and autism; about diagnosis and treatments; and about other topics.
3. THE OUT OF SYNC CHILD HAS FUN
Each activity in this practical book is SAFE—Sensory-motor, Appropriate, Fun and Easy—to help develop and organize a child’s brain and body. This book presents lively and engaging ways to bring fun and play to everyday situations.
Here are some activities to help improve sensory skills that you can easily do at home:
1. Water Play
2. Finger Painting
3. Sand Play
4. Blowing bubbles
5. Massages and Back Rubs
6. Swinging on the swing
7. Sliding down the slide- backwards, forwards and sideways
8. Trampoline jumping
9. Bike riding, scooter riding
10. Balancing on a large therapy ball
11. Mowing the lawn
12. carrying heavy items around the house
13. Bear hugs, body squeezes
14. Wheel barrow walking
15. Tug-a-war