All you need to know about Sensory Processing Issues Children Face
Sensory processing issues are difficulties with organising and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Often the child may be over-reactive, under-reactive, seeking or a combination of these three when responding to sensory input. These Issues are called sensory processing or integration disorders and can interfere with the child’s ability to participate in learning and everyday activities (i.e. playing, developing skills for self-regulation and forming friendships etc).
This guide will give you an overview of all you need to know about sensory processing issues. We answer commonly asked questions, give advice and strategies you can use at home and school to support your child.
What are Sensory Processing Issues?
Children with sensory processing issues have trouble receiving, organizing or responding to information that comes in through the senses. The most common sensory processing issue we see is sensory modulation disorder.
Children with this disorder have problems with their processing response to certain sounds, sights, smells, textures, movement and tastes. Without intervention, they will display signs of sensory issues such as emotional meltdowns, don’t seem to play like other children, noises upset them, picky eaters, hand flapping, seeking lots of movement or avoiding certain types of movement and have low frustration tolerance.
There are three types of responses and the child can have a mixture of these. The child can experience fluctuations between over-responsive, under-responsive and sensory seeking.
If the child is over-responsive they will be over-sensitive, fearful and cautious. Children with this response often dislike getting their haircut, are easily distracted, can be negative and defiant, are controlling, defensive to sounds or tastes/ textures of food and have a difficult time falling asleep.
Some children may be under-responsive which means they don’t notice sensory stimuli which are relevant and important to the situation. They have a tendency to look more passive and withdrawn. They have difficulties following directions, tend to slump or lean, do not express desire to explore their environment, are not bothered by cuts or bruises and have poor body awareness.
Some kids sensory seek which looks like excessive spinning, jumping, twirling, smelling, licking or chewing objects, gazing at spinning objects for long periods of time, frequently falling on the floor and rolling around intentionally to get deep pressure input. Bumping into others and not observing personal space is also common.
A child can be a combination of these too. For example, the child may seek movements, be over-responsive to touch (leading to sensitivity and avoidance of certain clothes or textures) and under-responsive to certain sounds (not responding to their name).
Overall their reactions do not match well with the activity or environment. As a result, they are less likely to have successful responses to activities or new challenges. This can lead to the child giving up trying to master new skills, have poor frustration tolerance, often have behavioural outbursts and suffer poor self-esteem.
Therapies and treatment for sensory processing issues
Unfortunately, there are no medications for sensory processing issues. But there are therapies and treatments that can help your child feel more calm and regulated. Therapists can also teach them strategies and skills to cope with sensory challenges.
Occupational Therapists with special training in sensory integration therapy will be able to provide individualised sensory treatment using playful, meaningful activities that enhance your child’s abilities to process sensory information while staying more organised and promote behavioural responses that will help with daily functioning. They will also be able to make a sensory lifestyle or “sensory diet” for your child and family. They can also work in the school or with the school team to provide classroom strategies and accommodations to support your child’s sensory issues, for example:
For a child who is sensitive, providing noise cancelling headphones or creating a quiet space to help with regulation
Seat child in the front row and away from windows and doors to reduce distractions
Allowing a child to use fidget tools or alternative seating
Making movement breaks or chance for child to move around the classroom
Use calming activities during classroom transitions
What steps can I take to help my child with sensory processing issues
If you suspect your child is having sensory processing issues, an evaluation can be conducted by a qualified occupational therapist. They will be able to help you understand your child’s sensory processing style better and then this will make it easier to know how to help. Your child’s therapist will know how to select activities and strategies that will help your child feel more regulated and calm. Remember, “One size does not fit all”. It may take some time through trial and error to find the right fit for your child. Don’t give up! Also encourage, but never force the child to do the activities.
As every child is different, these are some potential strategies you can use to help your child now:
Provide opportunities to play and engage in activities that include textured materials
Provide heavy work activities e.g. help pushing shopping trolley
Reduce visual distractions or clutter
Provide warnings before routine changes
