Sensory Processing deals with the ability to organize and interpret the information from the environment and body through the sensory systems. This helps us to respond and adapt to different situations, activities and environment. Our brains receive lots of sensory information about the world around us and our bodies, which it processes and interprets.
Some children have difficulty organising sensory signals into appropriate behavioural responses, which means they experience their senses more or less intensely than others. This can interfere with their learning, behaviour, emotions and energy levels.
Sensory Processing intervention focuses on making adjustments to environments and activities in order to increase participation. Working very closely with the child and family in coming up with user-friendly strategies for the different environments is paramount to success for the child at home, school, and in the wider community.
Some of the areas we help children struggling with sensory processing are:
• Attention in the classroom
• Management of meltdowns caused by sensory overload
• Responses to transitions and unexpected changes
• Regulation of their senses and behavioural responses
• Managing their heightened (or lack of) response to touch, sound, light, movement and taste input
Suggested Further Reading
Out of Sync Child Carol Stock Kranowitz
Out of Sync Child has fun Carol Stock Kranowitz Understanding your child’s sensory signals Angie Voss
Your Essential Guide to Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder Angie Voss