Understanding Sensory Processing Issues in Children

Does your child have strong reactions to environmental factors ranging from tastes and textures of food to noises or even the feel of certain materials? If so, your child may be facing a sensory processing disorder(SPD).

Something as seemingly minor as a quick trip to the grocery store could propel a meltdown for a child with a sensory processing issue. Trying on a new pair of shoes that feel differently could also lead them into a spell of defiance. Though SPD presents challenges, they can be treated so children can lead productive, happy lives.

What is a Sensory Processing Disorder?

The human brain manages stimuli from our environment, allowing us to learn and respond using the five senses:Taste, touch, smell, sound, and sight. The brain also uses information from the body such as spatial awareness and movement.The Star Institute reports sensory processing disorder is a complex disorder of the brain affecting children as well as adults with as many as one in 20 people affected.

Sensory processing disorders are often first diagnosed during the toddler years, according to the Child Mind Institute. Psychiatrists will often tell patients SPD is not a recognized disorder itself but is considered a symptom of autism. This is because SPDs are often diagnosed in conjunction with other diagnosis including autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and even anxiety.

There are two common ways environmental stimuli can lead to sensory processing disorders: Oversensitivity and under sensitivity.

Oversensitivity

The most common SPD is oversensitivity. Some children have a sensitivity to stimuli, which is also known as sensory overload. With this type of sensory processing disorder, children typically avoid sensations they find intolerable and overstimulating.

Parents may first become concerned if a child exhibits wild mood swings such as suddenly screaming when being dressed, for example. Common triggers for this type of sensory processing disorder may include:

• Getting the face wet
• Bright or flickering lights
• Loud noises
• Scratchy or tight-fitting clothing
• Certain foods or textures

Under Sensitivity

Another form of sensory challenge children may face is under sensitivity. This occurs when children don’t get enough information from their environment, so they tend to seek out more stimulation. This may lead to children taking off their socks and shoes to rub their feet on carpet, “falling” out of their chair in the classroom repeatedly, or a constant need to touch others.

What is challenging with this type of sensory processing issue is some children will not always have the same reaction to environmental stimuli. At times, they may seem overwhelmed by sensations, but then under stimulated at other times. A child suffering with sensory perception challenges may react differently based on where they are and what is happening around them.

How Sensory Issues Affect Learning

The typical school setting with bright lights, loud sounds, and groups of children can pose challenges for those with SPDs. The sensory stimuli in a busy school setting can lead to trouble learning.

Sensory processing challenges can result in inattention and distraction, which makes learning difficult. For example, a child with auditory sensitivity may be distracted in the classroom by background noise that prevents them from listening to the teacher’s directions. They may find themselves lacking physical stimulation so may rock, spin, or fidget in their seats to calm themselves, which can be distracting to others.

Additionally, a child with a SPD diagnosis may become anxious or distressed in the classroom, according to the Healis Autism Centre. If the classroom is too loud, a child with sensory issues may become angry or overstressed due to the noise. Being near other children when conducting group work may lead to distress for them, further impacting their ability to learn.As a result, children with SPD may leave the classroom to avoid overstimulation but may have limited classroom participation, further limiting their learning.

What Schools are Doing

Educators are becoming more aware of SPD and are implementing targeted therapies for helping children with sensory challenges. Modern schools provide accommodations for children with SPD diagnosis from establishing routines and a special sensory diet to noise-canceling headphones, visual accommodations, and a reduction of distractions in the classroom.

“Research shows that pairing motor and sensory input with learning increases retention and engagement for all kids,” according to the Cajal Academy, a school built to empower children with sensory issues. The school keeps classroom sizes between three and six children in grades K-12 with occupational and physical therapists on hand to provide sensory integration therapy.

Schools may also provide social-emotional counseling tailored to help individuals with a diagnosis of SPD. Children with sensory processing issues have also found success in mainstreamed classrooms with 20–30-minute pull-out breaks where they collaborate with an occupational therapist to re-regulate their bodies so they can return to the classroom better positioned to learn.

Treatment Outside of School

Columbia University Irving Medical Center reports one of the best treatments for sensory processing disorder is sensory integration therapy. Conducted by an occupational or physical therapist,it focuses on activities that challenge a child’s sensory input.

Sensory integration therapy may include deep touch pressure to a child’s skin with the goal of the child becoming more acceptable to being touched by others. Tug-of-war exercises can increase a child’s awareness of their own body in space and how it relates to others.

Another treatment is the use of a sensory dietdeveloped by an occupational therapist to provide the right amount of sensory input to help a child adapt to different foods and textures. This supports adjustment of the neurological system so a child can function at their best.

There are other tools to support children with SPD from loose-fitting clothing to fragrance-filled sachets, or scarves to help regulate noise and scents. A weighted tube sock draped over the shoulders or across the lap can provide stimuli for children who need it to calm them.

For more information about sensory processing disorder and treatment, visit Jiguar online or contact us at info@jiguar.com.