Sensory Processing
Sensory processing refers to a child's ability to process sensory information adaptively, which can impact a child's attention, self-regulation and behavior. There are 5 senses that are commonly known: vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Did you know that there are two more senses, vestibular and proprioception? We'll talk more about proprioceptive and vestibular senses here.
Everyone is different in the way they process sensory information. For example, some people are more sensitive to sounds and hear even the smallest sound, while others are less sensitive to sound and need louder input to process sound. Same thing with smell, or taste: some people are over-responsive and detect even the smallest sensory input, while others are under-responsive and need more sensory input to process it.
Children with neurodevelopmental diagnoses (i.e. autism spectrum disorder, ADHD) often have sensory differences that make a big difference in their self-regulation, attention, and even motor coordination. They may be overresponsive to certain senses, and under-responsive to other senses.
While it is difficult to fundamentally change a child's sensory processing, understanding a child's sensory profile is crucial to the effectiveness of intervention. It is important to understand how each child processes sensory input in order to best help them become better able to engage in purposeful activities that are important to them or their families.
In OT, we will assess a child's sensory profile using a standardized assessment in addition to clinical observation in order to create the best individualized intervention strategies for that child. Understanding a child's sensory needs can help the child become more self-regulated (alert, calm, and ready to learn) throughout the day, and make progress with their goals.
Please see the following charts for behavioral patterns associated with sensory processing of proprioceptive, vestibular and tactile senses.
Proprioception is the sense of push and pull on the joints of the body. It tells us where your joint is in space. The sensors are located in muscles, joints, and tendons.
Vestibular is the sense of movement of the head. It tells us where your head is in space. The sensors are located in the inner ear.
Tactile is the sense of touch. The sensors are located in the skin.
Everyone is different in the way they process sensory information. For example, some people are more sensitive to sounds and hear even the smallest sound, while others are less sensitive to sound and need louder input to process sound. Same thing with smell, or taste: some people are over-responsive and detect even the smallest sensory input, while others are under-responsive and need more sensory input to process it.
Children with neurodevelopmental diagnoses (i.e. autism spectrum disorder, ADHD) often have sensory differences that make a big difference in their self-regulation, attention, and even motor coordination. They may be overresponsive to certain senses, and under-responsive to other senses.
While it is difficult to fundamentally change a child's sensory processing, understanding a child's sensory profile is crucial to the effectiveness of intervention. It is important to understand how each child processes sensory input in order to best help them become better able to engage in purposeful activities that are important to them or their families.
In OT, we will assess a child's sensory profile using a standardized assessment in addition to clinical observation in order to create the best individualized intervention strategies for that child. Understanding a child's sensory needs can help the child become more self-regulated (alert, calm, and ready to learn) throughout the day, and make progress with their goals.
Please see the following charts for behavioral patterns associated with sensory processing of proprioceptive, vestibular and tactile senses.
Proprioception is the sense of push and pull on the joints of the body. It tells us where your joint is in space. The sensors are located in muscles, joints, and tendons.
Vestibular is the sense of movement of the head. It tells us where your head is in space. The sensors are located in the inner ear.
Tactile is the sense of touch. The sensors are located in the skin.
Proprioception: The sense of movement and pressure on muscles and joints |
Receptor Location in Body: Tendons and muscles Proprioceptive Under-Responders
Proprioceptive Over-Responders
|
Vestibular: The sense of movement to the head |
Receptor Location in Body: Inside the inner ear Vestibular Under-Responders
Vestibular Over-Responders
|
Tactile: The sense of touch |
Receptor Location in Body: On the skin surface Tactile Under-Responders
Tactile Over-Responders
|
