What is Sensory Processing?
What is Sensory Processing?
It's a normal brain function that allows us to take in a wide variety of information and transform it into an adaptive response.
5 senses, or 8?
There's Auditory, Olfactory (smell), Gustatory (taste), Tactile (touch), and Vision. But there's also Vestibular, Proprioception, and Interoception.
What are the last 3?
The Vestibular system receptors are in the inner ear, it influences balance and movement
The Proprioceptive system receptors are located in muscles and joints to know where your body is in space (minus vision)
Interoception is emotional self-awareness
How does this affect behavior?
Sensory Processing is crucial to discuss when evaluating a child as the vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile systems develop in utero and along with sound and vision, lay the foundation for all the other skills to develop.
For Example: When a child is learning to ride a bike.
The vestibular system assists: balancing his body on the bike in midline
Proprioception: to position himself properly, keeping their feet on the pedals and chest upright
Vision: for navigation, and following the bike path
Hearing: for safety of other bike riders or something in motion that can collide
The senses must accurately and quickly detect any imbalance. After a few falls and learning how to coordinate movement, their sensory processing for weight shifting becomes more accurate.
*Fun Fact: There are blind people that are fully capable of riding a bike with increased sensory processing of the other senses, check out the podcast Invisibilia- How to Become Batman.
Sensory Processing difficulty signs:
Without reliable information about body position clumsy, distracted or awkward
Using too much or too little force for writing, clapping, marching or typing
Picky Eating/sensitivities to food textures, may cause gagging
Handwriting Difficulties
Excessive fear during ordinary movement activities
Difficulty with certain textures of clothing
Fear of swings, or reacts poorly to sudden movements/touches/noises/bright lights
Behavior problems
Can’t sit still
Thrill seeking
Doesn’t recognize personal space
Chewing on things
Doesn’t recognize when face is dirty or nose is running
Problems sleeping
Treatment:
Coping strategies and highly customized sessions with an Occupational Therapist is typically the treatment for SPD. Treatment addresses their sensory needs and introduces stimuli without making your child feel overwhelmed. This will help your child cope, and learn how to deal with adverse stimuli in everyday life more independently and with less trouble.
If you have more questions, please email me at smplytherapy@gmail.com or schedule a free consultation with me here.