Sensory Processing – page 1

Sensory Processing

Sensory processing or sensory integration involves the central nervous system taking in, organizing, and integrating sensory information from the environment and then using this information to plan and organize behavior.

Sensory processing involves:

  1. Registering sensory input
  2. Filtering out information that is not needed
  3. Organizing and interpreting what to do with the information
  4. Modulating (or regulating) the arousal level or attention level of the nervous system. In other words, the child’s ability to control his/her response to incoming sensory information rather than “over or under” respond to it.

Some children have difficulty with over-reacting to sensory input and show the following characteristics;

  • Sensitive to clothing textures
  • Avoids/dislikes messy things on face or hands
  • Overly sensitive to unexpected touch
  • Avoids palm/hand contact with objects or people
  • Increased response to pain
  • Displays a strong need to touch objects or people
  • Picky eater
  • Prefers to cuddle/hug on own terms
  • Becomes distressed when the body or feet leave the ground
  • Dislikes or fears excessive movement activities
  • Cautious with gross motor movement, playground equipment
  • Fear of heights
  • Dislikes bright lights
  • Watches everyone when they move
  • Easily visually distracted
  • Avoids eye contact
  • Overreacts to unexpected or loud noises
  • Holds hands over ears when louder noises are present
  • Easily distracted by almost unnoticeable sounds

Some children have difficulty with under-reacting to sensory input and show the following characteristics:

  • Show decreased awareness of being touched
  • Delayed, little, or decreased response to pain
  • Display a strong need to touch objects or people
  • Seek oral input through mouthing objects or clothing
  • Drops objects and doesn’t know it
  • Self-injurious behaviors present
  • Props head or leans when sitting or standing
  • Loses balance easily
  • Clumsy, falls or trips often
  • Prefers sitting or sedentary activities
  • Moves constantly, rocks, fidgets
  • Poor endurance, tires easily
  • Hangs onto objects or people for support, pushes or leans heavily against people/walls/furniture
  • Difficulty grading movement or pressure (grasp too tight or loose, knocks things over, difficulty being gentle, etc)
  • Has poor posture
  • Difficulty locating objects in room, drawer, table
  • Doesn’t seem to notice when people enter the room
  • Appears not to hear at times
  • Makes loud noises frequently
  • Talks incessantly
  • Fails to pay attention to what is said to them

Often, an Occupational Therapist can help you determine whether your child has significant difficulties with sensory processing and what strategies/treatment can help. They will initially have you fill out a sensory history, identifying symptoms and behaviors your child exhibits.

Compiled by Occupational Therapy Department

Union Co. Public Schools, Monroe, NC