There's a spectrum of sensory processing issues, but in the broadest sense of the word, sensory processing disorders change how incoming information is organized. Children and adults with sensory processing disorders may interpret touch, sight, sound and taste by under- or over-processing (or both) these stimuli, which can have a big impact on learning and on everyday life. Sensory difficulties can impact visual, auditory and tactile stimuli, taste and smell, proprioceptive input and vestibular input.
Sensory processing disorders can make it impossible to react normally to a flickering light, a sudden loud noise, a scratchy shirt or a bad taste. However, those with a sensory processing dysfunction may even find it difficult to respond appropriately to completely ordinary experiences. For example, the hum of the refrigerator could be overwhelming and a mundane food such a yogurt might be gag-inducing.
Hypersensitivity
Children who are overly sensitive to stimuli avoid sensory input because it’s too overwhelming. Signs of hypersensitivity may include the following:
- Turns away from people
- Water always too hot/too cold
- Annoyed and distracted by indoor lighting
- Frequently covers ears, complains about noise or refuses crowded areas
- Intolerance of sudden noises that startle
- Arches back when touched or picked up
- Consistently avoids specific fabrics or surfaces
- Gags at or refuses certain foods
- Strong aversion to perfumes or colognes
- Overly cautious
- Trouble reading and focusing in school
- Car sick easily
- Prefers to hold things very loosely
- Avoids stretching, limb extension or walking on tip toes
Hyposensitivity
Some people are under-sensitive to stimuli; they may want to touch things and feel physical contact and pressure. Hyposensitivity causes kids to be sensory-seeking. Signs of hyposensitivity include:
- Misjudges spatial relationships
- Fixates on spinning, flickering or bright objects
- Excessive humming or singing
- Attraction to music speakers
- Wants to be squeezed or held tightly
- Doesn't react appropriately to cuts or bruises
- Hits self
- Prefers foods with extreme tastes such as sour or spicy
- Fidgets and chews
- Deliberately crashes into things
- Climbs and jumps off high objects
- Trouble staying seated
- Enjoys going fast, being upside down or falling
- Poor balance
Treatment for sensory processing disorders can include sensory integration challenges at home and via school or occupational therapy.
Introducing activities, objects, new surroundings, foods and more in a gentle and fun way helps to reduce the stress associated with being exposed to new sensation. The most effective treatments extend to the home environment, and parents are always encouraged to incorporate a rich sensory diet into their child's life. Depending on the senses affected, some at-home staples might include:
-
Sound-blocking headphones
- Gentle lights and sounds
- Putty and other fidgets
- Chewy tubes or chewlery
- Sensory seating for school
- Weighted and vibrating products
- Compression clothing
- Soothing swings or hammocks
